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Creston, British Columbia

© Andrea Jones

My introduction to Creston occurred about ten years ago, en route from Castlegar to Cranbrook over the Salmo-Creston Pass. From one of Canada's highest mountain passes, this route into Creston provides one of the most spectacular views I have ever been lucky enough to see. I could imagine how early settlers must have felt when looking down onto the green expanse of flood plain surrounded by snow capped mountain peaks. To read more about the early settlers of the Creston Valley, the Creston Valley history page has lots of really informative details about the early settlers and the even earlier native residents, the Kootenai Indians. This group of people built canoes that have considerable historical and geographical significance which is explained on the history page.

With a population of approximately 5,000 people, Creston is located on Highway 3, 28kms south of Kootenay Lake and 11kms north of the US border. Creston's climate provides ideal growing conditions for fruit and many British Columbian residents travel there every year for their annual canning supplies. At one time Creston was known as the strawberry capital of the world although it produces many delicious varieties of fruit, most recently, cherries.

The town itself can only be described as "bustling". With many stores located on the main street, Creston during the week appears to be constantly busy. Craft and art stores are interspersed with ethnic restaurants and boutiques. Local talent is displayed on the huge and beautiful murals on downtown walls.

Thanks to the abundant supply of wetlands, Creston is home to the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area and Interpretive Centre. The over 7,000 hectares of wetlands provides sanctuary for 220 species of birds, 30 breeds of water fowl, 30 kinds of reptiles and amphibians, 50 types of mammal, thousands of species of invertebrates and hundreds of kinds of plants. The area is famous for its swan population. Established in 1968, the CVWMA is British Columbia's largest wildlife management area. The Interpretive Centre has interactive displays, dioramas, a gift shop and cafeteria. The centre also provides guided walking and canoe trips through the marshes. Camera and binoculars are a must! Southern Purcell Adventures who are located at the Interpretive Centre offer guided biking tours through the area. The annual Osprey Festival takes place the last weekend of April at the Interpretive Centre. Three days of various events make this a great family occasion.

Creston View2

Creston view1

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