As you dock at the pilings in Balfour, take a peek across the lake to the southern shore at Harrop and Proctor villages. Accessible only by the Harrop Ferry, an on-demand 5-minute free ferry that takes you to these historic communities. At one time this was the transportation hub of the region where rail met sternwheeler boats during the mining boom. The ferry takes you across the West Arm of Kootenay Lake to a place locals call “The Little Village That Could.” Cyclists are discovering this to be a peaceful place to explore on two wheels.

Today, Harrop and Proctor are regenerating themselves with a vibrant artistic flavor. Innovative and proactive, Harrop-Procter manages its own forest and watershed, and grows its own botanicals and herbs.

Stretch your legs by taking a hike on the Harrop Creek trail. It's a 20 km moderate hike to Harrop Mill Lake, where fishing is offered. It provides one of several accesses to the wilderness area of the West Arm Provincial Park and Mt. Lasca at 2379m (7805 ft.).

Harrop and Procter are a perfect example of the Selkirk Loop's many barely-off-the-beaten-path destinations well worth a visit. Come and see why the locals enjoy the illusion of being on “their island.”