Ministry of Environment

Parks Listed Alphabetically: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Attention Visitors - Important Notice!

This park is user maintained. Pack out what you pack in. No user fees charged at this time.

Pilot Bay- Sawmill Cove 'No Discharge' map

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 (250) 387-1161

Park Info:

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 is being restored by area volunteer groups. Primarily marine accessed, the park can be reached by road.

Park Size: 347 hectares

Special Notes:

Management Planning:

Management Planning Information

Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan

Location:

Location Map

Off Hwy 3A, Balfour BC; a 10 minute drive south of Kootenay Bay ferry terminal. The closest community is Crawford Bay.

Map/Brochure:

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Nature & Culture:

General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Visitor Safety:

Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)

Reservations:For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.

Campsite Reservations:

Reservations are not accepted at this park, all campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. For parks that accept reservations or information on the reservation service, click here.

Group Camp/Picnic Reservations:

No camping at this park.

Explore Parks: Fees, park listings, what you should know before you go and other useful links.

	No vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.
	There are wilderness/ walk-in campsite in the park, but no facilities are provided. This park is user-maintained and you must pack out what you pack in.
	No group campsites.
	This park has a day-use/picnic area.
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
	This park only has pit toilets - no flush toilets.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	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.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park.
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	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.
	This park does not have a playground.
	There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
	There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this Park on Kootenay Lake.
	This park does not have a boat launch.
	Some of the best fishing for trophy "gerrard" trout is nearby. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
	There are no bicycle opportunities at this park.
	No horseback riding.
	Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. 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.
	There is no viewing platform but there are several natural viewing areas along the lake.
	No winter recreation opportunities.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	There are windsurfing opportunities on Kootenay Lake.
	There are waterskiing opportunities on Kootenay Lake.
	No hunting in the park.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	No spelunking or caving opportunities.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.