A Hidden Gem

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The Area

Fed by the waters of the Kootenay River, Elk River and streams from the Kootenay Valley. Lake Koocanusa offers year round activities accompanied with stunning scenery proving it to be the ultimate water paradise. Fishing abounds from early spring to late fall with Dolly Varden. Kokanee and Rainbow Trout.

Lake Koocanusa is 150 kilometers long with a maximum depth of 112 metres. The lake is a pristine body of water that’s known for its excellent fishing, with rainbow trout, west slope cutthroat, brook trout and dolley varden all found here. “This development is the same distance from Calgary as Invermere, however the lake is virtually undeveloped.”, says Craig McMorran co-developer. Marked by a unique micro-climate, the region in which the lake is situated has been referred to as the “banana belt of the Kootenays” because of its warm summers and mild winters.

The north end of the lake's shore is surrounded by forests with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. Going south, the shoreline becomes more arid and sandy beaches are plenty. With about 3/4 of the shoreline being crown land, this is a boaters paradise.

The beaches are wonderfully for picnicking, swimming and overnighting as they are well protected from windy conditions. Water temperatures in the summer can reach the high 70's which makes the lake ideal for house boating, water-skiing and other water sports. At Lake Kookanusa, you will experience warm, clean and uncrowded calm waters for you and your family to enjoy!

The History

With the completion of the hydro-electric dam at Libby Montana in the early 1970s, Lake Koocanusa was formed. There are 75km of navigatable waters from the US/Canada border north to Wardner BC. Lake Koocanusa received its name by combining the first three letters from Kootenai River, and the first three letters of Canada and USA.

The Location

Conveniently located 3.5 hours from Calgary within close proximity to Fernie (20 minutes), Kimberley/Cranbrook (45 minutes), Eureka (25 minutes) and Whitefish, Montana (1.a5 hours).

The Region

Fernie
Fernie has its roots in the coal mining industry. Today, the area is renowned for pristine wilderness, upscale resorts and bountiful outdoor activities. During winter months, Fernie Alpine Resort draws skiers and boarders to some of the most lustrous powder in North America, averaging 8.8 m (29 ft) a year. In summer, mountain bikers take on the hills with fiery determination, re-using the same thrilling slopes skiers careened down months before. More sedately, golfers in the valley enjoy a spectacular panorama as they try to drive and putt their way to par at the Fernie Golf & Country Club.

Kimberley
This Bavarian-inspired city has charming tole-painted accents, shuttered windows and gaily painted facades. Along the Platzl, an esplanade punctuated with picturesque shops, hanging baskets and hand-painted fire hydrants, a life-sized Happy Hans emerges hourly from his room atop the world's largest Cuckoo Clock. downhill skiing, golfing, biking and hiking are some of the activities possible in and around Kimbereley.

Cranbrook
The largest city of the Rocky Mountain region, and the sunniest place in British Columbia. Cranbrook's history is rather colourful, and filled with interesting characters. It is said, however, that the railway made this city. For those seeking outdoor recreational activities activities, the Cranbrook area has it all; from world-class golf to backcountry hiking and camping to swimming in some of the warmest lakes in Canada, plus every winter activity imaginable.

Whitefish, Montana
There is only one Whitefish. Tucked tight against Big Mountain and the stunning peaks of Glacier National Park, Whitefish is a year-round playground. From its historic railroad depot to its charming Central Avenue, Whitefish was built on the personalities, generosity, and wisdom of its residents. Summer activites range from mountain sun- boating on Whitefish Lake, rafting the southern boundary of Glacier Park, cycling trails through forests, to golfing some of the Northwest's finest courses. Winter means skiing and snowshoeing, sleigh rides and dogsledding among a lot of other activities.