Arts, Culture & History Tours
Cultural tours in the Kootenay Rockies take inspiration from the region’s rich history of mining and railways, along with settlers such as the Doukhobors.
There are various guided cultural tours available. Some options? Wander elaborately decorated railcars at Trains Deluxe – Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, learn the gossip of the 1890s at Fort Steele Heritage Town, or take a train ride and watch live mining shows in Kimberley.
Self-guided tours allow for personalized itineraries. Visit artists' studios across the Columbia Basin or wander museums. Choose from heritage sites ranging from historic streets in Nelson to a peaceful island in Castlegar. Or, hit the road on a driving route that includes ghost towns, hot springs and World War II history.
The Kootenay Rockies region is a haven for artists and culture-seekers. On the Columbia Basin Culture Tour (August), visit open studios of local artists, in addition to museums, art galleries and heritage sites.
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Guided Heritage Tours
Fort Steele Heritage Town (near Cranbrook) features daily guided tours – ride a wagon around the townsite, hop aboard a steam train or stroll streets with costumed “residents” to hear town gossip. 3 Valley Gap Heritage Ghost Town near Revelstoke offers tours of 35 historic buildings, including a classic saloon, a working train roundhouse and vintage cars. It's also possible to explore these sites on self-guided tours.
Hop aboard a train at Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway and listen to the history of mining in Kimberley on a 15km/9mi ride. Take a guided walking tour into the mine to see working equipment and massive machinery ranging from the early 1900s.
Doukhobor Cultural Tours
Discover the distinctive culture of the Doukhobors (Russian pacifists who immigrated to Canada in the late 1800s) at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre in Castlegar. Request a tour for information on the communal lifestyle and history of these agrarian pioneers. Make sure to visit the museum cafe to try Doukhobor borscht, prepared in a style unique to BC.
While in Castlegar, walk onto Zuckerberg Island – guided tours can be arranged at the Castlegar Museum – and learn the story of the island's house (built to resemble a Russian Orthodox country chapel) and how the Lakes Salish First Nations used the island as a winter refuge.
Guided Railway History Tours
Train-lovers will want to see the site near Revelstoke where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven in 1885, connecting western and eastern Canada.
Imagine the golden years of rail culture at Trains Deluxe - Canadian Museum of Rail Travel in Cranbrook. Soak in the luxury of train cars decorated with stained glass and exotic inlaid wood or take a tour of the world’s oldest intact set of vintage train cars.
Call ahead to schedule a guided tour of the Revelstoke Railway Museum (or wander freely through the museum). Peer inside train engines and dining cars, and envision the raw power of the 1950s heavy-duty steam locomotive.
Self-Guided Heritage Tours
Be immersed in local history and culture on self-guided walking tours in towns such as Rossland and Nelson (find maps at local Visitor Centres and museums). Pick up “The Silvery Slocan Heritage Tour Guidebook” for a comprehensive driving tour of the West Kootenays, including the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre (New Denver), heritage buildings in Sandon, or the K&S Interpretive Trail with views of old settlements and mines.
Driving Routes
The Silvery Slocan Circle Route highlights the region’s rich history and culture – stop at ghost towns, museums, art galleries and relaxing hot springs.
Practical Points
- High season for most attractions is usually May to September and tours often run daily. During low season, tours can run infrequently. Most self-guided tours can be done year-round.
- Some tours may require a minimum number of participants or advance booking. It’s best to call ahead to check for schedules and availability.
- Visit local Visitor Centres or museums for walking tour brochures, maps and information on tour operators and help with trip planning.
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