Situated between two major rivers (Kootenay and Columbia), Castlegar is an enchanting small city that’s known for having more sunny days than not, which is a huge plus for those craving an escape from all the rain. Plus, the area enjoys an “early spring” every year, according to Destination Castlegar.
“Because our city is at a lower elevation, it’s in a sheltered valley beside two rivers that help moderate temperatures, and we get more sun than most.”
So, if you’re ready to bid adieu to ski season, get ready to experience vibrant spring blooms, mountain biking, paddling, and more while other Kootenay regions are still shovelling snow.
Hiking, climbing, biking, & paddling
Castlegar is home to some top-notch hiking trails maintained by the Castlegar Parks and Trails Society and the Kootenay Mountaineering Club. These include the Mel Deanna trail, which follows the cliffs overlooking the Columbia River, and the Selkirk College trails that loop around the school beside the river.
There are also plenty of meandering trails at Syringa and Millennium parks, with the former offering gorgeous views of Lower Arrow Lake. The latter is situated in the heart of Castlegar, lined with beach volleyball courts, a bike park, and Canada’s largest castle-themed playground.
Want to try your hand at rock climbing? Spring is the ideal time to climb, and there are opportunities for all skill levels here. This includes stunning ascents at Kinnaird Bluffs and Waterline Walls.
Those more keen on spending time in the water can rent a canoe or stand-up paddleboard, race down the whitewater rapids, or take a dip in the nearby Arrow Lakes, Slocan, or Kootenay Lake. Class III rapids await at the Slocan River if you’re up for something a little more daring!
Historic suspension bridge
Now, for some fun landmarks! Constructed in 1913 through community labour, the Doukhobor Suspension Bridge (AKA the Brilliant Suspension Bridge) marks a historic achievement by the Doukhobors of Canada, who established settlements in the Kootenay Region in the early 20th century.
For fifty years, the bridge connected Doukhobor settlements on both sides of the Kootenay River, serving as a vital transportation link, according to Parks Canada.
Today, it exists as a national historic site and part of the famed Trans Canada Trail.
Abandoned tunnel
When tides are low, you might catch a glimpse of the abandoned Labarthe Tunnel, a former rail tunnel that predates the hydroelectric dams in Castlegar. If you’re lucky, you might be able to paddle inside!
“Located on Lower Arrow Lake, just west of Castlegar, the tunnel is 187 feet long or 57 metres,” says Destination Castlegar on Instagram. “Most of the time, it’s submerged during high water levels, but Robyn timed this photo recently to coincide with exceptionally low levels.”
Getting to Castlegar is a bit of a trek from Vancouver, at a seven hour drive – but you can also opt to fly into West Kootenay Regional Airport via Air Canada Jazz, which operates almost daily.
There’s a free shuttle service from their airport (10 minutes from downtown Castlegar) via West Kootenay Adventure Tours.
How to get there: Drive seven hours from Vancouver via Crowsnest Highway/BC-3 E.
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