Creston, BC - Town

Often dubbed “The Little Okanagan” this town has a reputation as one of the best fruit and vegetable growing areas in the province. Also known as The Valley of the Swans, the Creston Valley is nestled between the majestic Selkirk and the Purcell Mountains.

Incorporation

1924, Creston has a total land area of 8.48 square km (2006 Census).

Location

Creston is located south of the Kootenay Lake at the junction of Highway 3, 3A and Highway 21 and is only a short distance from the Canada/US border.

Climate

Creston’s climate is considerably warmer than the rest of the Kootenays communities. Daily maximum temperatures are usually above freezing even in January. Temperatures have been known to dip below -30oC but it is rare. With early spring comes a bounty of budding blooms throughout the valley. Average summer temperatures range from 25oC to record highs of 39.4oC.

Profile

Indoor Recreation

Creston & District Community Complex is centrally located and enjoyed by many surrounding communities. Housed within the complex is a 700 seat arena, home to the KIJHL Junior B Creston Valley Thunder Cats, as well as meeting/banquet rooms and many recreational programs.

Outdoor Recreation

• Creston & District Community Complex
  The complex features an outdoor pool, James Ross Memorial Pool, consisting of a 25 meter 6-lane pool and a smaller 6 - 8 meter shallow pool, 2 diving boards and a slide. On the grounds nearby are 2 ball diamonds, a preschool playground, 2 beach volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and a full size soccer field.
• The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area
  - 32 kilometers of flat top dyke trails can be explored on foot or by bike.
  - Walk the boardwalk to a three-story bird tower. Just north is a new two-story viewing tower both offering incredible views of the wetlands. Trail maps are available at the Wildlife Interpretation Centre
• Creston Golf Club
  This 18-hole golf course opened in 1954. It is professionally designed and features spectacular scenery. The course caters to all types of players from beginner to pro.

Enjoy swimming and lakeside picnics maybe go for a hike, bike or walk the many country trails, huckleberry picking can be a fun family adventure. Kayaking, canoeing and fishing are great fun. Why not try your hand at scuba diving? The community is blessed with several local parks including its own skateboard park.

Local Entertainment

• Borderline Bowl Ltd - Five-pin bowling centre, licensed lounge, automatic scoring, and cosmic glow nights. Birthday parties, general parties, and senior leagues.
• Creston Hotel – Jimmy’s Pub & Grill
• Tivoli Theatre - Drop in for a movie, popcorn, snacks, drinks and enjoyment

Local Attractions

• The Streets of Creston are complemented with many large Murals depicting the history and beauty of the Valley. Tour maps are available at the local Visitor Centre.
• Kokanee Springs – Brewery tours
• Grain Elevator tours
• The "Stone House" Museum – is a must see if visiting Creston. Considered one of the best small museums in British Columbia it is jam packed with interest for all ages.

Main Community Event

Creston Valley Blossom Festival – Mid May

A fun filled weekend of pancake breakfasts, barbeques, street fairs, parade and many more family activities.

Annual Yaqan Nuki Pow-Wow “Honouring our Elders” - May Long Weekend
This annual event showcases over 150 dancers with more than 1000 people in attendance

Shopping

There is a multitude of unique shops in Creston from various Artisans, Galleries and Collectables, to Antiques & Thrift Shops

Schools

Adam Robertson Elementary
Public School K-7
250 428-2051

Creston StrongStart Centre
Early Learning Program Pre-K
250 428-2217

Prince Charles Secondary
Public School 8-12
250 428-2274

Yaqan Nukiy School
Independent School K-7
250 428-4428

Continuing Education

Creston Campus:
301 - 16th Avenue, PO Box 1978
Creston, BC V0B 1G0
Phone: 250 428-5332

Senior Services

Senior Center Seniors' facility for community use
Contact Information:
Creston British Columbia
V0B 1G0
Ph: (250) 428-2511

Closest Hospital

Creston Valley Hospital
312 - 15th Ave
Creston, BC V0B 1G0
Ph: 250 428-2286
Fax: 250 428-5959

Closest Airport

Canadian Rockies International Airport
1-9370 Airport Access Road
Creston, BC V1C 7E4
Phone: 250 426-7913

Helpful Links

BC Stats
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca

Regional District Central Kootenay
http://www.rdck.bc.ca

Government of British Columbia
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca

Kootenay-Columbia School District No 020
http://www.sd20.bc.ca

Selkirk College
http://www.selkirk.ca

Town of Creston
http://www.crestonvalley.com/