Kootenay Lake, twin to Arrow Lakes

Sternwheelers like this once operated on both Kootenay Lake and the Arrow Lakes, through which the Columbia River runs. (photo (C))

The rugged country in Canada, rivers and lakes that included the Columbia River, theme of my book, The Columbia River (Caxton Press, 2013) was not easily accessed by significant highways or even good roads. Later the major highways #1 and #3 crossed this scenic country. Those residents living along the Arrow and Kootenay lakes more easily traveled on these sternwheelers.

Some like the one shown here were quite luxurious and a few had limited cabins. Even so, the winds on these large lakes and even broad stretches of river could be hazardous. Records tell of harrowing river trips and sinkings. Those early pioneers were tough, man! Conditions on smaller boats and the little hotels that served passengers were like living in barns. Overnight a man might actually sleep on straw mattresses or none and share rooms and even a bed with total strangers of dubious cleanliness and honesty.