Transportation

Air, Highway and Ferry information

The Kootenay Rockies region is accessed by first-class highways of Trans Canada #1, scenic #3 or from the U.S. on #1, #6, #25, #93 or #95.  Ferries provide service across a number of lakes and rivers in the region.  All ferries operate year round on a first come, first served basis.   Be prepared for waits during peak seasons.

Spokane, Washington is just 2 1/2 hours to Nelson and 3 1/2 hours to Cranbrook; Calgary to Radium Hot Springs or Golden is only 3 hours; Kamloops to Revelstoke is an easy 2 ½ hours and Lethbridge to Sparwood is just 2.

By air, major gateway cities of Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; and Spokane, Washington, provide easy air access.  The region’s two major commercial airports at Cranbrook and Castlegar offer scheduled flight service into the heart of the region by Air Canada regional and connector service. Pacific Coastal Airlines offer scheduled flight service between Cranbrook and Vancouver.

Highway Reports:

1-900-565-4997 - Rossland and area highways. 

1-800-665-8001 - Creston, Nelson, Revelstoke, Golden highways.

1-800-665-4929 - Fernie, Cranbrook highways & highway north to Golden.


Ferry Schedules:

(250) 229-4215 - Kootenay Lake
(250) 837-8418 - Arrow Lakes


Border crossings by car are: 

Roosville and Kingsgate (Cranbrook) - 24 hour entry.
(250) 887-3413 (Roosville)
(250) 424-5391 (Kingsgate)

Rykert (Creston) and Nelway (Nelson) - 8 am to midnight.
(250) 428-2475 (Rykert)
(250) 357-9940 (Nelway)

Waneta (Trail) - 9 am to 5 pm (Pacific Time). 
(250) 367-9656

Paterson (Rossland) - 24 hour entry into Canada and 8 am to midnight entry into the U.S (Pacific Time) (Sat & Sun); 6 am to midnight (Mon-Fri). (250) 362-7341

For further information, please link: CanadaCustoms.ca
1-800-461-9999 - within Canada
(204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064 - outside Canada