The First Trans-Canada Auto Trip

Halifax: August 27, 1912 <<<    >>> Victoria: October 17, 1912

Daily News: October 5, 1997

Across Kootenay Lake

Today's Statistics:	Travelling from Creston, British Columbia to Nelson, British Columbia
Distance: 124 km	Driving Hours: 2.5 h	Fuel: 26 l	Weather: Showers	Temperature: Min. 6 Max. 15

As the Reo left Creston this morning, the pathfinders noted beautiful views of the Creston Valley. The valley is a patchwork of farmlands nestled in between the Purcell Mountains and Selkirk Mountains. Several run-down old grain elevators are a reminder of the days when grain was grown in the valley. Toward the south end of Kootenay Lake are the marshy areas that are home to migrating water fowl.

After a lovely drive along the lake, the Reo arrived at the Crawford Bay ferry terminal. The free ferry takes vehicles and passengers across the lake to Balfour, a trip of about 35 minutes. On the way, remains of several silver and lead smelters could be seen, reminders of the rich mining industry which first attracted settlers to this area.

At Balfour, the Reo was met by members of the Kootenay Chapter of the Vintage Car Club of Canada, who escorted the car into along the Kootenay River into Nelson. Along the way, the Reo made stops at historic Blaylock Mansion and at the remains of the S.S. Nasookin steamship. For many years the paddlewheeler carried goods and people up and down Kootenay Lake. It may even have been the ship that carried Haney and Wilby and their Reo to Nelson in 1912. Today, all that remains is the upper part of the ship, which has been made into a private residence.

Upon arriving at Nelson, the Findlays and John Nicol were greeted by Mayor Gary Exner and Mr. John Murray of the Nelson Chamber of Commerce. Also on hand were Mr. Jack Leyland, a grand nephew of Jack Haney's, and members of the Nelson Historical Society. After a brief ceremony, the group enjoyed a nice lunch at Nelson's Prestige Inn.

Nelson is a city that takes great pride in its heritage. The city began in 1886 when copper and silver were discovered nearby. Soon the city was a bustling community known as "The Queen of the Kootenays." Nelson is named after the then Lieutenant-Governor of B.C., Hugh Nelson.

The city of Nelson features hundreds of restored buildings dating back to the turn of the century and visitors can ride a newly restored electric streetcar along the lakeshore. The city is also an educational centre, with Selkirk College, The Kootenay School of the Arts, and The Canadian International College being located here.

For more information about Nelson, visit the Nelson Observer Electronic Newspaper. Among other things, the site has an interesting article about the original cross-Canada tour coming through the Kootenays in 1912.

The S.S. Nasookin carried goods and passengers across Kootenay Lake for many years. All that remains of it has been made into this private residence near Nelson.

Nelson is known for its many historic buildings. The Court House (1909) was designed by Francis Rattenbury, who also designed Victoria's Empress Hotel and the B.C. Parliament Buildings

The City of Nelson has built a lovely walkway along the lake shore. A restored streetcar also runs along the shoreway. In the background is "The Orange Bridge", which crosses over to the North Shore of the lake.

... Crossing the Kootenay Lake by B.C. Ferry

On this day in 1912 ...

• The Pathfinders visited a First Nations Village of Tepees
• The Reo was put on a homemade raft to cross over the Kootenay River and had to be pulled up onto the other side by two horses
• The Reo travelled by steamship from Kootenay Landing to Nelson