Lake Koocanusa Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the lake?
From Eureka: Sunshine Houseboats Marina is about 52 miles from Eureka. Take US-93 from Eureka, toward 3rd Street, for about 8.5 miles. You'll cross into Canada (British Columbia) on this road. Continue onto Highway 93 from here. You'll drive a little more than 16.5 miles on this highway, then take a left on Jeffray-Banks Lake Road. After about 2 miles, this road will become Jaffray-Baynes Lake Road. Stay on Jaffray-Baynes for a little more than 2.5 miles, then turn left onto Kikomun Road. After about 2.5 miles, you'll need to take a slight right to stay on Kikomun Road for a little longer (about 0.5 miles). Take a left onto Kikomun-Newgate Road. Drive this for a little less than 7.5 miles and the road will turn into Wardner Newgate Road. Stay on it for 11 miles, then take a sharp left. Drive a little less than 0.5 miles further in and you'll be at the marina.
From Cranbrook: Sunshine Houseboats Marina is about 61 miles / 97.5 kilometers from Cranbrook. From Cranbrook, take Crowsnest Highway/Highway 3/Highway 95/Van Horne Street North toward 1st Street North. This will eventually become just Crowsnest Highway / Highway 3 - keep following it for 29 miles / 46 kilometers. Then, take a right at Jaffray-Baynes Lake Road. Drive this for 10 miles / 16 kilometers, then turn right onto Kikomun Road. Travel Kikomun Road for a little more than 2.5 miles / 4 kilometers, take a slight right to stay on it, then drive for another 0.5 mile (or a little more) / 1 kilometer. Take a left onto Kikomun-Newgate Road. Drive this for a little less than 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers and the road will turn into Wardner Newgate Road. Stay on it for 11 miles / 18 kilometers, then take a sharp left. Drive a little less than 0.5 miles / 0.5 kilometer further in and you'll be at the marina.
click here to view a map of the Lake Koocanusa area.
What is there to do at Lake Koocanusa?
Lake Koocanusa, as a mountain lake, has plenty of scenery to get acquainted with. Picnicking under the pines is a popular activity, as is hiking the alpine woods. Rock-climbing is another activity to try along the shore. While on the water, beyond boating, a little water-skiing or wake boarding are always great fun. Lake Koocanusa is also a very popular sportsfishing lake - and with good reason. The fish could hardly be more plentiful, in both quantity of species and quantity of fish in general.
How difficult is driving a houseboat?
Driving a houseboat is different than driving a car, but is not that difficult. The marina staff will walk you through driving the boat when you pick it up. Most people get the hang of maneuvering the boat within a few minutes.
How do I check availability or reserve a houseboat?
Give us a call at 888-454-8825, and one of our reservation agents will be happy to check availability for you. It's helpful if you already have an idea of when you want to go and what boat you're most interested in when you call.
Alternatively, you can contact us online with your availability request, and one of our agents will be happy to get back to you with the information you need.
How early do I need to reserve?
Earlier is better. If you're planning a trip during a holiday weekend like Memorial Day, it's best to get a reservation six months or more in advance. Mid-week trips or off-season dates are often available as little as a few weeks beforehand.
What kind of fish are found in the lake?
Some of the many species within the lake are the Kokcanee Salmon, the Ling, the Kamloops and the West Slope Cutthroat. Also presernt are Whitefish, Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
Is there camping along the lake shore?
Yes. Lake Koocanusa is situated primarily within wild land that where camping is not only possible, but excellent. Primitive camping is permitted, but you'll find plenty of established campgrounds within a short walk (or less) of the lake.