Transportation & Maps
Castlegar is conveniently located for car travel at the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 22, and is a featured stop along two scenic driving routes through the region.
Other transportation options include flights to the West Kootenay Regional Airport and daily bus service from Vancouver and Calgary, Alberta.
Car Travel
Highway 3, the TransProvincial Highway, facilitates access to Castlegar from the west coast and Vancouver (621km/386mi), and from Calgary, Alberta (632km/393km) and points east. Highway 22 leads south to Trail (31km/19mi) and continues as Highway 22A to the US/Canada boundary at the Waneta crossing (48km/30mi). The most direct route from Spokane, Washington (238km/148mi) is via the Nelway border crossing, then north on Highway 6, and then westbound on Highway 3 through Salmo.
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Getting to most destinations outside Castlegar will require a vehicle. Car rentals are available from several operators at the West Kootenay Regional Airport and in town. Taxi service is also available. Winter tires or chains are required for winter driving. Highway conditions can be hazardous, especially on the mountain passes in the area.
Air Travel
Service from Vancouver and Calgary, operated by Air Canada Jazz, flies into the West Kootenay Regional Airport, approximately 5km/3mi from downtown Castlegar. Due to the topography of the valley, poor weather conditions can sometimes result in flight cancellations. Visitors from the United States may prefer to fly into Spokane International Airport, 249km/155mi south of Castlegar, and rent a car to complete the journey.
Public Transportation
Greyhound Canada currently operates two buses per day from Vancouver and Calgary, Alberta. The City of Castlegar, in conjunction with BC Transit, operates buses servicing the greater Castlegar area, with three buses each weekday to both Nelson and Trail.
Free maps of Castlegar and the Kootenay Rockies region are available at the Castlegar Visitor Centre.
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Transportation & Maps
Castlegar