Morning
Whether you like your mornings calm and quiet or action packed, Castlegar has something for you.
Castlegar Coffee Shops
When you need your caffeine fix, there’s nowhere better in Castlegar than these great coffee shops.
Crumb’s Bakery
What’s better than coffee? Coffee and pastries of course!
There’s really only one bakery you need to know in Castlegar, and it’s Crumb’s. Serving up tantalizing pinwheels, fresh loaves, soft pretzels, brioches and more, this is one of the finest bakeries in the Kootenays.
In fact, some of these tasty treats can only be found here, making this a destination for pastry lovers from all across the area.
They’re open from 7-5, serving up tasty coffee and handmade pastries from their location in downtown Castlegar.
Common Grounds
Looking for more of a cozy coffee shop that’s perfect for settling in with a hot drink in the morning with a nice book?
This Castlegar coffee shop has it all: fancy lattes, ornate hot chocolate, or a classic dark roast.
If you’re in the mood for a light breakfast, this is also a great place to stop by, with tasty breakfast sandwiches, soups, salads, muffins, and avocado toast that comes all dolled up with hot honey drizzle and feta on a marble rye.
That’s not all – you really should stop by this popular Castlegar coffee shop just to marvel at all the goodies. 🤩
Where to Get Breakfast in Castlegar
The Bombi
With all-day breakfast served 7 days a week, The Bombi has all your favourite breakfast staples served up from 7-4 every day.
Classic American-style breakfast is well represented here, with omelettes, scramblers, pancakes/waffles, and a wide assortment of other breakfast sandwiches. It’s all reasonably priced in the $10-16 range, and there’s really something here for anyone, as well as a few surprises.
If you’re in Castlegar looking for a good diner-style breakfast with a big menu the whole family will love, The Bombi is definitely the place to go!
Lion’s Head
Sundays from 10-noon, the Lion’s Head has a pretty substantial brunch menu!
Sporting an incredible patio space, brunch at the Lion’s Head is a treat, with five different kinds of eggs benny, breakfast poutine, breakfast sandwiches and other favourites.
You’ll see them again later on this list, but we wanted to shout out their brunch here. It might only be once a week, but it’s worth a stop any Sunday
B’s Eatery
Available from Friday to Sunday, B’s Eatery serves up weekend brunch from 11-3, offering a couple of different eggs benedict options as well as a classic bacon, eggs, toast, and hash brown breakfast. It’s not a huge menu, but these classic menu offerings also come with classic prices – all only $12.95!
Morning Activities
Castlegar is an outdoorsy town with plenty to see and do. Here’s some great activities to start the day off at your own pace.
Catch a Fish
Castlegar is a fishing destination, and it’s easy to see why. It’s accessible, you can catch a fish from virtually anywhere along the river, and there’s an absolute abundance of life here.
It’s been estimated there’s something like 1000 fish per 100 feet of riverbank in the Columbia River. Anglers can try their hand either from shore or by boat, and even if you’ve never fished before, this is a great place to start!
Alone or with a guide, with a fly rod or a spin cast, there’s so many ways to enjoy fishing in Castlegar, and we all know fishing is one of those activities that seems to work out best for early risers.
Hike Dove Hill
With a view that seems to stretch on forever, Dove Hill is one of the most essential hiking spots in Castlegar.
It’s a 6km loop from the golf course, which is where most people park for this trail. The path is fairly gentle, with wide clearance and a view that’s easily worth the work to get there. The panoramic view from here stretches west as seen in the photo above, as well as east, overlooking the winding Columbia River and Castlegar.
It’s a picture perfect hike that can be done in an hour or so, making it a perfect way to start out your day.
If you’d like to continue onwards to the Brilliant Overlook Trail, that’s also a stunning viewpoint that takes you up over the Brilliant Dam for a totally different but equally stunning view.
Millenium Park
We talked about Millennium Park in our article on outdoor family activities in Castlegar, but it’s always worth bringing up again!
There’s plenty to see and do at Millennium Park. You can explore the park via the winding pathway that stretches all the way to Zuckerberg Island, which we’ll talk about later on this list.
You can swim here, although we’d recommend skipping the shallow pools and heading up the path to the natural beach alcove.
If you’re into mountain biking, there’s a 4 acre bike park to explore. It’s not too challenging, with trails and obstacles for all ages.
A new castle play structure was built in 2024. It’s sure to keep your kids engaged for hours, and has a nearby concession for snack time.
You can also fish right from Millennium Park. It’s actually quite a good spot for this: easily accessible, and the fish bite here all year long.
As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll find a dog beach here, and Castlegar’s Sun Fest in the spring.
Afternoon
When the sun is out, Castlegar really shines! Take advantage of the day with some of our favourite afternoon activities.
Where to Get Lunch in Castlegar
These are great spots for dinner too, but we think the best lunch spots are casual, quick, and scrumptious! These are top of the list on all fronts🙌
Grateful Table
One of our favourite spots to eat in Castlegar, The Grateful Table serves up fabulous Greek-inspired dishes, pizzas, and bowls from their location downtown (as well as at Rebels hockey games).
If you love a good gyros wrap, this is the spot for you. They have chicken, lamb, shrimp, and veggie wraps available with tzatziki or their “Kootenay” feta & herb dressing that is equally amazing. For $15, it’s a great lunch option that you’ll come back for.
If you’re feeling something different, get the Greek Fries! Loaded up with red onions, parsley, and melted mozzarella with lemon and oregano, it’s heartwarming and one of our go-to’s here!
Tacos El Gringo
How many tacos is too many tacos? Asking for a friend…
This is a total gem of a Mexican restaurant: authentic, affordable, and muy delicioso! It’s hearty casual Mexican food like tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and much more, all served up in a cheery family-style restaurant.
Try the crispy fish tacos with their homemade hot sauce for a sure winner. There’s so much to love here, and we’re always ready for margaritas on the patio!
Afternoon Activities
There’s adventures aplenty in Castlegar! Built on the confluence of two major rivers, you’ll usually find us around, on top of, or in the water, but there’s land-based activities all over Castlegar as well.
Explore Zuckerburg Island
Discover Zuckerberg Island, a jewel in the Columbia River with a fascinating blend of history and natural beauty!
This island holds deep significance as one of the area’s most visible First Nations settlements, and remnants of traditional pit houses can still be seen, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich past. You’ll come across signs throughout the island providing insights into the island’s history, as well as the plant and wildlife here.
Nature lovers will find an abundance of wildlife here too, so keep your eyes peeled! Trails crisscross the island, inviting exploration, and there’s all sorts of great picnic spots, perfect for a relaxing lunch with a view. Anglers can often be spotted trying to catch trout along the shoreline. It’s actually a great spot, if you’re feeling like fish for dinner.
There’s a really unique Russian Orthodox Chapel-style home here built by the island’s namesake, Alexander Zuckerberg. This beautifully preserved home now serves as a museum, showcasing the life of this intriguing individual. As you wander the island, you’ll also encounter several of Zuckerberg’s sculptures, adding an artistic touch to your exploration. A small, tranquil cemetery marks the final resting place of the Zuckerberg family near their home.
Visitor Tip: Don’t forget your bug spray, especially if you plan to stay into the evening!
Go For a Swim
While most of Castlegar is bordered by water, much of it has a pretty brisk flow, so you’ll want to pick your swimming spot carefully.
Luckily we’ve written a whole article on the best places to swim near Castlegar! On the north side of Castlegar, the Keenleyside Dam forms a barrier that separates the Columbia River from the Arrow Lakes.
Just a few minutes past the dam lies Sandy Beach, a beautiful sandy beach bordering the shimmering blue water. The amount of beach here varies pretty dramatically with the rise and fall of the dam, but it’s always a great place to hang out in the afternoon.
If you’re feeling up to it, you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, and speedboats at the nearby Scottie’s Marina to get out on the water for an adventure, or continue on to Syringa Provincial Park to see some waterfalls, picnic, camp, or relax on the beach.
Visit a Museum
Castlegar has two very different museum experiences. Stop by and learn about the area’s rich and diverse history!
Doukhabour Discovery Centre
Dive into the fascinating history of the Doukhobors at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre!
This heritage museum brings to life the unique culture and traditions of this remarkable local community. Explore exhibits that tell the story of the Doukhobors, from their journey to Canada to their lasting impact on the Castlegar and surrounding area. It’s one of the most unique stories in Canadian history, and one totally unique to Castlegar.
Railway Museum
Castlegar was originally built as a railway stop. Once a convenient pub for transport between the regions many independent railways and steamship travel on the Arrow Lakes, the region has blossomed into a full community, now on several major highways.
Dive into Castlegar’s history at the Railway Museum – housed inside a heritage railway building!
Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the mementos of a bygone age, photographs of the town in its early days, and the train station itself!
This one is right beside Tacos El Gringo, making it a great place to stop right after lunch!
Evening
The sunlight might be fading, but that doesn’t mean you are! Here’s our picks for what to do in Castlegar in the evening.
Where to Go for Dinner in Castlegar
Castlegar’s culinary scene is really on the up-and-up! We’re excited for our next visit to all of these great dinner spots. We’re hungry already!
Maple Mirch
East meets west at Maple Mirch: an Indian fusion restaurant that’s quickly become a favourite amongst locals and tourists for its bold flavours and culinary creativity!
All your favourites are well represented here: burgers, short ribs, gnocchi, and salads meet paneer, coconut, and curry spices in one of the most unique menus in the Kootenays!
If you love to try new foods, you’ll love Maple Mirch. It’s headed up by chefs who’ve travelled the world, working on cruise ships to perfect their dishes with the best flavours from their travels, as well as their roots in Indian cuisine.
The restaurant itself has high ceilings, tons of windows, and cool seating nooks that make for a very pleasant ambiance while you’re eyeing up that mango chicken burger with mango chutney, sauteed turmeric cabbage, tomato and monterey jack on a multigrain ciabatta.
The Ninteenth
With Castlegar’s most upscale menu, The Nineteenth has built a reputation as one of the town’s hottest restaurants, and it’s easy to see why!
Sitting on the patio with a cold drink in hand, looking out over the expansive fairway, it’s a idilic setting that’s both fun and relaxing. It’s a setting that really puts you in vacation mode, even if you’ve lived in Castlegar your whole life.
The food is as amazing as the view, with 28 day aged steaks, pastas, and seafood alongside casual bites and upscale twists on old favourites.
For our money, the Nineteenth probably has the best burgers in town, and their fries are top notch as well, but their talented chefs can do it all!
Lion’s Head Pub
Fashioned after the classic Tudor-style, The Lion’s Head Pub is a really fun place to be – summer or winter!
In the summer their patio is such a fun place to hang out: beautifully constructed, with hanging baskets of bright blooms all around, looking out over the river and mountains across the road. The back patio is similarly inspiring, looking over the pub’s namesake: a towering rock bluff where rock climbers can be seen testing their resolve against nature.
The interior is unique, with the structure looking reminiscent of England’s medieval era. Wood beams, an A-frame ceiling, and wood finishings transforms this space into a space loaded with ambience.
The beer selection is impressive, with local brews as well as craft imports from all over on tap, and a menu of tasty pub classics that includes a brisket dip that is not to be missed.
Evening Activities
While Castlegar’s night life scene is small, there are a few great options out there for a fun evening out on the town.
Go Bowling
Castlegar has a 6 lane bowling alley, perfect for an evening of friendly competition with friends or family!
Castle Bowl has been servicing the community for over 60 years, with casual drop in, league play, galaxy bowling, and a licensed bar serving up drinks and food.
If you’re not part of a league, open bowling is Friday through Sunday, and is between $5-6 a game.
Watch a Movie
Castlegar has two movie venues, showcasing major tentpole releases and indie films throughout the year.
The Old Theatre is downtown Castlegar, and shows older or independent films. They do special events for all ages, free family screenings, and have artsy films that make for great conversation pieces. They’re usually around $5, although prices vary based on movie licensing.
Check out their schedule here.
Major blockbusters can be found at Kootenay Centre Cinema, Castlegar’s main multi-plex.
You’ll find new releases here, with a concession and evening and matinee showtimes for everything from family films to thrillers.
They’ve got great recliner seating – just make sure to pre-book those tickets to make sure they’re available!
Play a Game of Pool
Looking for a more open-ended social evening? How about a game of pool at the Lion’s Head Pub or The Black Rooster?
There’s plenty of fun to be had here facing off with a friend over drinks in the evening. Why not unwind in the evening over a few friendly games?
Looking for more to do in Castlegar? Check out these articles on Castlegar Spring Activities and Family Outdoor Activities in Castlegar
Already explored Castlegar to your heart’s content? Here’s our guide to visiting Nelson, and a day trip itinerary for a visit to Kaslo!
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