Living in Castlegar Since I Started School

I have been living in Castlegar, British Columbia since August 2023, when I started my studies at Selkirk College. This town became my home while I was adjusting to student life in Canada.

Castlegar is a small and quiet place. It is very different from big cities, and that is something I learned to appreciate. When I first arrived, everything felt new and challenging—starting school, managing my time, and being far from my family. But the calm environment of Castlegar helped me focus on my studies.

Most of my days were spent attending classes at Selkirk College, studying, and doing assignments. Living here made student life simpler because there are fewer distractions. After school, I would sometimes walk around town or enjoy the fresh air and nature. The rivers and mountains around Castlegar always reminded me to slow down and breathe.

Places I’ve Visited in Castlegar

Castlegar has some interesting places to visit, especially if you like nature, art, and history:

• Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park – A peaceful park with walking paths and historic buildings right on the Columbia River. It’s a great place for a walk or a quiet afternoon.

• Castlegar Sculpturewalk – In the downtown area, you can see many outdoor sculptures by local and international artists. This makes walking around town fun.

• Doukhobor Discovery Centre and Heritage Museum – A cultural and historical site where you can learn about the Doukhobor people and their history in the region.

• CPR Station Museum – A small railway museum with old photos and history of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Castlegar. 

• Brilliant Suspension Bridge – A historic footbridge over the Kootenay River that is fun to walk across and take photos.

• Syringa Provincial Park – A little outside Castlegar, this park has a lake, trails, and beaches, perfect for camping, walking, or kayaking.

• Millennium Park – A big park near the river with trails, picnic spots, and places to relax when the weather is nice.

There are also nice trails and places near town where people go for hikes, bike rides, and wildlife watching. You can often see birds, deer, and other animals around the river and forests.

The people in Castlegar are friendly and welcoming. Even small conversations made me feel less alone. Living here helped me become more independent and confident as an international student.

Living in Castlegar since August 2023 has been an important part of my journey at Selkirk College. It is the place where I grew, learned, and continued chasing my goals in Canada. I am happy I took time to explore this town and enjoy what it has to offer.