Castlegar

Travel Guide

Castlegar showing a river or creek
Castlegar featuring a lake or waterhole
Castlegar featuring a garden
Castlegar showing a statue or sculpture and outdoor art
Castlegar featuring street scenes and a statue or sculpture
Once a settlement for Russian immigrants, this mountain town at the confluence of two rivers features hiking trails, bike paths and gorgeous river valley views.

From its location in a river valley amid the Selkirk Mountains, Castlegar offers easy access to the low mountains near the border between British Columbia and the United States. Trailheads begin from the town and provincial parks lie a short drive away. Before heading out into the wilderness, explore the small town to learn about its long heritage as a settlement for the Doukhobors, a group of 19th-century Russian religious immigrants.

Castlegar lies next to the point at which the Columbia River intersects the Kootenay River. Take a 2-mile (3-kilometer) hike up to Brilliant Overlook to view the spectacular twin river valley from above. Along the way, look for moose and elk, common throughout the Castlegar countryside.

Rent a bike to see more of the surrounding countryside. Castlegar was incorporated as a railroad town in the mid-20th century. Today, many of the old railroad tracks serve as bike trails. Ride the Columbia and Western Railway Trail, which gradually rises to the valley’s western summit. Along the way, pass through tunnels, including the 2,950-foot (900-meter) curve of the Bulldog Tunnel.

While Castlegar wasn’t established as a town until 1966, it had served as the site of a Doukhobor settlement for many years beforehand. This history is on display at the Doukhobor Discovery Center, which features more than 1,000 artifacts from this Russian immigrant group, including tools and works of art. The Castlegar Museum has more recent artifacts from the town’s history, including a large newspaper archive.

Drive into the Castlegar countryside to find several nature parks, including Syringa Creek Provincial Park. This site, located a 25-minute drive west of town, lies along Arrow Lake, a massive mountain lake stretching all the way into Glacier National Park. Hike the Yellow Pine Nature Trail to reach a hillside overlooking the lake.

Fly from Vancouver or drive 8 hours east to reach Castlegar. The small town is a perfect steppingstone to national parks like Banff and Glacier.

Sandman Hotel Castlegar
Sandman Hotel Castlegar
2.5 out of 5
1944 Columbia Ave, Castlegar, BC
The price is ¥12,976 per night from Jun 27 to Jun 28
¥12,976
¥15,146 total
Jun 27 - Jun 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Castlegar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"A little worn but is being renovated, central location to store restaurants etc. great pool area"

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Sandman Hotel Castlegar
Super 8 by Wyndham Castlegar BC
Super 8 by Wyndham Castlegar BC
2 out of 5
651 18th Street, Castlegar, BC
The price is ¥12,386 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥12,386
¥14,244 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Castlegar. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Property is dated but overall clean and comfortable. Breakfast area was good."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham Castlegar BC
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Castlegar
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Castlegar
2.5 out of 5
1810 8th Avenue, Castlegar, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥12,168 per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
¥12,168
¥13,993 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Castlegar. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (821 reviews)
"Good clean rooms"

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Castlegar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bright Lakeside Retreat: King Bed & Willow Views
Bright Lakeside Retreat: King Bed & Willow Views
Nelson
Stay at this vacation home in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lakeside Park and Big Orange Bridge are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"Well kept property ,nice sunny location"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Bright Lakeside Retreat: King Bed & Willow Views
Family friendly 2 bdrm/ 3 bed  home mins from sandy beaches and downtown Nelson!
Family friendly 2 bdrm/ 3 bed home mins from sandy beaches and downtown Nelson!
Nelson
Stay at this vacation home in Nelson. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Big Orange Bridge and The Cube Climbing ...
10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Peaceful locatio
"Beautiful property nice outdoor sitting and there was every convenience in the kitchen, bathrooms even beach towels. We were very close to the Ainsworth hot pools and restaurants. Would highly recommend we really enjoyed our stay"

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Family friendly 2 bdrm/ 3 bed home mins from sandy beaches and downtown Nelson!
Idyllic Cabin Retreat only 5 minutes away from Nelson
Idyllic Cabin Retreat only 5 minutes away from Nelson
Nelson
Stay at this cabin in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Granite Pointe Golf Club and Pulpit Rock are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Really nice and private"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Idyllic Cabin Retreat only 5 minutes away from Nelson
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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