Connecting the historical Doukhobor Suspension Bridge, the Highway 3A bridge and the Robson bridge with Castlegar streets and trails surrounding the rivers produces a full-day hike. Assume the walk is clockwise. Park anywhere on the loop.
Difficulty: Easy but very long C1
Elevation gained:
Distance:
Time:
Season: All year-round
Map: 82F/5 Castlegar
Drive: Park anywhere convenient along the route.
Trail/Street/Road:
Waldie Island Trail. Follows the north shore of the Columbia River for 1.5km through a blue heron bird sanctuary. Assess off the north end of the Robson Bridge. Exit at its east end at Brilliant Road.
Walk through Brilliant to the historical Doukhobor Suspension Bridge crossing the Kootenay River. Cross the bridge and then Highway 3A.
Access the Selkirk College Trails.
Cross the Highway 3A bridge over the Columbia River. Walk through Castlegar any number of ways.
After the bridge climb up to the railway bridge and walk the rails behind the recreation centre, crossing Columbia Avenue. You can continue on the railway to the Robson Bridge.
Or if desired one can walk down Columbia Avenue looking at all the sculptures, especially around City Hall and the downtown core.
Or at the top of Sherbico Hill, one can trend right walking towards Zuckerberg Island and the Millennial Walkway. Return to downtown Castlegar and the Robson Bridge.
From the end of the Robson Bridge, one is back at the Waldie Island Trail. The End!
WALDIE ISLAND TRAIL
The Waldie Island Trail was developed in 1996 to reclaim the historical heritage of this important stretch of the Columbia River and to introduce to the hiker the intricacies of the surrounding riparian ecosystem. This trail goes through a protected Blue Heron bird sanctuary known as the Waldie Island Heron Reserve. No bikes are allowed on this trail and dog-owners are requested to prevent dogs from disturbing birds by keeping them on leash or close by. This is particularly important for Blue Heron population recovery in this area.
Difficulty: Easy A1
Elevation gained: 0m
Distance: 1.5km
Drive: West Access: Drive north across the bridge connecting Castlegar and Robson. Turn right onto Old Mill Road, a gravel road 500m after the bridge. Pass under the railroad bridge to the parking lot
East Access: Drive north across the bridge connecting Castlegar and Robson. Take your 2nd right onto Makayev Road into the community of Brilliant. Quick right on Brilliant Road and park at the dead end.
Access from Pass Creek Regional Park: Take a short trail from the southeast end of the soccer field up to Broadwater Road. Cross Broadwater Rd and proceed down Waldie Lane. Follow signs to Waldie Island Trail; cross under the bridge and the trail is marked.
Trail: The trail follows the north shore of the river from the C.P.R. Bridge to Brilliant, a distance of 1.5 km. It is designed as a self-guided trail, richly rewarding for the contemplative hiker. The Waldie Island Trail runs through a wildlife reserve and because of ecological sensitivity, is meant for pedestrian traffic only. Signs explain aspects of local history and wetland ecology. The island itself is owned by the Nature Trust of BC and is protected as a heron reserve; no access is allowed to the island.
With the operation of the Keenlyside and Brilliant Dams, water levels can change rapidly (over an hour or two). Please exercise appropriate caution.
Dogs on leash only. Bikes are not allowed on this trail
Facilities: Bird viewing platform
SELKIRK COLLEGE TRAILS
A large network of trails, which includes interpretive walks along the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers. Selkirk College’s Recreation, Fish, & Wildlife students and staff proudly maintain these trails to a high degree of excellence.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gained: N/A
Distance: 15km
Season: Year-round (some sections are plowed in the winter)
Map: 82F/5 Castlegar
Drive: Turn off Hwy 3A across from the Castlegar Airport towards the college on Frank Beinder Way. Users can park at the Rosedale Road/Frank Beinder Way intersection to access the ‘Death Valley’ trails loop. Other access points are on the east side of the college gymnasium at the east end of the parking lot or from the top of the hill by the Doukhobor Museum. There are many places to park and access the trails anywhere on campus.
Trail: The Castlegar campus of Selkirk College is the location of over 15 kilometres of walking trails at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers. The college lands are home to a large variety of species, some of which are considered rare, such as the Rubber Boa, Western Grebe, Tiger Salamander and Great Blue Heron. The trails make for ideal early-season walks and a long hiking season due to their low elevation. Interpretive signs installed along two loops link the cultural and natural history of the area with the confluence of the two great rivers. These trails can also be accessed from the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, Russian Bistro, and Kootenay Gallery area which is across from the airport.
For more ambitious hikers, the campus trails connect to the Trans Canada Trail route to the City of Trail, along the east side of the Columbia River.
Bike and dog-friendly.
Facilities: Washrooms, picnic tables, benches, interpretive signage. Washrooms are available in the college and the gym during business hours.
MILLENNIUM WALKWAY / ZUCKERBERG ISLAND
Located on the big bend of the Columbia River close to the confluence with the Kootenay River. Experience the river up close.
Difficulty: Easy (walkway is paved)
Elevation gained: 0m
Distance: 1.8km
Season: Year-round
Map:
Drive: Right off Columbia Ave onto 3rd Street. Right onto 4th Ave. Left on 5th Street into the parking lot.
Access to Zuckerberg Island: Head east from Columbia Ave on 8th Street to the parking lot at the end of the road.
Trail. The Millennium Walkway is a 1.8 km paved, handicapped-accessible, riverside walk. There are benches, interpretive signs on the history of the area and the Columbia River, lights, and a footbridge. Add another five minutes south to your walk on a dirt path and you will arrive at Zuckerberg Island which has a great selection of trails and interesting Castlegar history. With a detour, can be part of the Three Bridges Loop.
Dogs on leash only. Bike friendly.
Facilities: washrooms, picnic tables, soccer fields, wading pools.