A 'hidden gem' town with sandy shores was named as a stop on a 'European road trip in Canada'
A taste of Europe, in B.C.
A small town in BC.
If you can't swing a summer Europe trip, road-tripping through cute small towns in Canada might be the next best thing. From cobblestone streets to picturesque views — you can feel like you're far away, without leaving the country.
One dreamy little spot in B.C. was named among the best in the country to stop in at, on a "European road trip in Canada," by Zoocasa.
Nestled in the mountains of the West Kootenays, Castlegar is flanked by lush forest and sparkling lakes. The Zoocasa guide said that the small city shares a name with an Irish town, and it's "a nature-lover's paradise that still hints at its European connection."
"The slower pace here makes for an appealing detour for travelers and a hidden gem for those looking to settle somewhere scenic," it added.
The town is lively, bustling with local shops and businesses that make it fun to just wander around. Walking around, you'll also see colourful murals on the sides of the buildings, adding to the beauty of this spot.
Cute cafes like Common Grounds and Crumbs Bakery Cafe are perfect to start the day at.
You'll want all the energy you can get, because exploring the area is a must here.
Right in town, you'll find Millennium Park, which is on the shore of the Columbia River and has soft sand to relax on. It's a fun spot to enjoy the water and take in the mountain views if you don't want to go far.
There are lots of sandy shores here to choose from, though. The tourism website even says that "Castlegar has some of the highest numbers of beaches near its downtown core in the entire Kootenay region."
Crescent Valley Beach is nearby and has powdery sand along the Slocan River.
If you want to get the heart pumping, you can take your pick of hikes, from riverside strolls to alpine journeys. Dove Hill Trail is pretty short but gives you an incredible view of the valley and town below.
There's also climbing, biking, paddling, and fishing around here — so basically it's an outdoorsy person's paradise.
After adventuring in nature, you can wind down at one of the local pubs — cheersing to a day well spent in Castlegar.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.