There has been ferry service across Kootenay Lake since 1931. An alternate highway route over the Kootenay pass was opened in 1963/64.

Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Selkirk and Purcell Mountain ranges as you cross the world’s longest free ferry ride in the world! Service

The world’s longest free ferry service operated by Western Pacific Marine Ltd. on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation. The operation is Transport Canada Marine Safety inspected annually and all crew members are Transport Canada certified.

Location

Balfour Terminal (west side)

Located 35 Km from Nelson, BC on Highway 3A

Kootenay Bay Terminal (east side)

Located 70 kms from Creston, BC on Hwy 3A

Crossing Time - 35 minute crossing - one way + 15 minutes for loading/unloading

Crossing Distance – 8.8 km

Schedules

Anticipate Delays during peak times between 9:00 am - 7:00 pm daily.

Food Services available on the MV Osprey 2000 only.

Winter Schedule - January 1 - June 11, September 4 - December 31 (Pacific Standard Time)

Summer Schedule - June 12 - September 3 (Pacific Standard Time)

Extra Sailing Service

There are no extra ferry service sailings scheduled at this time.

Capacity

MV Osprey: 80 passenger car capability, 250 passenger capability.

MV Balfour (summer only) 28 passenger car capability, 150 passenger capability

Summer Traffic – Peak Periods

Cars and trucks are loaded on a first-come first-served basis and for most of the year you will usually get the next ferry after you arrive. However, on busy holiday weekends and during the peak summer season, the vehicle traffic increases dramatically and ferry sailing waits are not uncommon. When approaching the terminals look for ferry line ups along the highway and position yourself accordingly. During the peak summer season, the terminals have attendants in high-visibility vests which will direct you into specific lanes for boarding.

Winter Pass Closures

When Kootenay Pass closes due to avalanche conditions, the MV Osprey will run 24 hours until the pass re-opens. Check the Ministry of Transportation Road Info website for updates

Weight Restrictions - Vehicles must comply with legal highway load restrictions

Height Restrictions – 15’ 2”

Dangerous Goods

Due to the alternate route, dangerous goods are not permitted aboard the vessel. In the event of a pass closure, dangerous goods runs will be advertised and provided during the late evening crossings in order to reduce traffic disruptions.

Safety regulations prohibit the transport of gasoline and propane gas in excess of the following quantities:

• Recreational Vehicles ­ not more than two cylinders of propane safely secured to the vehicle in an upright position with valves closed and tagged, plus one only 25-litre gasoline container, empty or full. Propane-powered refrigerators must have the thermostat control turned to the "off" position.

• Automobiles ­ not more than one 25-litre gasoline container, empty or full.

• Motorboats (towed) ­ not more than two portable 25-litre containers, empty or full. Certain items, such as paint and adhesives, are subject to regulations and may not be carried. If you are in doubt about goods you want to transport, please inquire at your local terminal before traveling.

Vehicle Restrictions and Cautions

Drivers must be aware of their height, width and under-carriage limitations and clearances. The angle of the ferry ramp with the shore ramp may cause difficulties for low clearance vehicles and our over-length vehicles such as fifth wheels and motor-homes or long trailers. The operator assumes no risk for the same.

Vehicles without valid license plates will not be carried. Any unlicensed vehicles (e.g. dirt bikes and ATV's) must be transported on a licensed trailer or other licensed transport vehicle.

Vehicles which cannot shut down their engines for the crossing will not be carried

Vehicles which are dripping oil from their engine, transfer cases, axles or transmission will not be carried.

Motorcycles

There is no priority boarding for motorcycles.

Pedestrians and Cyclists

Foot passengers can walk on at any sailing, and some people leave their cars at the terminal and just enjoy the lake cruise

Foot passengers and cyclists are directed to wait in the appropriate and signed walk-on pre-boarding areas. Bicycles must be walked on/off the ferry. Be mindful of the vehicle traffic boarding and disembarking the ferry.

Children and Safety

Children must be accompanied by parents. Roller blades, skate boards and other forms of self propelled devices are not permitted to be used on the ramps to/from the ferry.

Persons with Disabilities

If you require placement close to the washroom or require extra room to exit your car, please stop your car when you board the vessel and request assistance from the deck officer in charge of boarding. You will have to be displaying a valid “Person with Disability” card and the deck officer will accommodate you as best he/she can.

Local Services at the Terminals

The Balfour terminal is service by various food outlets, a pub, fishing tackle store, and car repair garage with fuel pumps. The MV Osprey has a snack bar with a good selection of food and beverages.

The Kootenay Bay Terminal has one food outlet

There are public washrooms and picnic tables at both terminals

No Smoking is permitted anywhere on the vessel.

Please follow directions of the Captain and Crew at all times while onboard the ferry.