Castlegar

Known as the Sculpture Capital of Canada and situated at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers, Castlegar is home to an impressive network of trails, where hikers and cyclists enjoy the natural setting of the town and surrounding area.

With a strong historical connection to the Doukhobors, a pacifist religious sect that fled Russia in the early 20th century, you may learn more about their culture at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park and the Castlegar Rail Station,which has been converted to a museum. You’ll also be inspired by the wealth of creative talent and artistic excellence of the artists, artisans and performers that colour the community.

Doukhobor Discovery Centre
Open from May to September, the Doukhobor Discovery Centre is an expansive village that will introduce you to origins of traditional Doukhobor Culture and its unique lifestyle, an intrinsic part of Castlegar’s heritage.

Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park
Take a walk around Zuckerberg Island and discover the unique Columbia River Valley history. Almost 200 years ago, in 1800, David Thompson canoed down the Columbia River past the island, and 60 years ago, Alexander Zuckerberg built his unique Russian Orthodox Chapel House.

Canadian Pacific Railway Station Museum
One of the best preserved stations in the province, the Canadian Pacific Railway Station (CPR) Museum is housed in a building over a century old. This remarkable museum displays antique treasures, local memorabilia, an authentic caboose and the station agent’s residence on the upper floor is a example of the early 1900s.

Verigin Memorial Park
Verigin Memorial Park sits in tranquility among manicured flower gardens and park grounds with spectacular views of Kootenay and Columbia River valleys. An important Doukhobor burial site, the park contains a large white crypt with the remains of much-respected Doukhobor leaders Peter V. Verigin, his son and wives.

Brilliant Suspension Bridge
Now a National Historic Site, the Brilliant Suspension Bridge was built in 1913, majestically spans the Kootenay river just downstream from the Brilliant Dam and is part of the Trans Canada Trail at 15 meters high and 100 meters long.