Gray Creek Store

03/20/2026

If you’ve already bought tickets and are trying to find your private download page you can click here to get your link re-sent to you.

03/16/2026

Fresh spring stock is arriving and the East Shore is coming alive for another busy season

Sponsored by Gray Creek Store

When most people think of the Kootenay region, Nelson comes to mind first. But just a short ferry ride across Kootenay Lake lies B.C.’s best kept secret: the East Shore.

From Crawford Bay to Riondel, Pilot Bay to Gray Creek, this unhurried corridor of communities offers something increasingly rare – genuine local character, stunning natural beauty and a creative spirit that rewards anyone willing to slow down and explore.

Crawford Bay
Sunday mornings belong to Crawford Bay Community Park, where the weekly market kicks off its 2026 season on May 3.

Local vendors gather to offer fresh produce, handmade crafts and artisan foods in a relaxed, neighbourly atmosphere. A trip to Crawford Bay is never complete without a stop at Red’s Bakery. This little bakery has made a very big name for itself and if you’re thinking about sleeping past 11 a.m., think again.

The main strip of Crawford Bay is lined with artisan shops and restaurants worth exploring at your own pace.

North Woven Broom will leave you with the kind of magic feeling only a certain Mr. Potter might recognize. Barefoot Handweaving Studio is the perfect place to find your next favourite blanket, and the ideal gift for that special someone is waiting somewhere among La Gala Jewelry, Dog Patch Pottery, Flickering Goddess, or The Green Bubble.

If you are really lucky, Funky Junk might be open as well. If you find yourself with a few extra hours to spare, Black Salt Café is the kind of restaurant that may test your patience with its wait times, but your stomach will thank you every time.

The community also offers a newly renovated playground for children, a world class golf course, a beautiful sandy beach and scenic trails to explore.

The Wetlands Trail, a former airstrip and the preferred dog walking route for locals, is a quiet gem well worth an afternoon stroll.

Riondel
The north end of the shore has some excellent offerings of its own.

Riondel is home to a wonderful little thrift store run by the Circle of Friends Society, a campground right on the water, a beautiful nine hole golf course, and a bustling community centre.

For your morning coffee fix, Ro Neighbourhood Coffee is a welcoming pit stop before a day spent exploring the many trails surrounding the town.

Kootenay Bay
Kootenay Bay is where the ferry docks, and it’s also home to Tram’s Spring Rolls, Ladybug Coffee, and Soul’s Paradise Campground just a short drive down the road.

Soul’s Paradise hosts activities throughout the summer, so be sure to check in and ask about their day rates. Kootenay Bay also has a historic lighthouse to explore and a beautiful trail along Pilot Point that navigates ridges and drops down to beaches along the way.

Gray Creek
Gray Creek is steeped in history and serves as the access point for the Gray Creek Pass, a mountain route connecting Gray Creek to Kimberley.

You’ll want a 4×4 with decent clearance, but the views are unrivaled. It’s very much a scenic route.

Gray Creek is also home to the Rockwood Café, widely regarded as the finest Chinese food restaurant in the region. Those who make the day trip solely for the food will tell you it’s absolutely worth it.

For those planning a multi-day stay, both Gray Creek Camping Resort and the Lakeview Camping Resort offer excellent accommodation choices.

A visit to the East Shore is never truly complete without stopping in at Gray Creek Store.

With a little bit of everything, a whole lot of history, and a cheeky little sign out front, you will be glad you came.

Summer events worth the drive
The East Shore calendar fills up quickly.

Starbelly Jam, held in Crawford Bay each July, is a beloved three day family music festival with local performers, food vendors and artisan booths.

Riondel Daze around the August long weekend brings the community together for pancake breakfasts, games and good old fashioned celebration. The Gray Creek Regatta and Gray Creek History Days offer a flavour of East Shore heritage that you simply will not find anywhere else.

The East Shore doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to. It’s the kind of place that earns loyal visitors, people who take the ferry once out of curiosity and find themselves coming back every season.

This spring and summer, make the crossing. You won’t regret it.

This feature is sponsored by Gray Creek Store, a landmark on the East Shore since the early days, stocking everything from snacks and hardware to local gifts and a healthy dose of history. Stop in when you’re passing through. Gray Creek Store

02/03/2026

Looking for a great heater? We're teamed up with Regency and are offering free stuff with each purchase. A free vent kit with gas units, a free blower kit with wood & a free log set or discount on electric fireplaces! Cal 250-227-9315 or email [email protected] for details.

12/29/2025

🎆 Fireworks are in stock in a BIG way!
Don’t wait. Get ’em before they’re gone! 💥

11/24/2025

We’re excited to share that we are now an official Stûv dealer! To kick things off, we’re putting the Stûv 30 Compact on our showroom floor. This sleek, modern stove offers both style and top-notch performance, and we’re thrilled to give our customers the chance to see it up close. If you’re in the area, stop by and check it out. We think you’ll be as impressed as we are!

11/18/2025

I want to thank everyone for sharing their stories, condolences, and memories of my dad. Hearing your thoughts and knowing how deeply he touched our community would have meant the world to him.

My dad was so many things to so many people, and I’m grateful to have had him as a father, a mentor, and a friend.

Rest in peace, Dad. You will always be in my heart.

- Dave Lymbery

11/10/2025

Thomas Arthur Lymbery June 2, 1928 - October 25, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Tom Lymbery on October 25th, 2025, at the age of 97. Tom was born on June 2nd, 1928, in Kaslo, BC, spent most of his life in Gray Creek, BC, and lived his final years in Nelson, BC. Tom's life was
filled with a lifelong commitment to serving his community, a passion for writing, reading, and sharing history, as well as love for his family.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife Sharon (McClure), his daughter, Lorena Lymbery (Mike Gareau), his son, David Lymbery (Kristine McRory), his grandsons Adam Gareau and Chandler Lymbery, his niece Janet Bruce, and many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Kathleen (Warren) Lymbery, and sisters Ann, Beatrice, and Alice (Stan Bruce).

Tom was the proud owner of the Gray Creek Store which he grew from his father’s tiny 1913 general store into a 3-storey emporium, and which, 112 years later, continues to serve the needs of locals and visitors for miles around. During his life, Tom also helped his dad with the post office and Greyhound agency, tended cows and picked fruit, served as Notary Public and insurance agent, and ran the Gray Creek Auto Camp together with his wife Sharon.

Tom authored the two-volume history ‘Tom’s Gray Creek, A Kootenay Lake Memoir, Part I’ and ‘Part II’, which paints an in-depth portrait of Gray Creek and the Kootenay Lake region from sternwheeler days to the modern era. He published monthly articles in the East Shore Mainstreet for 34 years and contributed historical articles to the journal British Columbia History, and other periodicals. A tireless promoter for the area, this public-spirited man became the go-to resource for all things East Shore. He shared his amazing memory bank with all who were interested.

Tom and Sharon spent many winters in Barra de Navidad, Mexico, where they were often joined by friends and family. Once again, he showed his commitment to community by joining the Costalegre Rotary Club.

Tom’s lifetime dedication to community and local history was recognized by many awards’ province-wide, including the BC Community Service award from the BC Achievement Foundation, Heritage BC's Distinguished Service award, and BC Genealogical Society’s Family History Book award. In 2018, Tom was one of two in the province to be appointed Fellow of the BC Chamber of Commerce for outstanding service. He was a proud lifetime member of the Kaslo Masonic Lodge and Kootenay Lake Lions Club. He was also an active member and organizer of numerous other groups, including the Gray Creek Historical, Cemetery, and Hall Societies, Kokanee Karnival of Sports, and the Kootenay Lake Chamber of Commerce, among many
others.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff in Diamond Cottage at Mountain Lakes Care Home in Nelson for their kindness, compassion, and laughter. You made us and Tom feel at home while he was in your care.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring at the Gray Creek Hall, where Tom attended school and later served as President of the Hall Society for a mere 64 years. In lieu of flowers, Tom would wish for people to donate to projects and organizations in their own communities.

10/27/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Tom on October 25th, 2025, at the age of 97. Tom lived a full life devoted to serving this community, with a deep love of writing, reading, and history. Above all, he cherished his family and will be deeply missed.

His family invites you to share memories and stories in the comments or by emailing them to [email protected]

09/29/2025

🧯 Fire Extinguisher Safety Reminder 🧯

Did you know fire extinguishers need to be checked and recharged to stay reliable? An extinguisher that isn’t properly maintained might not work when you need it most.

Stonewall fire+safety will be here on October 18 and 19 to help keep our community safe. Bring your extinguisher down for a recharge and a quick checkup. Servicing starts at $23+GST. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in an emergency.

✅ Professional service
✅ Peace of mind
✅ Protect your home, family, and business

Call now to connect with business.

09/05/2025

🦌🧨🥩 Elk tags are back in stock! 🦌🧨🥩

Call now to connect with business.

08/23/2025

Good morning everyone, we apologize for the inconvenience but we will be closing at 4:00pm today. Thank you for your understanding. 🌹

08/19/2025

Propane tanks back in stock! Thank you for your patience!