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
Historic Downtown Fernie | Elk Valley Culture | Fernie & Elk Valley Cultural Guide | Fernie Museum | The Arts Station | Fernie Heritage Library | Vogue Movie Theatre | Fernie Arts Co-op | Fernie Art Walk
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
Rossland / South Kootenay
Like any good mountain town, Rossland is home to a thriving arts and culture scene. Rossland Council for Arts and Culture runs a roster of programming out of the Minters Hall. The Rossland Light Opera Players produces original and classic musical theatre work. Want to learn a little more about Rossland’s storied history? Take in a summer performance by the Gold Fever Follies, visit the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre or pick up a Rossland Walking Tour brochure.
Boutique shops feature work from various artists or you can visit Quoynary Art Gallery and Stephanie Gauvin’s studio to view their work and curated pieces. 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 films playing at The Royal Theatre.
Highlights
Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre | Rossland Council for Arts & Culture | Trail & District Arts Council | Charles Bailey Theatre | Quoynary Art Gallery | Rossland Gold Fever Follies | Rossland Light Opera Players | Rossland Heritage Commission | The Royal Theatre | Blizzard Music Festival | Stephanie Gauvin Artwork Studio | Rossland Mountain Film Festival
Revelstoke
A thriving community of mountain creatives fill our calendars with colour, music, art and theatre year-round. From July to August, Grizzly Plaza is bustling with “Revy. Live Outside” which hosts free concerts for over 60 consecutive nights. In the fall, the streets come alive 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
LUNA Fest | Revy. Live Outside | Revy. Live | Revelstoke Museum and Archives | Revelstoke Railway Museum | BC Hydro Dam Visitor Centre | Rogers Pass National Historic Site | BC Interior Forestry Museum | Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre | Arts Revelstoke | Art Alleries | Residency Workshops | Movies In The Mountains
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 heart of the kootenays. #heartofthekootenays
Highlights
Castlegar Sculpture Walk | Doukhobor Discovery Center | Kootenay Gallery | Train Station Museum | Zuckerberg Island | Sunfest | Castlegar Artwalk
Nelson and Kootenay Lake
The Kootenay Lake communities of Nelson, Kaslo, Ainsworth Hot Springs, Balfour, North Kootenay Lake and the East Shore are home to a large and diverse arts community that is the foundation of many popular festivals, events, attractions, artists, and venues.
The region boasts a medley of boutique shops, heritage sites, markets, theatres, and galleries, alongside public artworks tucked into photo-worthy nooks and crannies. Networks of artisans, writers, performers, and more are constantly creating and sharing new work throughout these vibrant, talented communities. #findingawesome
Highlights
Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History | The Langham Cultural Centre | SS Moyie National Historic Site | Capitol Theatre | The Civic Theatre | Nelson Artwalk | Nelson International Mural Festival | Artisans of Crawford Bay | Kaslo Jazz Festival | Oxygen Arts Centre | May Days & Logger Sports | JB Fletcher Store & Museum |
Creston Valley
When in the Creston Valley, it is hard to ignore the artistic and cultural experiences that surround you. With inspiring natural beauty and a rich history, the area is a magnet for those who are passionate about both.
Our communities are home to top-notch galleries, quaint artisan studios, craft fairs, award winning theatre and music performances, fascinating museums, and rich First Nations history.
It all helps weave together a story of the people who came before us and helped to create this special place, to those who continue to develop and enjoy its bounty. Intrigued yet? Come for a visit to experience the story firsthand.
Highlights
Creston Museum | Legend Logos & Yaqan Nukiy Heritage Centre | Footlighters Theatre Society | Creston Concert Society | 7th Siding Festival of Film | Creston Valley Farmers Market | Creston Christmas Art & Craft Market | Art Barn Studio | Pridham Studio | Orde Creek Pottery | Kunze Gallery | Tilted Brick Gallery
Arrow Slocan
Arrow Lakes and Slocan Valley are known for their unique beat culture and the aspiring and flourishing artists and creators that colour the region. Being off the beaten path means tapping into the local art and music scene will turn up the hidden gems. Galleries are found in Nakusp and Slocan Valley. Café walls are host to local artist’s work and their shelves dotted with a curated collection of locally made products. The region’s rich history is found in the heritage downtowns, museums and the preserved ghost town of Sandon. Dive in, tap into local culture and get inspired. #arrowslocan
Highlights
Studio Connexion Gallery | Hidden Gallery | Still Point Pottery | North Valley Mountain Film Festival | Silverton Gallery | Nakusp Museum | Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre | Silvery Slocan Museum | Ghost Town of Sandon
