Driving

Kootenay Bay to Fort St. John

Updated: 31 May 2026

The journey from Kootenay Bay to Fort St. John is approximately 1200 kilometers. You must take the Kootenay Lake Ferry to Balfour, then travel north on Highway 31, Highway 6, and Highway 97 through the interior of British Columbia. This route takes about 16 hours. It is a long journey through the heart of the province.

Total Distance: 1200 km driving distance; 850 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Driving via the ferry and highways takes about 16 hours.
Cheapest Way
Driving your own vehicle is the only practical way to reach Fort St. John.
Compare Kootenay Bay to Fort St. John Routes
Driving
Direct
Duration
16 hours
Avg Price
250-300 CAD in fuel
Operator
Personal Vehicle
Route
Kootenay Lake Ferry, Highway 31, Highway 6, Highway 97.

This is a very long drive; plan for overnight stops.

Travel Tips
  • Ferry Schedule
    Check the ferry schedule before leaving.
  • Fueling
    Fill up in major towns along the route.
  • Road Conditions
    Check DriveBC for road updates.
  • Dining
    Pack plenty of food for the long drive.
  • Photography
    The mountain views are spectacular; stop at designated pull-outs.
Safety Tips
  • Wildlife
    Be very careful of wildlife on Highway 97.
  • Mountain Driving
    The roads are winding; maintain a safe speed.
  • Weather
    Be prepared for changing conditions in the mountain passes.
  • Emergency Kit
    Carry a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle.
People Also Ask
  • Is the ferry free?
    Yes, the Kootenay Lake Ferry is free.
  • How long is the drive?
    It takes about 16 hours.
  • Is it a scenic route?
    Yes, it is one of the most beautiful drives in Canada.
  • Can I take a bus?
    No, there is no public bus service for this route.
  • Is the road paved?
    Yes, the entire route is paved.
Quick Info
  • From Kootenay Bay, British Columbia, Canada
  • To Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

June to September for clear roads and ferry reliability.

Things to Do in Fort St. John
1
Peace River
Explore the beautiful river valley.
2
North Peace Museum
Learn about the history of the region.
3
Fish Creek Community Forest
Enjoy the walking trails.
4
Centennial Park
Visit the local park.
Tags
Kootenay Bay to Fort St. John Kootenay Lake Ferry Highway 97 to Fort St. John Fort St. John travel guide Kootenay road trip driving in BC ferry to Fort St. John scenic routes
More from Kootenay Bay
Cranbrook
Ainsworth → Cranbrook
Salmo
Ainsworth → Salmo
Revelstoke
Ainsworth → Revelstoke
Golden
Ainsworth → Golden
Calgary
Ainsworth → Calgary
Edmonton
Ainsworth → Edmonton
Victoria
Ainsworth → Victoria
Abbotsford
Ainsworth → Abbotsford
Chilliwack
Ainsworth → Chilliwack
Surrey
Ainsworth → Surrey
More to Fort St. John
Surrey
Surrey → Fort St. John
Victoria
Victoria → Fort St. John
Abbotsford
Abbotsford → Fort St. John
Sidney
Sidney → Fort St. John
Creston
Creston → Fort St. John
More to Kootenay Bay
Crawford Bay
Crawford Bay → Kootenay Bay