The arts and culture scene in the Kootenay Rockies is vibrant, to say the least. Eclectic art galleries, one-of-a-kind studios, museums, Victorian-era architecture and festivals including music, food and crafts are constantly happening in the many quaint mountain towns that dot this area.
CRESTON ARTS |
CULTURE |
| Alfoldy Gallery is located in a charming heritage cottage along Hwy 3 in Erickson.
The Kunze Gallery, at the historic grain elevators along Northwest Blvd, showcases a number of emerging, established and accomplished artists. The Tilted Brick Gallery is a non-profit gallery that primarily provides opportunity to emerging and mid-career contemporary artists to exhibit their work. |
Explore Creston’s history at the Creston Museum. The museum is housed in a stone house built by a master stone mason.
The Discovery Centre offers 17,000 acres of lush wetland habitat and guided tours, wildlife viewing, boardwalk strolls and an interpretive centre. A Farmers Market takes place from May to December showcasing a dynamic blend of vendors offering produce, arts & crafts and entertainment. More arts & culture in the Creston Valley. |
Highway 3A is a popular touring route alongside Kootenay lake and includes a number of quaint communities: Wynndel, Sanca, Boswell, Gray Creek, Riondel and Kootenay Bay Ferry Landing. It is easily one of the most scenic stretches in Canada.
Crawford Bay is home to one of the most vibrant and eclectic artisan groups in all of British Columbia. There are numerous quaint and tucked-away studios to visit. Blacksmithing, weaving, broom making, copper enameling, wood carving, pottery and more!
Kootenay Lake Ferry is a free ride and also Canada’s longest in the world.
The Nelson and Kootenay Lake area is brimming with a diversity of mountain culture with a vivid past of Victorian architecture, vibrant art scenes and colourful cultural histories. Nelson is known as the Number One Small Arts Town in Canada.
Spend a day or two exploring the city of Nelson:
NELSON ARTS |
HERITAGE |
| Nelson is awash with artisan shops and studios. Many of the local crafts people sell their wares at the Farmers Market and at annual Craft Fairs.
Also throughout the summer, there is Artwalk in both Nelson and Kaslo, where local art is displayed in the downtown participating businesses. A large inventory of public art can be seen throughout Nelson, with sculptures, murals and art infrastructure created by both local and international artists. |
Nelson Museum, Archives and Gallery is located in a 1902 heritage building – experience the art gallery, community museum and archives.
Streetcar #23 is the last survivor of Nelson’s original transit system – Catch the tramway at Lakeside Park and Prestige Resort. Take in the Heritage Self-guided Walking Tour. You’ll stroll past spectacular buildings from the Victorian era and the Roaring Twenties. |
Castlegar is situated at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers and has a strong historical connection to the Doukhobors, a pacifist religious sect that fled Russia in the early 20th century.
Spend some time exploring Castlegar:
CASTLEGAR ARTS |
HERITAGE |
| Castlegar was awarded the Sculpture Walk of Canada designation in 2014. Thirty incredible sculptures from artists across North America are installed and displayed throughout downtown. A must see!
The Kootenay Gallery of Art and History is a public art gallery featuring established artists and the gift shop displays local artisan’s work. |
Learn about Castlegar’s heritage and culture at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park and the Station Museum.
During the summer, Saturday mornings, the Farmers Market takes place at the Station Museum and offers a lively blend of vendors offering produce, arts & crafts and entertainment. |
Tour the nearby cities of Rossland and Trail before looping back to Creston.
Rossland is perched in the Monashee Mountains and is known today as the Mountain Biking Capital of Canada. Trail was established in the 1890s and is located on the banks of the Columbia River.
ROSSLAND |
TRAIL |
| Rossland has a rich mining history and the Gold Fever Follies highlight it with live musical theatre shows during the summer.
The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre is the site of the LeRoi Gold Mine and displays a collection of artifacts, a Geology Centre and offers gold panning. The Rossland Arts Council and Trail Arts Council offer a number of wonderful galleries. |
Stroll downtown Trail’s IncrEdible Trail and help yourself to growing fruits and vegetables in sidewalk planers.
The Trail Museum & Archives boasts 3 galleries, an extensive archival holding and well-stocked gift shop. The museum brings local history and heritage to life. The Columbia River Skywalk is one of the largest pedestrian suspension bridges of its kind in North America t 1,000 feet, landing to landing. |
