Pilot Bay Provincial Park
Attention Pleasure Craft Operators
Pilot Bay and Sawmill Cove are used as a domestic water supply. Discharge or dumping of sewage is NOT permitted and is punishable by law.(Canadian Shipping Act - SOR/91-661)
(Park Act - RSB 1996 CHAPTER 344 SECTION 14)
For further information contact:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
604-666-0384
or the Ministry of Environment at 250-387-1161
- This park is user maintained. Pack out what you pack in.
- Mountain biking is not permitted in the park
About This Park
This park is the safest harbour on Kootenay Lake where boaters often gather to weather out the summer storms. The water is warm in the bay for swimming and some of the best fishing for trophy “gerrard” trout is nearby. There is an extensive network of hiking trails through the park and along the Pilot Peninsula. It is an easy walk to the historic Pilot Bay lighthouse which has been restored by area volunteer groups. Primarily marine accessed, the park can be reached by road.Park Size: 347 hectares
Stay Safe: Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
Click here for Trail Information [PDF] (you will need to scroll down to the Pilot Bay entry)
Location and Maps
Off Hwy 3A, Balfour BC; a 10 minute drive south of Kootenay Bay ferry terminal. The closest community is Crawford Bay.Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.- Park Map [PDF 98KB]
Management Planning
Management Planning Information
- Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan is available in pdf format.
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this Park on Kootenay Lake.
Fishing
Some of the best fishing for trophy “gerrard” trout is nearby. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
Excellent moderate year-round hiking in and around this park. Check our Trail Report for bear and/or safety information. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Pets on Leash
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Swimming
There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Waterskiing
There are waterskiing opportunities on Kootenay Lake.
Wildlife Viewing
There is no viewing platform but there are several natural viewing areas along the lake.
Windsurfing
There are windsurfing opportunities on Kootenay Lake.
Facilities Available at this Park
Campfires
Campfires are allowed in the park. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. Please bring a portable stove for cooking.
Picnic Areas
This park has a day-use/picnic area.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park only has pit toilets - no flush toilets.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
There are wilderness/ walk-in campsites in the park, but no facilities are provided. This park is user-maintained and you must pack out what you pack in.
Backcountry Camping Fee: $5.00 per person / night for all persons 6 years of age or older.
BC Parks Backcountry Registration System allows you to pre-pay your overnight fees for backcountry and/or marine site usage, where designated. This system will not be used for vehicle accessible (ie front country) campgrounds or controlled back country permits (ie Bowron Lakes canoe circuit and Berg Lake Trail).
