Kootenay Rockies Arts, Culture & History

Art gallery in Nelson, Picture BC photo

In the Kootenay Rockies, you can see and hear the stories of the Aboriginal peoples, pioneers, miners and railway workers whose hands forged the rich history of this rugged landscape in the region's museums and at heritage sights.

No visit to this region would be complete without a visit to the region's celebrated arts communities of Creston, Crawford Bay and Nelson – where the creative life and spirit of the Kootenay Rockies is alive and thriving.

Doukhobor History

In the late 1800s, a group of Russian pacifists known as the Doukhobors immigrated to Canada and eventually settled in southeastern BC. Their pioneering practices, customs, beliefs, and artifacts are featured at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre in Castlegar. Be sure to try some of the delicious traditional dishes at the bistro – especially the famous Doukhobor borscht.