Castlegar’s Renowned Sculpture Walk

There’s a reason Castlegar has been trademarked the “Sculpture Capital of Canada.” In the past four years over 120 sculptures have been on display as part of the city’s annual Sculpture Walk. Every may, 30 new pieces from artists in the Kootenays and around the world are situated around the city’s downtown core. Locals and visitors alike are then encouraged to get a voting ballot, visit all the sculptures and rate which ones are their favourite. The votes are counted every October and the most popular sculpture is then purchased by the city to be on display in perpituity. Although the event is still in its infancy, it’s received world-wide recognition and pieces for consideration are being submitted to the selection panel from as far away as Russia and Iran. Castlegar Sculpture Walk is also having an impact on neighbouring communities as Nelson and Rossland are now leasing sculptures so as they can be displayed in their own downtown cores. But to see the majority of the works, you’ll want to take a walk through historic Castlegar.

Related Stories

Meet Castlegar Photographer Dan Salekin

Photographer Dan Salekin was born and raised in Castlegar and loves capturing the natural landscapes of the region.


Meet Acrylic Painter Mirja Vahala

Mirja Vahala is a fine-art painter and instructor who lives and has an art studio in Robson, near Castlegar.