The longest free ferry ride in the world.

Moving on from Nelson a short drive to Balfour to board the ferry cross the main part of Kootenay Lake.

 The line waiting for the ferry to arrive. Not into the season proper so only one ferry running at the moment, the trip is around 35 minutes.

 All onboard and ready to sail, about two thirds full.

The views on this short crossing are just amazing. Kootenay Lake is shaped like a T on its side, Nelson is about half way down the western arm of the lake on the south side we had to cross the lake by way of BOB (big orange bridge) and travel along the north shore to Balfour where the western arm branches off from the main lake. Photo above looking across the water from  the Balfour dock.

 Looking back at Balfour.

                                                                                 

The opening into the main lake from the western arm.

 Going through the opening into the main lake.

Looking up the northern arm of the lake.

 Looking back west back across the lake, just before we docked on the east shore.

 Final look up the northern arm.

After docking we continue on Highway 3A in the direction of Creston, after a few kilometres we find a pull-out and take a few photos of the southern arm of the lake, above photo looking south.

Looking across the lake to the west.

The Creston Valley, the bottom end of the lake can just be seen, looks like a very fertile valley.

Tomorrow we will explore the wetlands area, which according to all the publicity is a top notch birding site.