Prospector and trapper, James Crawford, whom the Ktunaxa called White Man Jim, reportedly gave his name to the bay and creek.

[5] The village centre, along Highway 3A, is home to a collection of working artisan studios including: a forge, broom makers, potters, weavers, copper enamellists, leatherworkers, and jewellers.

[13] Federally, Crawford Bay is part of the Kootenay-Columbia riding, currently represented by NDP MP Wayne Stetski.

The local Crawford Bay School, offers kindergarten to Grade 12 and serves the entire eastern shore of Kootenay Lake.

[14] Also serving the "east shore" community, which includes Crawford Bay, is a local newspaper called The Eastshore Mainstreet.