Vacation rentals in Castlegar

In the rugged wilderness of British Columbia’s West Kootenay region is the small town of Castlegar, where cedar and Douglas fir resin perfumes the air and where you’ll come across mountain bikers zipping through trails, climbers scaling mountains, and boaters paddling on rivers and lakes. Castlegar backs into the extensive Selkirk Mountain Range, and the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers meet in the town centre — a combination of natural wonders that fosters Castlegar’s robust outdoor recreation scene.

Tribes belonging to the Kutenai-speaking Ktunaxa Nation have been at home here for thousands of years. The region’s fertile soils lured the Doukhobors, a religious sect of Russian origin, in the 19th century, and they constructed the town’s ferry, suspension bridge, and jam factory. Traces of the Doukhobor heritage remain at historic sites and a local market serving the town’s famous Doukhobor borscht, accompanied by a hunk of bread and a slab of cheese. After enjoying a hearty meal, you’ll be ready to put on your hiking boots and explore the Kootenay wilderness.

Given all the outdoor recreation options on offer, Castlegar is most enjoyable between May and September. Summer in the West Kootenays is warm with little rain, low levels of humidity, and cool nights. The annual Kootenay Festival in July celebrates the community’s diversity through dance performances, live music, and foods. In autumn, temperatures start to drop and you will see more rain, so be sure to pack layers and waterproof boots.

Castlegar offers some of the warmer winter temperatures in this part of British Columbia. That said, the season turns the forests of Castlegar into a snow-covered utopia that you can explore on cross-country skis or by hopping on a snowmobile to scale the mountains on designated snowmobile paths. Spring brings warmer weather and fewer rainy days. The Sculpture Walk kicks off in May with a new set of sculptures situated at key points along the self-guided walk through the heart of town.

Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park

A 144-metre suspension bridge crosses over the tranquil Columbia River to the Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park. Trails in this 2.2-hectare woodland wind around stately conifers, offering views of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers. A Russian Orthodox Chapel House, built in 1935 and now open to the public, offers a glimpse of life in Castlegar in the early 20th century.

Sculpture Walk

Castlegar is known across Canada for its expansive collection of outdoor sculptures. Every year, during the annual Sculpture Walk, 30 new sculptures —metal, wood, stone, and other media — go on display around downtown. People vote on their favourite piece, which then becomes a permanent fixture downtown.

Millennium Park

The 23-hectare Millennium Park, which sits along the Columbia River, is a popular spot for outdoor recreation. Several river-fed swimming ponds are ideal for a freshwater dip, and on sunny days, you can spend the afternoon lounging on the sandy beach. Just south of the beach is the biggest bike park in the Kootenays, where you can spot experienced riders practicing advanced jumps, an attraction in itself.