Things To Do

Castlegar offers access to a variety of seasonal activities both in town and in the surrounding Kootenay Rockies region.

Golfing, hiking, and cycling all take advantage of the area's rolling waterway-cut terrain. Wildlife viewing and camping are great options at Castlegar's parks.

Castlegar also plays a role in Doukhobor (Russian immigrants fleeing religious persecution in the early 20th century) history, which can be experienced at several heritage sites in town, including the Doukhobor Discovery Centre.

Land Activities

Play a round of golf at the championship Castlegar Golf Club or the family-friendly par-3 Little Bear Golf Resort. Take a guided ATV Tour through the mountains around Castlegar with Turtleback Adventures. Grab climbing gear and head for Kinnaird Bluffs. Local climbers say that Castlegar has some of the best rock climbing in BC.

Explore the extraordinary network of walking trails around Castlegar. The Waldie Island Trail, for example, starts by the north end of the railway bridge and follows the shoreline of the Columbia River. Bring binoculars – the area is rich in wildlife, especially birds. Waldie Island is protected as a heron reserve. On the downtown side of the river, cross the suspension bridge to enjoy the tranquility of Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park.

Learn more about Castlegar's culture and history by visiting the Doukhobor Discovery Centre on Heritage Way, across the highway from the Castlegar Regional Airport. Almost next door, the Kootenay Gallery of Art, History, and Science features various exhibits. Downtown, the Station Museum occupies the former Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) station at 400-13th Avenue.

Water Activities

Join ChillBilly Sportfishing Charters' experienced guides and head out for a day of fishing rainbow, Gerrard, and brook trout. Explore the wild and woolly Slocan River with on a kayaking or float trip. The Castlegar & District Recreation Centre has a great pool for kids.

Summer Activities

Cycle along the abandoned Columbia and Western Railway from Castlegar to Christina Lake, or take the family camping at Syringa Creek Provincial Park. Catch a wind and sail the Lower Arrow Lake. Sailing charters aboard the Margarita start at Scotties Marina. Explore Castlegar from the air on a flightseeing tour with Dam Helicopters, based at Castlegar Regional Airport.

Do the Artwalk. It's a showcase for local artists that runs all summer in 25 different locations around town. Pick up an Artwalk brochure at the Visitor Information Centre.

Winter Activities

Cross-country ski at Nancy Greene and Paulson Trails, located approximately 40km/25mi west of Castlegar on Highway 3. Most of the 50km/30mi trails are tracked for classic technique only. Ski or snowboard nearby Nelson's Whitewater Ski Resort, or Rossland's Red Mountain Resort.

Driving Routes

Access exciting outdoor adventure and the diverse wilderness and wildlife of Castlegar along two scenic driving routes. Find more about driving routes through Castlegar here: Driving Routes.

Where to Begin?

Stop by the Visitor Centre (at the intersection of 6th Ave and 20th St) for more information about things to do, sights to see, attractions, and events in Castlegar and the surrounding Kootenay Rockies region.

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