Castlegar
Experience the unique pioneer history of Castlegar (population: 7,259). First, follow in the footsteps of the Doukhobors -a group of Russian pacifists who made their way to BC's Kootenay Rockies in the early 1900s- at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre. Next, visit a restored Russian Orthodox Chapel House at Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park.
Castlegar is also close to two provincial parks offering camping, swimming, fishing, mountain biking and hiking. Paddlers can put in and make a splash on the Slocan River. Cyclists can fly along local trails or head south to Rossland, known as "Canada's Mountain Biking Capital." Two mountain ski resorts are within a short drive of Castlegar. Local snowmobiling and cross-country ski trails are also popular. You won't want to miss nearby Ainsworth Hot Springs.