05/29/2026
The Pilot Bay Lighthouse is important for its history, and its standout location on a rise of land in Pilot Bay Provincial Park.
Built in 1904 and first lit in 1905, it is valued as a rare, well‑preserved heritage landmark on the east shore of Kootenay Lake. The lighthouse is closely tied to the sternwheeler era, which began in the late 1880s and continued into the 1950s. During that time, silver ore, supplies, and passengers were moved between mining communities by boat, and the lighthouse served as an important guide for early navigation on the lake.
We invite you to visit the Pilot Bay Lighthouse. Turn south from the ferry landing at Kootenay Bay and follow the road to the end. About 100 metres from the turnaround, the trail to the lighthouse starts on the west side, a walk that takes 10 to 15 minutes.
