Fry Creek Canyon

Route Description for Fry Creek Canyon

The Fry Creek Canyon hike, near Johnsons Canyon is a great hike, however, the canyon portion of the hike is not great for small children. There are steep drops into turbulent water and rapids. You can avoid the canyon and just go down to the bridge and beach if you prefer, it is equally beautiful.

This hike to Fry Creek Canyon takes you briefly into the edge of the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy. The trail leads to an impressive canyon with fast flowing water in an area that is relatively untouched or known to tourists. Most of the other hikers you will see are locals from Nelson or other nearby towns making their annual trip to celebrate the start of hiking season.

The trail to Fry Creek Canyon is very easy to follow and just before the bridge and canyon there is a sign explaining where to go. Once you cross the beautiful Fry Creek Bridge (placed here by helicopter) we like to walk up the canyon first (to the left) and then head back down to the beach on Kootenay Lake to explore.

Going left at the bridge takes you into Fry Creek Canyon. We love spending some time hiking in the canyon, you can go on for 5.0 km to a small campsite which marks the end of the canyon trail, or you can wander up for 10-20 minutes and then turn around. Note that this trail should be done with caution if you have children with you, as there are significant drop-offs.

If you go right after the bridge then you head down onto the rocks and then continue on this trail and you will eventually reach a beach on Kootenay Lake, which is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon and swim in the lake. This area is always changing and the water has rerouted a few times, so beach size is dependent on water levels and what the river felt like doing each year.

There are a few old structures down on the beach where a local community used to spend summers, please leave them how they are - they are still used from time to time by the communities who own this land.

Once you’re ready to head back, return on the path you came back to your car.

Insider Hints for Fry Creek Canyon

• There is the possibility of camping depending on the conditions and time of year, though there is no official campsite.
• Parking is limited here, but not usually an issue as the trail does not get much traffic.
• Sign in at the trailhead and let the volunteers who maintain this trail know where you came from and how much you enjoyed it!
• There are no pit toilets on this hike
• Bears and cougars are sometimes seen in this area, please be bear aware and travel in groups.
• A great place nearby to spend the night is at Davis Creek Campground. It offers exceptional views of Kootenay Lake and has some beautiful sites. Bring your kayak or paddle board! It opens May long weekend.