Image
courtesy of Creston Valley Tourism Development
Creston, BC
"Garden Capital of the Kootenay's"
Creston
overlooks a broad, fertile valley where the Kootenay River
meanders between the Selkirk and Purcell mountains and comes
home to Kootenay Lake. About 12,000 ha. have been reclaimed
by a series of protective dikes. This diking system and a
climate that features mild winters and a warm summers with
some of the country's most fertile soil, contributes to a
diverse agricultural industry. Here, agriculture plays a main
role in sustaining this Valley from asparagus to cherries,
peaches to squash, the Creston Valley produces it all and
makes it available to all those who stop to savour the cornucopia
of fruits and vegetables. Canola, wheat, barley and hay as
well as corn for silage, cover the valley flats.
Creston's history is based on agriculture. Grain, beef, dairy
and even bison operations dot the Creston Valley flats. Visitors
can experience firsthand the benefits of, not the 100 mile
diet but a 10-mile diet throughout the Creston Valley. Many
fruit and vegetable markets are along Highway 3 east of Creston
with many u-pick operations throughout the valley.
The
Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area designated a RAMSAR
site is home to over 270 species of birds, mammals, fish &
reptiles in 17,000 acres of preserved wetlands, complete with
viewing towers, boardwalk, endless walking trails and guided
canoe tours. The Creston Valley is in the midst of the main
migratory waterfowl migration routes.
Accommodation/Adventure
Providers
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City
Information
Population:
4,826 (2006 census figures)
Main
Industries: farming, fruit orchards, logging, mining,
construction, manufacturing.
Elevation:
611 m. (2,005 ft.)
Access:
Reach Creston on Highway 3, east of Salmo and west of Cranbrook.
Highway 3A, south of Kootenay Bay, intersects with Highway
3 at Creston town limits. 49 km from the U.S. border on Highway
21, a part of the International Selkirk Loop. Greyhound Bus
Services the community along with commercial flights 110 km
from Cranbrook and Castlegar International airports, 234 km
(3 hrs) to Spokane International Airport.
Image
courtesy of Creston Valley Tourism Development
Recreation
Facilities & Activities: Modern
Community Complex with indoor pools, running track, hockey
arena and curling rink. Nearby golf course, fishing hunting,
hiking, cross-country skiing, bird-watching, farm tours including
a winery & bistro, fromagerie (organic cheese factory), orchards,
u-pick cherry, strawberry, raspberry & blueberry farms. Numerous
artist galleries and businesses displaying local art are open
for viewing.
Local
Attractions: Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area,
Creston Golf Course, Columbia Brewery, Kootenay Candle Factory,
Creston Valley Museum & Archives, Downtown Murals, Spray Park.
June - Creston Saturday Market, Creston Valley &
Eastshore Art Walk/Drive.
July - Goat Style Bike Festival, Creston Valley Music
Fest.
August - Old Fashioned Tea, Shakespeare in the Park.
September - Gray Creek Sailing Regatta, Creston Valley
Fall Fair, Annual Museum Quilt Show & Sale, Blue Heron
Half-Marathon & 10K Run.
Accommodations:
The traveller can choose from motel/hotel/bed & breakfast
in town and surrounding area. A number of campground/RV parks
are located in and close to town.
For
Information:
Creston
Valley Chamber of Commerce
& Visitor Info Centre
121 NW Boulevard, Box 268, Creston, BC V0B 1G0
Phone: Toll Free 1-(866)-528-4342 or (250) 428-4342
Fax: (250) 428-9411 www.crestonchamber.com
Email: info@crestonvalleychamber.com
