Castlegar, Mountain town in West Kootenay region, British Columbia, Canada
Castlegar sits where the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers meet, in a valley ringed by the Selkirk Mountains. The town spreads through this river valley with neighborhoods, homes, shops, and public buildings scattered across the landscape.
The settlement began in the late 1800s as West Waterloo, then took its current name from Edward Mahon's Irish ancestral estate. Growth accelerated when Doukhobor settlers arrived in the early 1900s, transforming the place significantly.
The Doukhobor community shaped Castlegar from the early 1900s onward, leaving marks on local traditions, building styles, and how residents live together. Russian settlers who arrived then influenced the town's character deeply, and their descendants remain part of the community today.
A regional airport here connects to Vancouver and beyond, making access straightforward for visitors arriving by air. The town center has schools, recreation facilities, and basic services that visitors can find easily.
The town has many walking trails along both rivers, giving direct access to the Kootenay and Columbia waterways. Visitors can easily reach the riverbanks and explore the water landscape without needing long drives.
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