Fernie

Packed with boutique galleries and heritage attractions, Fernie is a jewel in the Kootenay’s arts & culture scene. The surrounding 360º peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains form the backdrop to Historic Downtown’s century-old rose-gold brick and stone historic buildings, providing inspiration at every angle. Film festivals, cosy art receptions, Griz Days and a vibrant Winter nightlife scene give way to springtime patio season, wellness retreats and creative pursuits. In summer, the pace of outdoor music builds to the Fall festival season from Wapiti in August and the Chautauqua-Fall Fair in September, to Elk Valley Pride in October and beyond.

Highlights

More info at TourismFernie.com

Kimberley

Why bother being a city full of fun lovers if the fun can’t be shared with others? We’ve been known as the city of festivals. But we prefer to be simply known as a good place to be rubbing shoulders, playing games, taking in concerts, watching collective big screens, or racing with folks from in and outta town. There might be DJ’s, dancing, bull-riding or schnitzel eating. There could be bicycles and longboards, downhill racers, candlelight x-c skiing, kick-ass paralympians, outdoor painting and indoor rhythms. But there will be, guaranteed, a fairly smashing fun time.

Highlights

Kimberley Festivals & Events | Kimberley Heritage Museum | JulyFest | Kimberley Kaleidoscope

More info at TourismKimberley.com

Rossland

Catching Rossland on a crisp Fall day might make your inner artist twitch as the mixed forest around town explodes in a riot of colour. And it’ll come as no surprise that many world-class artists call these Kootenays home. Oil on canvas, fused glass, contemporary, realist, abstract…they all come here to un-cage their minds and set their imaginations free.

Just down the hill from Rossland, in Trail, The Trail District & Arts Council and Charles Bailey Theatre host regular theatrical and performance arts events and movie-goers will find the latest movies playing at The Royal Theatre.

Highlights

More info at TourismRossland.com

Revelstoke

A thriving community of mountain creatives fill our calendars with colour, music, art and theatre year-round. From July to August, downtown Revelstoke is alive with the Summer Street Fest which hosts free concerts for over 60 consecutive nights. In the fall, the streets buzz with art and energy at the annual LUNA Arts Festival. Don’t miss a guided heritage walk or drop into one of our four museums to understand the industries that have defined Revelstoke for the past 150 years. If you’re seeking to immerse yourself in the local arts and culture scene, check out what’s on at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre. They host exhibition openings on the first Friday of every month where you can meet local and regional artists featured in the current exhibit.

Highlights

More info at SeeRevelstoke.com

Castlegar

Castlegar, at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers, is rich in culture with a dynamic history. Known as The Sculpture Capital of Canada™, our galleries and museums feature local and international talent, while the Doukhobor history lives on through the Doukhobor Discovery Centre. Experience the unique gift shops, Sculpturewalk and all Castlegar has to offer, at the centre of it all!

Highlights

More info at DestinationCastlegar.com

Nelson and Kootenay Lake

Nelson was highlighted as the “Number One Small Town Arts Community in Canada” by author John Villani, and is home to a large and diverse artisan community.

Kaslo also has a collection of art throughout the village, with new stores and artisan shops displaying their wares on Kaslo’s vibrant streets. You can also find a wide variety of heritage sites, artisans, and cultural stops all along the shores of Kootenay Lake.