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History
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Riondel was a small mining settlement known as Hendryx, after Wilbur Hendryx, who controlled the nearby Bluebell mine. In 1905, the mine was purchased by the Canadian Metal Company, and two years later, the settlement was renamed Riondel, after the president of the company, Count Edouard Riondel.
The Bluebell mine operated from 1895 to 1929; during this time, the population of Riondel was roughly 70 people. The mine closed in 1929, causing the population to fall until only 22 remained in 1943. In 1950, the mine reopened, and the town's population grew to nearly 300 over the next three years. In 1952, Comico built power lines across Kootenay Lake, bringing power to the east shore without the use of generators. This development also included a smelter and a townsite; Riondel was once again a thriving mining town.
In 1972, the Bluebell mine was permanently closed, and most of the town's population moved away. The older employees stayed and retired. Since then, Riondel has become a popular retirement community with about 400 residents.
Location
Riondel is located on the eastern shore of Kooteney Lake, on Riondel Road, and just 10-kilometres (6 miles) north of Kootenay Bay. Creston is an hour's drive away, while Nelson is 90 minutes away.
Places to See
- The Purple Door
Unique hand-sculpted wizards, fine jewelry, gifts, and a varied selection of dresses and women's clothing. Come and experience a different and magical kind of shopping.
- Kokanee Springs Golf Resort
Kokanee Springs Golf Resort is one of Canada's finest championship 18 hole courses. This graceful track, considered by many to be the flagship of the Kootenay golf courses, resides in a magnificent mountain setting on Kootenay Lake. Every hole is framed by spectacular panoramic views of the Kokanee Glacier and the surrounding area.
Kokanee Springs is a Norman Woods original, characterized by its long driving fairways, immense rolling greens, immaculate course upkeep, and ability to interest and challenge golfers at all levels.
After an unforgettable golfing experience, the fabulous Kokanee Lodge offers a quiet mixture of casual elegance and relaxation for those desiring mountain-style peace and tranquility. Overlooking the 12th fairway are 56 luxury rooms, eight suites, sundecks, a hot tub, and a meeting room. For those wishing to dine, Bunker's Grill offers a sumptuous menu that is varied enough to tantalize and satisfy any golfer's appetite.
Things to Do
- Golf
There are two golf clubs to choose from: the 9-hole Par 3 course at the Riondel Golf Club in Galena Bay Wharf Road, and the 18-hole championship Kokanee Springs Golf Resort in Crawford Bay.
- Hiking
The West Kootenay region contains over 80 hiking trails, all of which provide hikers with spectacular mountain scenery, breathtaking glaciers, alpine lakes, flower-strewn meadows, and incredible wildlife.
- Fishing
Year-round fishing is available at Kootenay Lake, where visitors can catch three varieties of trout (Gerrard rainbow, Dolly Varden, and Kokanee) and whitefish. The lake's largest catch is a 35lb 12oz Gerrard Rainbow trout, and the world's largest recorded Kokanee- almost 10 pounds- was caught here. The Kootenay area also has many creeks, small lakes, and rivers to challenge any skill level.
- Kayaking and Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing offer an opportunity for a unique and timeless experience. Four and five-day kayak trips can be planned and plotted out using maps of the area or you can take several daytrips, staying in any of the accommodations available. The area is full of wonderful sights, historical treasures, and great places to explore. The water is crystal-clear and all the destination spots are garbage-free. A great place to come and relax.
- Camping
The private Riondel Campground is located 1 kilometre from the Riondel Market, and a second campground and RV park is located 12 kilometres north of Riondel.
Events
- Starbelly Jam Music Festival
Starbelly Jam Music Festival is an outdoor musical extravaganza, held annually in Crawford Bay. The festival showcases musical talent from near and far. Many musical styles are featured, from folk and blues, reggae and world music, a bit of country or classical, and a touch of Celtic here and jazzy stuff there.
This two-day event is all about fun and celebration; kids are very welcome at Starbelly and the event organizers go out of their way to give them a larger-than-life experience they won't soon forget. There are activities for kids, children's workshops, and of course, special entertainment. Let's not forget the giant parade: it's a colourful and noisy Starbelly tradition! There are also family workshops, a craft fair, and a variety of fabulous food booths.
- Kootenay Lake Fall Fair
The Kootenay Lake Fall Fair has been an annual event in Crawford Bay for 96 years. Since 1911 this event has entertained residents and visitors alike with an agricultural exhibition that includes contests for the best baking, wine-making, preserves, floral arrangements, fruits and vegetables, arts, crafts, needlework and many more community activites. There are crafts, food, and other unique items that can be purchased and taken home. The Fall Fair provides families with a venue full of wholesome activities and competitions that are challenging and fun.
Contact Information
Kootenay Lake Chamber of Commerce
Box 120 Crawford Bay
British Columbia, Canada
V0B 1E0
E-mail: info@kootenaylake.bc.ca
Website: Kootenay Lake Visitor's Guide
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