The Kootenays is a land of thick forests, pristine lakes and rivers and rugged mountains. Located in the Central Kootenay Region, Castlegar is right in the middle of it all. The region, which sits at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay rivers, has traditionally been an important aboriginal meeting ground. Today, Castlegar is at a major intersection leading to Nelson, Trail and the Slocan Valley, making it a prime location for visiting all that the area has to offer. But one does not have to go far. While small in population, Castlegar is not short on attractions. The Castlegar Golf Club is provincially renowned, and other activities, such as fishing, hiking, biking and cross-country skiing abound. The Castlegar Museum features a preserved railway station and the Doukhobor Village Museum offers a look into the interesting heritage of early Doukhobor settlement in Canada.