Riondel on Kootenay Lake

Riondel lies on the eastern shore of Kootenay Lake. Water activities, trails through old-growth forests and the history of the Bluebell Mine give the community several different facets. As you plan your vacation, you can decide whether to focus on time at the lake, hiking or the historic community. Your choice influences which experiences you make the focus of your stay—without having to limit yourself to just one theme.

Lake Activities and Trails

In Riondel, canoeing and kayaking are possible on Kootenay Lake, and rentals are available. Boating, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing are also among the activities on the lake. If you enjoy spending time by the water, these options offer several ways to include the lake in your trip. If you prefer to get around on foot, you can explore the trails. This lets you choose your destination based on whether you’re primarily looking for water activities or trails in the area.

The Waterline Riondel Trail is not limited to a single type of use: one section through a canyon is for hiking only, while the rest is a non-motorized multi-use trail. This distinction can help you choose an appropriate activity and keep the canyon section’s restriction in mind. The trail also connects to the community of Riondel via Crown land. This offers a different perspective on trails and getting around than the Riondel Heritage Trail, which offers insights into the community’s history.

Mining History on the Riondel Heritage Trail

The Bluebell Mine was a lead, zinc and silver mine in Riondel on Kootenay Lake. It operated from approximately 1820 to 1972. If you’re interested in the area’s history, you can keep this background in mind when visiting Riondel: the community’s past is not just an abstract subject, but is also brought to life on the Riondel Heritage Trail. The non-motorized trail passes through old-growth forests, local parks and a community memorial garden. In many places, it offers views of the historic Bluebell Mine facilities.

The trail brings together several different impressions: nature along the route, local green spaces and views of the historic facilities. If you’re more interested in local history than in water activities alone, this trail is a natural way to explore Riondel’s past.

Sports and Getting There

Riondel Regional Park also offers a specific place to play sports: it has a softball field and a soccer field. If sports facilities are a factor in your trip planning, you can consider the park as a distinct aspect of the community. If you’re planning ball games alongside activities on the lake and trails, the park’s two fields add to your options.

Riondel is accessible via the Kootenay Lake Ferry. The crossing is described as the world’s longest free ferry ride; Riondel is about an hour by ferry from Nelson, on the west shore. This approximate travel time gives you an idea of the connection between Nelson and Riondel. When choosing your vacation destination, you can therefore consider whether Riondel—with its location on the eastern shore of the lake, trails and historical connections—suits the experiences you have planned.

Discover More Places

You can also discover these places: Salmo, Nakusp, Slocan Park, Crawford Bay, Ainsworth Hot Springs, Yahk, Fauquier and Boswell.

For the broader travel overview: Central Kootenay.