The ferries in our region are free, including the famous Kootenay Lake Ferry, which is the longest free ferry in the world. Take a Google Tour or read Michael A. Cone's 'Connecting The Kootenays' to learn about over a hundred years of ferry service. 

To see ferry traffic (not fairy traffic, although those have been sighted too) view the ferry landings on the BC Highway Webcams:

• Kootenay Lake Ferry Landing
• Balfour Ferry Landing

IMPORTANT: Labour Disruption & Reduced Sailings

As of November 2024, employees of Western Pacific Marine, the operator of the Kootenay Lake Ferry, initiated strike action following unsuccessful negotiations over a new collective agreement. Travellers planning to use the Kootenay Lake Ferry are advised to check the latest schedules and updates on DriveBC to stay informed about current operations.

The Kootenay Lake Ferry will sail 3 times daily, Monday to Friday, and 2 times daily, Saturday and Sunday. The ferry will also sail in the event of an emergency.

*PLEASE NOTE: Changes will be noted on the company that operates the ferry: Western Pacific Marine website. The ferry operates on Nelson time (PST). 

*CURRENTLY ON STRIKE* Kootenay Lake Ferry Daily Schedule

All times are Pacific Time (PST - Nelson time).  Check the Government Ferry Schedule for possible delays. Times in bold indicate peak ferry travel during the summer. The summer service with M.V. Balfour operates from late June through Labour Day weekend.  M.V. Balfour also replaces Osprey 2000 during maintenance. Food services are available on Osprey 2000 only. Check DriveBC for current conditions and events. Check the time zone for Nelson to ensure you are on time. 

*PLEASE NOTE: Changes will be noted on the company that operates the ferry: Western Pacific Marine website.

Other Ferries on/Around Kootenay Lake

The highway system in British Columbia includes a series of ferries. Webcams, current conditions, and event can be found through DriveBC for the Harrop, Balfour and Kootenay Bay landings.

• Balfour Bay / Crawford Bay Ferry takes 35 minutes to cross and there are winter and summer crossing schedules.
• Harrop / Procter Ferry crosses a very narrow stretch of Kootenay Lake where you can drive through lush farmland to visit these quaint communities. Crossing time is 5 minutes. The Harrop/Procter ferry crosses continually around the clock.
• Glade Cable Ferry, south of Nelson, takes travellers across a narrow stretch of the lake and into lush farmland. Crossing time is 3 minutes.
• Needles / Fauquier Ferry lies south of Nakusp and crosses the Lower Arrow Lake. It takes approximately 10 minutes to cross and leaves approximately every hour.
• Galena Bay Ferry / Upper Arrow Lake Ferry, takes 20 minutes to cross from Galena Bay to Shelter Bay.