Trail Description

Difficulty Level: Easy

Distance: 1.5km

Elevation Gain: 0m

Dog Friendly: On leash only

Bike Friendly: Bikes not allowed on this trail

Facilities: Bird viewing platform

Season: Year-round

The Waldie Island Trail was developed in 1996 by Walter Volovsek and Castlegar Friends of Parks and Trails to reclaim the historical heritage of this important stretch of the Columbia River and to introduce to the hiker the intricacies of the surrounding riparian ecosystem. This trail goes through a protected Blue Heron bird sanctuary known as the Waldie Island Heron reserve. No bikes are allowed on this trail and dog-owners are requested to prevent dogs from disturbing birds by keeping them on leash or close by. This is particularly important for Blue Heron population recovery in this area.

The trail follows the north shore of the river from the C.P.R. Bridge to Brilliant, a distance of 1.5 km. It is designed as a self-guided interpretive trail, richly rewarding for the contemplative hiker.

Along the route are 19 interpretive stops; of these, seven are self-explanatory signs, and the others are numbered stops explained by the Guide Pamphlet.

The "cottonwood jungle" is traversed by two trails at different elevations. If the lower trail is flooded, the back loop trail would be useable unless the water levels are extreme.

The Waldie Island Trail runs through a wildlife reserve and because of ecological sensitivity, is meant for pedestrian traffic only. Dogs running loose can frighten and harass the wildlife we are trying to protect.

With the operation of the Keenlyside and Brilliant Dams, water levels can change rapidly (over an hour or two). Please exercise appropriate caution and USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.