A Coffee Lover's Guide to Downtown Castlegar

Some mornings are best explored without a plan—just a good pair of walking shoes, an appetite for local flavour, and a curiosity to see where the next cup of coffee will take you. That's exactly how I spent a Saturday wandering downtown Castlegar.


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…


walleye, trout, Castlegar

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…


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…


Get To Know The Wildlife Of Castlegar

Story by Jenny Wallace, Castlegar's Wildsafe Community Coordinator Castlegar and the West Kootenay region of British Columbia is like the African savanna when it comes to wildlife. Some of the largest creatures on the continent live here and many are unique to this area of the world. In this…


Castlegar to Revelstoke: Road Trip Highlights

When travel writer Leigh McAdam set off on a scenic road trip from Castlegar to Revelstoke, she was wowed by her starting point. In her detailed account on HikeBikeTravel, Leigh opens with praise for Castlegar’s art scene, river trails, and rich cultural history, describing it as “cool" and…


Why Castlegar is a RV Dream Destination

In a recent article for the Explorer RV Club, writer Josephine Matyas describes the West Kootenay region as having "a superabundance of unspoiled beauty, scenic driving routes, excellent campgrounds, and more places to soak, fish, swim, hike and just relax than you could ever manage in one visit.…


8 Ideas For Date Night In Castlegar

With its many restaurants, movie theatres, parks, hikes, and scenic viewpoints, Castlegar is an excellent city for date night (and date days). You can stroll along a beach or go for a wintery snowshoe followed by aprés drinks and then finish the date with a delicious dinner or an entertaining…


An Expert On Why Castlegar Snowmobiling Is So Good

Snowmobiling has come a long way since the first “motor toboggan” was patented in 1927. These days the machines’ light frames, powerful engines, and extended tracks can take you off the flat, groomed trails and into the deep powder of the mountainous backcountry. The Kootenays are renowned for…


Top 5 Things to do With Your Family in Castlegar in the Winter

Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, the city of Castlegar is a fairytale destination in the winter months because it offers dreamy snow for skiing and snowmobiling as well as mild temperatures and lots of sunshine. Here are five fun activities to do with your family in and around…


The Best Hiking Trails in Castlegar

Castlegar is a hiking mecca! Whether you prefer long strolls beside the river or high alpine treks, this area of the West Kootenays in British Columbia has it all. Part of the reason hiking is so good in Castlegar is because of the hard work done by such local non-profit organizations as the…


Castlegar Hosts TransRockies Singletrack 6 Mountain Bike Race

The TransRockies Singletrack 6 Mountain Bike Race returns to the West Kootenays July 11-16 and Castlegar will host one of the stages. TransRockies organizes various endurance events in North America throughout the year, offering participants incredible experiences in some of the continent’s most…


The of the Kootenays

Where mountains and rivers meet in a fertile valley that boasts rich cultural heritage, a thriving artistic scene and more than enough outdoor recreation for every kind of enthusiast.  Come and visit the centre of it all.

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1995 6th Ave
Castlegar, BC
V1N 4B7

Phone: 1-250-365-6313
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