The Best Birdwatching Spots In Castlegar
There’s a special poetry in the names of birds: Barrow’s Goldeneye, Cinnamon Teal, Savannah Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Loggerhead Shrike. It’s no wonder people become captivated by bird watching: describing the names of those you’ve spotted is a joy onto itself. It’s as if the words themselves are…
Meet Tattoo Artist Selena Garlow
“How many tattoos do you have?” I ask Selena Garlow, the owner of Emerald City Tattoo. She’s wearing a black sundress with spaghetti straps and I can see all manner of ink on her, from spider webs and dream catchers encircling her arm to a crescent moon and Luna moth on the front of her neck. “Oh,…
Meet Castlegar Photographer Steven Wells
When he's not photographing the epic local views, Castlegar photographer Steven Wells is riding the mountain bike trails near his house or playing with his two young sons. In the past few years he's worked as the lead photographer at Big Red Cats, photographed multiple 50+K ultra marathons for the…
6 Of The Most Beautiful Waterfalls Near Castlegar
No other liquid landmark captures the imagination quite like a waterfall. Perhaps it's the sound, or the power, or the cascading water droplets reflecting sun spots. Or maybe it's the reminder that earth's lifeblood, our own lifeblood, is forever flowing. Whatever the reason, waterfalls are…
Castlegar to Host Invasive Species Fishout Derby Aug 14-23rd, 2026
This fall Castlegar will host the Invasive Species Fishout Derby on the Columbia River. The intent is to catch as many walleye (Regional Guidelines) and northern pike as possible because both species were introduced to the waters here and are detrimental to the native species of trout, Kokanee, and…
17 Best Dinner Restaurants in Castlegar
Back in the day, when people wanted to dine out in Castlegar, their first thoughts might have turned towards such fast-food options as McDonald’s and Tim Hortons. And while those two do exist in the city, there are other establishments that have been making a name for themselves, many of which are…
Why Everyone Should Attend Castlegar's Annual Night Of Fire
Story by Vince Hempsall. Photos by Adrian Wagner. "Fire is amazing to watch. It’s alive. It changes things." So says artist Spring Shine who, for 15 years, has helped create massive wooden sculptures depicting everything from mushrooms to fantastical creatures. He then burns them to the ground.…
Castlegar Burger Month 2025 – Here's How To Vote For Your Favourites
Castlegar’s tastiest competition is back, and this year’s contenders are flipping expectations. From smoky, savoury stacks to tropical twists, Burger Month is once again turning October into a feast of creativity and community pride. Among this year’s creations is the Bangkok Street Burger from The…
15 Quirky and Delightfully Unexpected Things to Do in Castlegar
My first rock climbing experience in Castlegar was also my most novel. I'd climbed for decades around the world but nowhere in all those travels had I ever climbed in the backyard of a brew pub before. The Lion's Head Smoke and Brew Pub is the only bar in North America with a natural rock climbing…
5 Quirky and Cool BnBs in Castlegar
Imagine bunking near your own private mini-golf course. Or near a secret, secluded swimming hole. Or above one of the most popular brewpubs in BC? Nestled at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay rivers, Castlegar is a hidden gem in British Columbia’s interior where nature, creativity, and…
Borscht Cook-Off Returns September 27
Eating traditional Doukhobor borscht is a common Kootenay experience. The hearty soup has an orange hue, unlike the purple-red of other beet soups, and is rich to the point of decadence, with whipping cream, butter, cabbage, celery, tomato, and four different root vegetables. Enjoying a warm bowl…
Castlegar Sculpturewalk 2025 – Here's How To Vote For Your Favourites
Castlegar proudly holds the title of “Sculpture Capital of Canada” thanks in large part to its annual Sculpture Walk. For fifteen years, this beloved event has transformed the city into an open-air gallery, showcasing works by artists from the Kootenays and beyond. Locals and visitors are invited…