Experience the Charm of Balfour, BC

Balfour, home to the Kootenay Lake ferry, is a serene community cradled by the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges. Home to fishing, hiking, biking, golfing and beachfronts, it's located between Nelson and Kaslo along Kootenay Lake.

Kootenay Lake Ferry — Balfour to Kootenay Bay

This is the longest free ferry in the world. Thousands of travellers pass through Balfour each year for the scenic 35 minute journey connecting Balfour to Kootenay Bay (and the communities on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake). It's the most famous (and busiest) of many ferries in the region.

Check the ferry schedule before departure, as the timetable changes throughout the year. Traffic conditions and wait times can also be checked on the webcams from DriveBC on both sides of the ferry. For more information about Balfour businesses visit the local Balfour and District Business and Historic Association.

Balfour Accommodations

View Accommodation Map & Listings

Dining and Shopping

At the ferry landing there is the well-stocked gift shop with fishing tackle, coffee/tea and gas station, artisans, bakery, and restaurants. Up at the Balfour Golf Course take in the renowned views and food from the Osprey Mountain Grill. You can also take a quick ride on the Harrop Cable Ferry and grab some delicious baked good from the Procter Village Bakery. 

Fishing

Kokanee, Rainbow Trout and Burbot are all present in Kootenay Lake. Various marinas and public boat launches also make Balfour a popular destination for boaters. You can find the perfect lure and tackle at Gill & Gift, more info on fishing and charters here. 

Golf

Two courses are in the Balfour area. Balfour Golf Course is a prestigious 18-hole course which carves through the forest and finishes with a scenic view across Kootenay Lake. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in Balfour at the Kootenay Lakeview Spa Resort and Event Centre and enjoy their par-three Eagle View Golf Course on Queens Bay Road.

Biking

There is both road and mountain biking in the Balfour area. The Nelson Cycling Club website has up-to-date information on events and trails in the area. The Club maintains trails in eight different areas, with an all-level riding area near Balfour on the North Shore at Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. The comprehensive and updated Nelson Mountain Bike Guide is now in its fourth edition and lists over 105 trails in Nelson and Balfour areas. You can pick up a copy at:

• Nelson and Kaslo Visitor Centres
• Gerick Cycle and Ski 
• Valhalla Pure
• Sacred Ride

Road riding is all along Highway 3A and 31, following the shoreline of Kootenay Lake, with rolling hills that lead you to views that beckon you to pull over, take a moment, and breathe in the fresh air. The Highway is cleaned regularly and you can ride as far as you want - all the way to Meadow Creek if you chose. Take the little Harrop/Procter Ferry and enjoy the quiet 16 km out and back road between Harrop and Procter, complete with mouth watering cinnamon buns at the Procter Bakery. 

Tennis and Soccer

North of the ferry terminal, along the water and nestled against the forest lies a soccer field and tennis court.

Churches

• St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church
  8551 Busk Road
Balfour B.C.  Phone: 250-229-4650  Email: balfourmarv@telus.net
  St. Michaels was built in 1892, making it one of the oldest churches in the Kootenays. Services are normally held Sunday mornings at 11:30 am. Other service times may be scheduled for special occasions, and all are warmly welcomed to this historic church.
  Contact: Marven Pedersen
   
• Christian Science Church Services
  Box 36 
Balfour, B.C.
V0G 1C0  Phone: 250-229-5237  Email: csbalfourclerk@gmail.com
  Located in St. Michael’s and All Angels Anglican Church - 8551 Busk Road Balfour BC
  Service time is 9:30 – 10:30 on Sunday mornings. Testimony meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month (call for location)
• Balfour Covenant Church
  Sunday Service is at 9:30 am at 7741 Upper Balfour Road
  For more information call 250-229-2301 or e-mail Pastor  Jason Ashley at info@balfourcovenant.com or visit www.balfourcovenant.com 
  The LIVING GARDEN is a GIFT garden at the same site that generates 100's of pounds of food that is all given away. If you would like more information or would like to assist in some way with the garden please contact Rick Dickieson @ 250-229-4412 or email at jrdickieson@shaw.ca
• Procter Sacred Heart  
  1pm, Mass every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month
  272 -  2nd Street, Procter B.C.
  Mailing: Box 105, Procter, B.C. V0G 1V0
  Elaine Beaulac: beaulacsofsb@shaw.ca    250-229-4702