Zuckerberg Island Park

Imagine a green oasis cradled by mighty rivers—this is Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park. It is a unique historical and natural park in the city of Castlegar, formed by melting glaciers thousands of years ago. The island is nestled at the picturesque confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay rivers, offering guests a rare blend of wild nature and human history.

The highlight of this site in Canada is the unusual Chapel House, built in a Russian style by Alexander Zuckerberg in the 1930s. This building, reminiscent of its creator's distant homeland, now serves as a museum housing artifacts that tell the story of the local Doukhobor community and the lives of early settlers.

The park attracts visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and well-kept trails winding through dense forest. It is a place where you can feel the connection between eras, moving from ancient indigenous sites to the architectural monuments of the last century, all while enjoying magnificent views of the Selkirk Mountains.

To confirm current information about exhibits or to organize group tours, you can use the official contact details. The park is managed by city authorities, which ensures cleanliness and safety throughout the island.

Start your exploration of the park with a walk across the suspension footbridge, which offers breathtaking views of the rushing waters. Once on the island, head out to explore the network of nature trails. Be sure to find the reconstructed winter pit house of the Lakes Salish people—it is a unique opportunity to see how people lived in these parts over three thousand years ago, entering their homes through a hole in the roof.

During the warmer months, the main highlight is a visit to the Alexander Zuckerberg Chapel House. Inside this small museum, you can see the engineer's personal belongings and learn more about Doukhobor culture. Don't forget to look for the famous "Stump Woman" sculpture, skillfully carved directly from an old tree stump, which has become a mascot of the park.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the island offers great opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. You will often find photographers here hunting for the perfect shot against the backdrop of the two great rivers merging. If you are looking for peace, simply choose one of the many benches in the shade of the trees for a quiet rest or an open-air picnic.

Reaching this secluded natural corner is quite simple: the park is located at 901 7 Ave, right in the heart of the city. If you are traveling by car, follow 7th Avenue to the banks of the Columbia River, where free parking is provided for visitors. The drive from the downtown area takes only a few minutes.

A unique feature of this location is that the island can only be reached on foot. You will cross a scenic suspension bridge over the Columbia River, which is a fantastic photo spot in its own right. Those who prefer public transport can take city buses to the center and then enjoy a pleasant 15-minute walk or ride along the Millennium Walkway bike path.

For travelers from other regions, the West Kootenay Regional Airport (YCG) is the nearest landmark, located about 40 minutes away. Taxi services and car rentals are also available, making a visit to the island convenient even for those staying in Castlegar for a short time.

The history of this site dates back to antiquity: over 3,500 years ago, the island served as a winter home for the Lakes Salish indigenous people. They built unique cedar-insulated pit houses and fished for salmon. Even in the early 19th century, explorer David Thompson documented that the indigenous residents continued to use these fish-rich waters for spring harvesting.

A new chapter in the island's history began in 1931 when Alexander Fyodorovich Zuckerberg, a Russian engineer and follower of Leo Tolstoy's teachings, arrived in the area. A pacifist and teacher, he came at the invitation of the Doukhobor community. In 1935, he purchased the island and built the unusual Chapel House in a traditional Russian Orthodox style, which remains the park's primary architectural gem today.

Alexander Zuckerberg was not only an engineer but also a talented sculptor—his works, carved from tree stumps, can still be found along the forest trails. In 1981, the city authorities purchased the land from his heirs to transform it into a public park. Today, the site carefully preserves the memory of both the region's prehistoric inhabitants and the remarkable life of the Russian intellectual who found peace in the Canadian mountains.

Travelers typically spend 1 to 2 hours visiting the park. This is usually enough time for a leisurely stroll along the main trails, crossing the suspension bridge, and taking commemorative photos at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay rivers.

If you plan to go inside the Chapel House museum, study the historical exhibits in detail, or have a small picnic in the shade of ancient trees, you should set aside about 3 hours for your visit. The island's tranquil atmosphere invites contemplative relaxation, making it a place where you won't want to rush.

The park itself is open to visitors daily and year-round, usually from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, allowing you to enjoy the morning coolness or the colors of sunset. Entry to the island is free, though small donations for park maintenance are welcomed.

Please note that the Chapel House (museum) operates on a seasonal schedule—it is most often open to visitors from May to August. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the official City of Castlegar website before planning your visit to ensure you can get inside the historic building.

After a stroll through the island's shaded alleys, you can continue exploring the local culture and cuisine nearby. The proximity to the city center makes it easy to combine a park visit with lunch at a cozy restaurant or a visit to a historical museum.