Castlegar Attractions

Sandman Hotel Group features properties located within a rich mosaic of neighbourhoods and surrounding areas, each with a distinct, welcoming personality. We have compiled a list of useful information below to enhance your stay.

Sightseeing

Castlegar offers access to a variety of seasonal activities both in town and in the surrounding Kootenay Rockies region. Golfing, hiking, and cycling all take advantage of the area's rolling waterway-cut terrain. Wildlife viewing and camping are great options at Castlegar's parks.

Castlegar also plays a role in Doukhobor (Russian immigrants fleeing religious persecution in the early 20th century) history, which can be experienced at several heritage sites in town, including the Doukhobor Discovery Centre.

Sightseeing Castlegar

Transport

Castlegar is conveniently located for car travel at the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 22, and is a featured stop along two scenic driving routes through the region. Other transportation options include flights to the West Kootenay Regional Airport and daily bus service from Vancouver and Calgary, Alberta.

Car Travel

Highway 3, the TransProvincial Highway, facilitates access to Castlegar from the west coast and Vancouver (621km/386mi), and from Calgary, Alberta (632km/393km) and points east.

Highway 22 leads south to Trail (31km/19mi) and continues as Highway 22A to the US/Canada boundary at the Waneta crossing (48km/30mi).

The most direct route from Spokane, Washington (238km/148mi) is via the Nelway border crossing, then north on Highway 6, and then westbound on Highway 3 through Salmo.

Getting to most destinations outside Castlegar will require a vehicle. Car rentals are available from several operators at the West Kootenay Regional Airport and in town. Taxi service is also available. Winter tires or chains are required for winter driving. Highway conditions can be hazardous, especially on the mountain passes in the area.

Air Travel

Service from Vancouver and Calgary, operated by Air Canada Jazz, flies into the West Kootenay Regional Airport, approximately 5km/3mi from downtown Castlegar.

Due to the topography of the valley, poor weather conditions can sometimes result in flight cancellations.

Visitors from the United States may prefer to fly into Spokane International Airport, 249km/155mi south of Castlegar, and rent a car to complete the journey.

Public Transportation

Greyhound Canada currently operates two buses per day from Vancouver and Calgary, Alberta. The City of Castlegar, in conjunction with BC Transit, operates buses servicing the greater Castlegar area, with three buses each weekday to both Nelson and Trail.

Free maps of Castlegar and the Kootenay Rockies region are available at the Visitor Centre at the intersection of 6th Avenue and 20th Street.

Activities

Sports Arena/s

Community Complex incl. Ice Rink, Swimming Pool, Ball Park, Soccer Pitch, Tennis Courts, Weight Room & Fitness Center-1 block

Beaches

  • Arrow Lakes (Syringa Creek Park) - 20km
  • Champion Lakes - 40km
  • Kootenay Lake - 44km

Golf

  • Castlegar Course - 10 min
  • Birchbank - 15 min
  • Little Bear Par 3 Course - 10 min

Ski Slopes

  • Red Mountain - 34km
  • Whitewater - 48km

Entertainment

Cinemas

Kootenay Center Cinemas (five Theaters) across street

Theatres

Charles Bayley Theatre in Trail, 31km

Conventions

Our Hotel has all convention and meeting facilities needed including catering.

Major Business Centers

  • Selkirk College – 6 km
  • Zelstoff Celgar  Pulp – 9 km
  • Pope and Talbot – 9 km
  • Tech Cominco – 29 km (Trail)
  • Columbia Basin Trust – 2 km
  • RCMP – 2 km (Castlegar city center)

Shopping

  • Kootenay Crossing Mall across the street (Castlegar’s largest)
  • Canadian Tire next door         

Restaurants

Convenient restaurants within walking distance.