The reason Castlegar is the heart of the Kootenays is because there’s something for everyone to do here. Whether you love outdoor activities, dining, or exploring the art scene, our little city in the valley offers everything to make your heart sing.

In this article we look at a number of possible daily itineraries for you, your family, and your friends to enjoy in and around Castlegar. We also share the contact details for various guides and activities along the way.

The Bold & Beautiful Itinerary

MORNING: Go fishing, hiking, skiing, paddling or rock climbing with one of our bold local guides.

AFTERNOON: Take a beautiful, scenic walk around the city and see the sculptures that are responsible for Castlegar being named the Sculpture Capital of Canada.

NIGHT: Eat at any number of familiar restaurants and then go see a movie.

HERE FOR LONGER? Enjoy a stroll around the beautiful Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park, lie on the natural beaches at Millennium Park, see some bold artwork at the Kootenay Gallery, and spot colourful songbirds on the mellow Selkirk College hiking trails.

Here is a list of people and companies that can be hired in the Castlegar area to take you on a “Bold & Beautiful” guided excursion.

FISHING (click on the images to be taken to the company website)

PADDLING

CLIMBING AND SKIING

The Lost & Found Itinerary

MORNING: Lose yourself in a heritage tour of the city and visit the Doukhobor Discovery Centre and the Train Station Museum.

AFTERNOON: Visit the hydroelectric dams and find out how they keep Castlegar and a lot of the pacific northwest lit up or take in the beautiful artwork at the Kootenay Art Gallery.

NIGHT: Drop in at a local neighbourhood pub and get lost in the delicious flavours of the local brews and fare.

HERE FOR LONGER? Be sure to spend time in Millennium Park, walk the Brilliant Suspension Bridge, find the Verigin Memorial Park, get out on the water for some paddling or fishing, go swimming or skating at the Recreation Complex, and lose yourself in our many downtown shops.

Here is a list of the various heritage sites around the city.

Art & Heritage (click on the images to be taken to the website)

The Out & About Itinerary

MORNING: Get outside! Go hiking, mountain biking, nordic skiing, golfing, rock climbing, dirt biking, snowmobiling, or paddling.

AFTERNOON: Take your fun inside and try the waterslide at the Recreation Complex, go bowling, or see a movie.

NIGHT: Chat about your day’s adventures over a delicious meal: there’s everything from authentic Indian and Greek to locally brewed beer on offer.

HERE FOR LONGER? Be sure to float or paddle the Slocan River, get out and about in the backcountry, visit one of the five waterfalls in the area, and enjoy skiing at the two downhill resorts that are 30 minutes from the city.

Here is a list of various recreational associations and businesses around the city.

Indoor Recreation (click on the images to be taken to the website)

Outdoor Recreation Associations