Things To Do
in Castlegar
Castlegar is a small city in British Columbia's West Kootenay region, perched at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay rivers. Surrounded by forests, rivers, and mountains, it serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures and river culture. The town blends a tight-knit, welcoming community with a growing arts scene, including sculpture walks and heritage museums.
Visitors come for easy access to nature, a relaxed West Kootenay vibe, and friendly local hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the breathtaking Kootenay River. Enjoy a peaceful morning walk along the riverbanks, taking in the fresh mountain air and the sound of flowing water. Capture stunning sunrise photos as the light dances off the calm surface of the river.
After lunch, head to the nearby Selkirk College for a guided nature hike through the expansive local trails. Experience the biodiversity of the region as you spot various flora and fauna while learning about the ecosystem. Wind down your hike at a scenic viewpoint to enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.
As the day transitions to night, find a cozy restaurant in downtown Castlegar to sample local cuisine. Enjoy a delicious meal on an outdoor patio, overlooking the beautiful sunset. After dinner, stroll through the charming streets, soaking in the small-town atmosphere.
Start your day by visiting the Castlegar SculptureWalk, an outdoor gallery featuring stunning works from local artists. Take a leisurely stroll and appreciate the creativity displayed along the pathways. Make sure to stop at the visitor center to learn about the artists and their inspirations.
Head over to the Doukhobor Discovery Centre to delve into the unique history of the Doukhobors in the area. Engage with interactive exhibits and guided tours that bring their rich culture and traditions to life. Enjoy a light lunch at the onsite café, tasting some traditional Doukhobor dishes.
Wrap up your day by attending a local theater production or concert, immersing yourself in the vibrant arts scene of Castlegar. Check the schedule at the Castlegar and District Community Complex to find out what's on. Enjoy the sense of community as you connect with locals sharing their talents.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🏠One-bedroom apartment (city centre) per month | $900-1,400 |
| 🚌Public transit monthly pass | $60-90 |
| 🧺Monthly groceries | $250-350 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per liter) | $1.60-2.10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning river and mountain scenery
- Active outdoor lifestyle and easy access to nature
- Friendly, small-town atmosphere with a growing arts scene
- Relatively affordable compared with bigger cities in BC
- Limited nightlife and big-city amenities
- Longer drives to major hubs and airports
- Smaller selection of specialized services and shops in town
Places to Visit in Castlegar
Visit one of these nice places.
An outdoor collection of large-scale sculptures along city streets and the riverfront, ideal for wide-angle and detail shots.
Architectural exhibits and heritage displays with interesting light and reflections, plus garden scenes.
Bridges and riverfront promenades along the Columbia and Kootenay rivers offer dramatic sunset and water reflections.
Vista points overlooking valleys and forested hills—great for landscape photography.
Food in Castlegar
Castlegar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy chowder featuring locally caught salmon, potatoes, and herbs; a comforting choice at lakeside cafés and family eateries.
Must-Try!
Casual burgers using locally raised meat and fresh toppings; often served with house-cut fries.
Seasonal desserts made with local berries such as huckleberries and blueberries from nearby farms.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market with fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams, and local crafts; a great place to sample regional flavors.
Casual options along the main streets offering quick bites like pastries and regional snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Acknowledge the traditional stewards of the land when appropriate and respectful in conversations and events.
Keep noise levels reasonable, especially in the evenings; greet with a friendly hello or handshake in casual settings.
Polite requests go a long way; respect any refusals.
Safety
Tipping in Castlegar
Ensure a smooth experience
In Canada, tipping 15-20% at restaurants is standard; round up for casual service or adjust based on service quality.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash is also common; some smaller shops accept etransfers or tap payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with occasional showers; budding trees and early wildflowers begin to appear; bring a light rain jacket.
Warm, dry days with plenty of sunshine; ideal for river activities, hikes, and outdoor dining; stay hydrated and sun-protected.
Crisp air and vivid fall foliage; cooler evenings; good time for photography and scenic drives.
Cold and snowy with possible ice on the rivers; great for snowy landscapes but plan for limited outdoor access and winter driving.
Castlegar at Night
Hiking in Castlegar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Riverside trail with scenic views of the Columbia River and surrounding cliffs; suitable for day hikes.
Forest trails near the park with varied elevations and viewpoints; good for nature photography.
Short, family-friendly loop with sweeping valley views and accessible terrain.
Airports
How to reach Castlegar by plane.
Small regional airport with limited service; typically connected to Vancouver (YVR) and Calgary (YYC) via regional carriers; car rentals available on-site.
Major regional gateway about a 4–5 hour drive away, offering domestic flights and select international connections.
Smaller airport near Trail with limited service, useful for regional travel options.
Cross-border option in the United States (Washington); typically requires road transfer and passport for international travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Sinixt and other Indigenous heritage in the broader region; local culture and history are visible in museums and community initiatives.
Historic settlement patterns contribute to the city’s cultural landscape and community events.
Diverse residents contributing to local markets, cuisine, and cultural offerings.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A beloved local sport with community leagues and junior teams; many residents follow regional teams in winter.
Nearby mountains and Nordic trails offer winter slopes and cross-country options.
Seasonal trout and other river fishing along the Columbia and surrounding waterways.
Scenic routes along the river and forested roads appeal to road cyclists and mountain bikers alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Castlegar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many places offer meat-free options; look for veggie burgers, salads, grain bowls, and veggie curries; ask about sauces and stock ingredients.