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Marine Insurance for Boating on Kootenay Lake

Navigate the bow-and-arrow shaped Kootenay Lake with the right boat insurance.

 

The importance of boat insurance on
Kootenay Lake

Boating on B.C.’s Kootenay Lake isn’t without risk. Boat insurance protects you, your passengers, and your boat. It provides you with needed financial protection when the unexpected happens.

Here’s why you need boat insurance:

  • Boat insurance protects you against an accident, injury, or death liability
  • Property damage
  • Theft, vandalism
  • Boat insurance protects you against a fire on your boat
  • Severe weather
  • Accident with uninsured/underinsured boat
  • Boat insurance can help cover legal fees, medical expenses, and property repairs or replacements

Marine insurance isn’t mandatory for boating on Kootenay Lake, but B.C. marinas can require it for mooring.

It’s recommended that you have $3 million in liability insurance coverage as part of your boat insurance to protect yourself as a boat owner in British Columbia.

Here’s what you need to know about boating on Kootenay Lake:

Where is it?

Kootenay Lake is the largest natural lake in southern British Columbia and it’s in the Selkirk Mountains and bordered by the Purcell Mountains to the east in the Kootenays region.

The lake is divided into four sections: North End, West Arm, Main Lake, and South End. The lake is shaped like a bow and arrow, with the Main Lake (100 km long in the north-south direction) being the bow, and the West Arm (34 km long in a westerly and southwesterly direction from Balfour to Nelson) being the arrow.

The city of Nelson sits on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, halfway between Vancouver and Calgary.

What to know about Kootenay Lake

The northwest and southeast shorelines of Kootenay Lake are accessed by winding roads along the shoreline, as is the north shore of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. Other areas of the lake are accessible by boat only.

The Main Lake is broad and deep with the potential for large waves during a storm. The West Arm is in the Selkirk Mountains and is narrower and shallow, providing a more sheltered visit, better beaches than the Main Lake, and more resorts and other facilities.

How fast can my boat go on Kootenay Lake?

It’s important to obey any posted speeds on Kootenay Lake to promote safety and to protect the lake's ecosystem and shoreline.

Is there a boat launch?

There is a single wide, concrete boat launch at Lost Ledge located at the north end of Kootenay Lake Provincial Park, past the last campsite. It is designed to accommodate full-size boats.

Did you know?

Given its size, Kootenay Lake never completely freezes in the winter. That means you can enjoy a variety of water sports year-round – paddling, sailing, and fishing. During the colder months, the bigger fish come up from the colder depths.

Are there any beaches?

Swimming would be considered refreshing because the water tends to be cold.

The east shore of Kootenay Lake is considered to have the most beautiful beaches on the lake.

Is there any fishing?

Kootenay Lake has fishing year round with the prime season for big fish being October through March.

Kootenay Lake is home to one of the largest sub-species of rainbow trout to be found anywhere, the Gerrard trout. You can also catch Bull trout or Kokanee salmon.

You will need a valid B.C. fishing license to fish on the lake.

What about camping?

There is vehicle-accessible camping available at the Davis Creek and Lost Ledge campgrounds.

At Midge Creek there is wilderness, backcountry, or walk-in camping, but no facilities are provided.

How do I safely dock my boat?

  1. Always approach the dock slowly, whether you’re at a harbour, marina, or a private dock. Waves caused by a higher speed may disrupt other boaters.
  2. Approach the dock from the right angle. The ideal angle of approach is around 30 degrees. When your boat is within 10 metres of your docking point, shift into neutral and let your momentum carry you to the dock.
  3. Just before your boat touches the dock, turn its steering wheel so that the boat is positioned parallel to the dock.
  4. Once your boat is no longer moving, tie the mooring ropes at the bow and stern to the cleats on the dock.

Tips for safe boating on Kootenay Lake

  • You need an appropriate, approved life jacket for each person on board your boat.
  • Know the area where you are boating and be aware of any hazards, such as rocks or logs.
  • Do not drink or do drugs when boating. Both can impair your judgment.
  • Have a bailer or manual bilge pump on board
  • Have a paddle on board
  • Have a sound signaling device (whistle) and flares
  • Have a magnetic compass
  • Have a watertight flashlight if you are operating your boat at night
  • Be aware of the heat and say hydrated
  • Check the weather forecast
  • Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will return to shore.

Why choose Western for your B.C.
boat insurance?

Expertise

We are a leading Canadian insurance broker that works with our insurance partners to get you the best coverage options to protect your boat.

Competitive pricing

We offer competitive pricing to get you B.C. marine insurance at the best value for you.

Customer service

We are committed to providing excellent customer service and we are always available to answer any questions you may have about your boat insurance needs in British Columbia.

Convenience

We offer a range of online, phone, and in-person services, making it easy for you to get the B.C. marine insurance policy you need and to make changes as needed.