Destination Castlegar BC

06/26/2025

🚗 Who caught the Car Show at Castlegar Sunfest earlier this month? It was the first time the organizers put on a show like this and judging by the dozens of cars that were on display, it won't be the last.

Jassi Mckenna was good enough to share her pictures from the day with us.

One of our favourites was the old-school Bronco with the lift kit. How about you? What is your favourite? 🛻

06/25/2025

Did you know the Columbia River in Castlegar is an excellent place to spot sturgeon in June?

These incredible fish are like living dinosaurs because they’ve survived in this region since the Paleozoic Era and they can grow to be very large: some have been spotted that were 12 feet long! (Thankfully they’re completely harmless to humans.)

For info about the excellent locations on the Columbia River where sturgeon are regularly spotted, contact Endless Adventure Kayaking and Rafting in the Kootenays BC.

06/20/2025

A downhill skateboard race is coming to Krestova, located just north of Castlegar in the Slocan Valley. Event day is July 13.

If you've ever wanted to compete in this adrenaline-fuelled sport, check out the website at: https://sites.google.com/view/kokaneebonanza-ca/home

06/20/2025

Ever wonder about the unique place names around Castlegar?

Take Ootischenia for example. It’s pronounced “oo-tish-EH-nee-uh” and it refers to an area located across the river from downtown Castlegar and near the airport.

Like many names in the area, Ootischenia reflects our city’s deep Doukhobor roots.These Russian pacifists settled here in the early 1900s and their influence lives on in the language, culture, and heritage of the region.

For more about Castlegar’s Doukhobor history, visit https://doukhobor-museum.org/
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06/17/2025

Imagine bunking beside your own private mini-golf course. Or near a secret, secluded swimming hole. Or above one of the most popular brewpubs in BC.

From offbeat cabins to cozy guest suites, Castlegar’s bed and breakfasts offer comfort with a side of character.

Here are five B&Bs worth checking into: https://www.destinationcastlegar.com/summer/quirky-and-cool-castlegar-bnbs/

Windborne B&B Lakeside Castlegar Cabins Lion's Head Smoke & Brew Pub

06/14/2025

They may be common, but they’re also fascinating. Meet the Columbian ground squirrels who live in the city of Castlegar, British Columbia.

Now's the time of year to spot these cute critters, especially around Selkirk College and Syringa Provincial Park. They hibernate for 8-9 months, up to 75 percent of the year, so the summer months are the only time to see them.

In fact, Columbian ground squirrels hibernate so much, they're being researched by NASA to gain insights about how they retain muscle mass and bone density through their long sleeps – information that could be helpful for space travel.

For more info about these, and other wild creatures around Castlegar, visit: https://www.destinationcastlegar.com/out-about/wildlife-watching/columbian-ground-squirrel/

06/12/2025

Look what photographer Jamie Isaacs spotted recently at Waldie Island. 🦦

Jamie says she was on the observation deck, looking at turtles and ducks, when she spied the otter. It came up from the river and slipped into the pond, spooking the ducks who flew off to the other side of the pond.

Aside from home for otters and turtles, Waldie Island is also a Great Blue Heron bird sanctuary.

For more about Castlegar wildlife, visit: https://www.destinationcastlegar.com/out-about/wildlife-watching/

And for more about Jamie's photography, visit: https://www.destinationcastlegar.com/arts-culture/meet-photographer-jamie-isaacs/

06/05/2025

Huge shoutout to Destination Castlegar BC for including us in their local artist spotlight series!!! Want to dig in to a little bit of Steve Marc history? Check it out!
Nice timing, one week away from the 'Be The World' - Album Release, hope to see you there!!!

Steve Marc is a man and a band. We catch up with the Castlegar-based musician to find out about his band's new album "Be The World."

06/05/2025

Hey Castlegar! Get your outdoor gear fixed for free at Sunfest on June 7.

The KORE Re-Hub Tour is bringing professional repair technicians, industrial sewing equipment, and 3D scanners to the event and we'll be offering fixes all day.

➡️ More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1508640963659825/

Destination Castlegar BC Castlegar Sunfest