Millennium Park

On the scenic banks of the mighty Columbia River lies Millennium Park—the primary pride of Castlegar. This massive urban park covers an impressive 23 hectares and is considered the heart of social life in the entire southern part of Canada. Thanks to its location just five blocks from downtown, it is an easily accessible oasis for every traveler.

The site is a unique recreational complex where natural beauty is harmoniously complemented by modern infrastructure. It is not just a green space, but a full-scale center of attraction designed so that both children and adults can enjoy active recreation or quiet solitude against the backdrop of spectacular Canadian landscapes.

Millennium Park is famous for its variety: well-maintained beaches, sports facilities, and historic trails coexist here. As a community focal point, it offers a unique look at the local ecosystem and the region's culture, turning an ordinary walk into an exciting exploration.

To plan your visit to this picturesque corner of nature, it is helpful to have up-to-date contact information. Below are the details to help you easily find your way and locate the park entrance from the city streets. We recommend saving these coordinates to reach your destination without trouble.

In this park, everyone will find something to their liking: the area is literally packed with opportunities for both active and quiet leisure. One of the main attractions is the three natural swimming ponds with clean sandy bottoms, which are fed by river water. It is an ideal spot for swimming during the summer months, while the adjacent sandy beaches allow you to enjoy the sun surrounded by mountains.

For extreme sports enthusiasts, the largest bike park in the Kootenay region is open. It features professional jump tracks, pump tracks, and flow tracks suitable for riders of all skill levels. If you prefer walking, the 1.8-kilometer paved Millennium Walkway awaits, leading across an elegant arched bridge to the best viewing platforms.

Families with children will be delighted by the massive castle playground—one of the tallest and most impressive play structures in the country. Additionally, visitors can play tennis or pickleball, use the outdoor fitness stations, or simply arrange a cozy picnic on the manicured lawns while watching the river flow or the fishermen on the bank.

Getting to the park is easy, as it is located in the immediate vicinity of the downtown area. A walk from the heart of Castlegar takes very little time—the entrance to the recreation area is just five blocks from the main streets. Many tourists and locals prefer to get here by bicycle, taking advantage of the well-developed network of paths.

For those traveling by private or rental car, parking spaces are provided on-site. If you are in a more distant area or arrived downtown by public transport, it is most convenient to take a taxi, which will deliver you directly to the gate at 110 5 St. The route to the park passes through scenic areas near the confluence of two great rivers, making even a short trip a pleasant adventure.

The history of this place is inextricably linked with the arrival of the new millennium. Millennium Park was officially opened on June 1, 2001, as an ambitious city project designed to transform the waterfront. A special contribution to its development was made by a local artist and historian, whose informational plaques now help visitors understand the complex ecosystem and rich past of the region.

One of the most captivating parts of the park is its connection to Zuckerberg Island via an elegant suspension pedestrian bridge. The island is named after Alexander Zuckerberg, a Russian engineer and educator who settled here in the 1930s. A unique chapel built by him in the traditional Russian architectural style remains on the island, along with his artwork, which has become part of the city's cultural heritage.

The park's territory also preserves memories of much more ancient eras. Archaeological research confirms that thousands of years ago, the Lakes-Salish people built winter pit houses here and practiced fishing. Today, the park serves as a living reminder of centuries of history on the banks of the Columbia River, blending the heritage of indigenous peoples and 20th-century settlers.

To take a leisurely stroll along the main paths, view the ponds, and cross the bridge to Zuckerberg Island, most visitors need between 2 and 4 hours. This is the optimal amount of time for an introductory visit that includes studying the historical plaques and contemplating the river scenery.

If your plans include active recreation in the bike park, swimming in the natural pools, or a family picnic on the grass, we recommend setting aside an entire day for your visit. The park offers so many diverse zones—from sports fields to conservation areas with rare plants—that it is easy to spend time here from morning until evening.

Millennium Park is open to visitors 24/7, seven days a week. This open schedule allows guests to enjoy the beauty of nature at dawn as well as during evening walks, when the setting sun paints the Columbia River in golden tones.

Nevertheless, for the safest and most comfortable use of all infrastructure, including the bike park and playgrounds, visitors are advised to choose daylight hours. Since the official operating hours of specific facilities within the park may vary, it is worth checking the city's official website for the latest information before your visit.

Exploring the surroundings after a walk in the park will help you get an even better feel for the local community. There are many interesting locations nearby—from historical monuments to cozy restaurants where you can relax and share your impressions.