Phone Contact & Mailing Address:
Administration Office: (250) 402-6900 FAX: (250) 402-6910
PO Box 640, Creston, BC V0B 1G0, Canada
Follow the Birds!
The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area is located in southern British Columbia, Canada. The Creston Valley lies between the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges in the Kootenay Region, just west of the Rocky Mountains.
Find us with Google Maps.
The Creston Valley is part of the renowned International Selkirk Loop, which is reputed to be one of the most scenic drives in the world. Their website provides some great travel information and maps.
By Road:
Highway 3, also known as the Crowsnest Highway, runs east-west across the middle of the Creston Valley and also through the middle of the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area.
It’s easy to find the CVWMA Administration Office by driving from the east or west on Highway 3. Approximately 11 km west of the Town of Creston, or 72 km east of Salmo, turn south onto West Creston Rd, then bear right onto Evans Rd (up the hill). Take the first right off Evans Rd onto Wildlife Rd at the CVWMA Administration Office sign. The Administration Office is at the end of Wildlife Road (1 km).
If you are coming from the north then you may choose Highway 3A which runs through Nelson to the free ferry from Balfour to Kootenay Bay, then south to Highway 3. Turn right (west) when you get to the junction with Highway 3 (beside the Ramada Inn)which is just north of the town of Creston.
If you are coming from the USA, head north up Highway 2 through northern Idaho which continues onto Highway 95 just north of Bonners Ferry. Turn left onto Highway 1 towards the border at Rykerts/Porthill, which becomes Highway 21 on the Canadian side of the border. Approximately 10 km (6 miles) north of the border, turn west (left) at the junction onto Highway 3).
Administration Building
Open year round Monday to Friday 9 am – 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm. Staffing at the Administration Office is minimal so it is rarely, but occasionally, necessary to close the office during regular business hours. It is suggested that you call ahead to ensure the office will be open when you plan to visit : (250) 402-6900
Location: 1874 Wildlife Rd, Creston, BC
Approximately 11 km west of the Town of Creston, or 72 km east of Salmo, turn south onto West Creston Rd, then bear right onto Evans Rd (up the hill). Take the first right off Evans Rd onto Wildlife Rd at the CVWMA Administration Office sign. The Administration Office is at the end of Wildlife Road (1 km).
Wildlife Interpretation Centre
Sadly, the original CVWMA Wildlife Interpretation Centre building was demolished in 2020 after comprehensive study and consultation regarding it’s continued viability.
The Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre Society, is currently delivering educational programming and events at the CVWMA. It operates a Nature Centre seasonally from May to October. It is located at 1760 West Creston Rd. For more information, please visit their website.
By air..
If you are flying (and you’re NOT a bird) there is the Canadian Rockies International Airport located an hour-and-a-half drive away in Cranbrook, BC. There is also the Spokane International Airport located a two-and-a-half-hour drive away in Spokane, Washington, USA.
Maps
CVWMA Habitat Map (link to image)
CVWMA Access Map (PDF)
CVWMA Wildlife Trails (PDF)
Columbia River Basin Biodiversity Atlas Interactive Maps (http://www.biodiversityatlas.org/maps)