How to get to Burton
Burton is tucked away on the eastern shore of Arrow Lake in the heart of the West Kootenays, approximately equa-distance from the centres of Nelson, Revelstoke, and Vernon. Whether you’re coming from the north or south, the journey offers breathtaking mountain and lake views, including scenic inland ferry crossings that make getting here part of the adventure.
When planning your trip to Burton, keep in mind that access from both the north and south includes ferry crossings—Galena Bay to the north and Needles to the south. While both ferries are free of charge, they can cause delays, especially during long weekends and holidays, when traffic may back up.
The Galena Bay ferry does not run 24/7, so be sure to check the current schedule and plan your route accordingly. Also note: there is no cell service at Galena Bay, but the views are stunning—so bring a camera and enjoy the scenery while you wait.
Galena bay Ferry
Departs the west side of Shelter Bay from 5:00 AM to midnight, departing on the HOUR and the east side Galena Bay from 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM, departing on the HALF HOUR
Crossing time: approximately 20 minutes.
For more information check out the BC Government website here.
Needles Ferry
Operates every 30 minutes from east side of Fauquier between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM on the half hour and the hour and from the west side of Needles between 5:15 AM and 9:45 PM on the 15 and 45 of every hour.
On-demand service is available overnight from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM.
Crossing time: approximately 5 minutes. For more details, visit the Needles Cable Ferry page.
Where to stay?
Stay close to nature at the Burton Historic Park, a welcoming and well-equipped spot nestled beside Arrow Lake. Whether you’re arriving in an RV or pitching a tent, you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing and fun-filled stay.
The campsite offers both serviced and unserviced sites:
Open from May 1st to October 15th, the campground features a range of amenities to enhance your stay, including, easy access to the beach and a public boat launch, horseshoe pits and volleyball nets for outdoor fun.
Additionally, firewood for cozy campfires is available for purchase and for your convenience, a sani dump station. With its beautiful lakeside setting and friendly atmosphere, the Burton Campsite is the perfect base for exploring the area or simply enjoying the slower pace of life.
*It is worth noting that this is the only accommodations available for booking in Burton, for more options consider looking in Fauquier or Nakusp.
Looking for things to do during your stay?
Check out some of our popular activities
Preparing for your visit
The wilderness around Burton is part of what makes this place so special—but with that beauty comes responsibility. Wildlife is abundant in the area and it is not uncommon to see them right in the townsite – they come looking for the fruit trees. For this reason it’s important to take proper precautions to keep both visitors and animals safe.
Never feed wildlife, it’s harmful to them and dangerous for you.
Store all food and scented items securely in a locked vehicle or bear-proof container.
If you’re camping in a tent, never keep food inside your tent.
Always clean up thoroughly after meals and dispose of waste properly.
For detailed information on how to stay safe in bear country, please visit Parks Canada’s bear safety guide.
How to pack for your adventure
Burton is a beautiful and remote destination, part of its charm is just how far it is from the noise and rush of everyday life. However, with that remoteness comes limited access to some of the amenities you might be used to.
There are no restaurants, coffee shops, or grocery stores in Burton. The nearest services can be found in Nakusp (35 km north) or Fauquier (22 km south). Emergency and medical services are also based in Nakusp, so we recommend coming well-prepared.
Cell service in the area can be unreliable, though Wi-Fi is available at the Burton Tech Centre for your convenience.
Burton is the perfect place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and unplug. For a more detailed camping checklist, visit Parks Canada’s packing guide.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Burton?
The ideal time to visit Burton is between late spring and early fall (May to October). The campground is open during these months, the Arrow Lakes are perfect for water activities, and the trails are accessible. Late summer and early fall also bring the salmon run and wild mushroom season, both incredible natural highlights.
What are the top things to do in Burton?
Burton is best known for its incredible access to the natural beauty of the outdoors, with no shortage of activities. You can do everything from paddle boarding and kayaking, to fishing, hiking, or simply reading a book and enjoy the peaceful landscapes.
Are there accommodations available nearby?
Yes! The Burton Campground offers both serviced and unserviced sites with access to a beach, boat launch, firewood, sani-dumps, volleyball and horseshoe pits. It’s open from May 1st to October 15th. Other nearby options include camping in Nakusp, McDonalds Creek or staying in accommodations in either Nakusp (35 km away) or Fauquier (22 km away).
Are pets allowed in public areas or parks?
Yes, pets are welcome in Burton, just keep them on a leash, clean up after them, and be respectful of other visitors and local wildlife. Some areas, like trails and the lake, are great for adventuring with your dog.
Is cell service or Wi-Fi available?
Cell service can be spotty or unavailable, especially near the lake or on trails. However, Wi-Fi is available at the Burton Tech Centre, just off the main road. We recommend planning ahead and downloading maps or guides in advance.
Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of?
Who exploring the wilderness around Burton, but caution is key. The area is home to bears, moose, cougars, and other wildlife. Don’t leave food unattended, and always store it securely (not in your tent). Learn more about bear safety when camping.
Where can I eat or buy groceries?
There are no grocery stores, restaurants, or gas stations in Burton. The nearest services are: Nakusp (35 km north) Fauquier (22 km south).
Make sure to stock up before arriving!
Are campfires or barbecues allowed?
Campfires are allowed only when local wildfire restrictions permit. Always check the current BC Wildfire Service fire danger rating before lighting a fire. You can view the latest status here.
Do I need a fishing license if I am just visiting the area?
If you are a canadian resident under 16 years of age or a First Nations Person, you do not need a fishing license to fish in BC lakes. However if you are over 16 years of age you will need a license that can be easily purchased on the BC government website here. Licences can vary from a single day, to a week to a year long pass and costs between 12-100$ depending on the duration of the license you are purchasing as well as your province of residence. Additional fishing regulations for the Kootenay region can be found here stating on page 33.
I don't have my own paddle board or kayak, can I rent one in Burton?
Though there are no rentals available in Burton directly, However Wet Willys in Nakusp is a good option. They have hard boards, inflatable paddleboards, single kayaks, and even a 4-person paddleboard. You can rent by the hour, half-day, or full-day. They are located right above the public beach and operate during nice weather throughout the summer.
Are there any wildlife safety concerns I should be aware of when visiting Burton?
Burton is nestled in the mountains and as a result we share a lot of real estate with the local wildlife although most wildlife poses no problems to humans during the late summer and fall the fruit trees are known to draw bears into even the most populated areas. Please observe bear awareness and safety rules when you encounter a bear, for more info on bear safety click the link here.