Castlegar Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Castlegar featuring a river or creek
Castlegar featuring a lake or waterhole
Castlegar featuring a garden
Castlegar featuring outdoor art and a statue or sculpture
Castlegar which includes 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-kilometre) 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.

Things to do in Castlegar

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-metre) 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 Centre, which features more than 1,000 artefacts from this Russian immigrant group, including tools and works of art. The Castlegar Museum has more recent artefacts 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 ฿2,865 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
฿2,865
฿3,345 total
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Castlegar. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Despite the dated exterior, the interior has been renovated and is very cozy and modern. We rented a king suite on the 3rd floor and found it very classy and well laid out with a very modern look and feel. The bed was huge and comfortable and the ammenties were just right."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Sandman Hotel Castlegar
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Castlegar

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Castlegar

2.5 out of 5
1810 8th Avenue, Castlegar, BC
The price is ฿2,687 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
฿2,687
฿3,090 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Castlegar. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (871 reviews)
"Clean, friendly staff."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

SureStay Hotel by Best Western 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 ฿2,755 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
฿2,755
฿3,168 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Castlegar. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"We booked a double queen room but upon check in the toilet seat and shower rod were broken. They happily upgraded up to a King suite which was amazing! Minus 1 star for a broken slide, otherwise for a night it was worth what we paid. Bagels, Hard Boiled Eggs, Cereal,"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham Castlegar BC
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.
Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre, Vernon, BC

Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre, Vernon, BC

4 out of 5
4801 27 St, Vernon, BC
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Vernon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,446 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre, Vernon, BC
Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village

Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village

3.5 out of 5
4319 Main St, Whistler, BC
Stay at this aparthotel in Whistler. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,713 reviews)
"Super central to village shopping great room so clean lovely pool"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village
The Parkside Hotel & Spa

The Parkside Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
810 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Victoria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,993 reviews)
"Loved it will stay their again"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

The Parkside Hotel & Spa
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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