Doukhobor Discovery Centre Tours and Activities

Doukhobor Discovery Centre which includes heritage architecture
Doukhobor Discovery Centre featuring a house and a garden
Doukhobor Discovery Centre
Doukhobor Discovery Centre which includes interior views
Doukhobor Discovery Centre featuring interior views and heritage elements


See how the Doukhobor people lived, ate and worked together in this replica of an early 20th-century settlement. 

Watch the weavers and spinner at work, view personal possessions and large communal living spaces and shop for unique crafts at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre. Explore the gardens and find out which famous novelist was a benefactor to the sect. You can also visit a blacksmith shop and traditional sauna. 

The Doukhobor people first settled in this area in 1908 when around 5,000 people were forced to give up their land in Saskatchewan. Around 60 villages sprung up over the course of 5 years and the Doukhobor Discovery Centre showcases how these settlements would have worked. 

The best way to see the settlement is to take one of the village tours. These begin in the Audio Visual Centre, where old slides and films provide evocative images of the time. Once you’ve seen these, head into the communal dwelling. Look through the large kitchen and dining area where the women would cook for up to 50 people daily. Head upstairs to see the bedrooms. Chronologically arranged décor allows you to see how the styles changed from the early days of the settlement to the 1930s. You will also see several personal items that belonged to early settlers. 

Explore the gardens and you will find a large statue of the Russian novelist Tolstoy. He was a sympathizer with the Doukhobor people and donated money to assist in setting up their communes.

Don’t miss the Selkirk Weavers Room. Here you can see spinners and weavers giving live displays. Head to the gift shop to buy some of the crafts they create. Fabrics such as hemp and cotton are dyed with natural colorings and turned into rugs, tablecloths and more. 

Explore the grounds further and you will discover the “banya,” a traditional sauna that was used to dry clothes. Close by you will see a blacksmith’s shop that contains original tools and materials.

The Doukhobor Discovery Centre is located opposite the West Kootenay Regional Airport. It is open daily from May to September and there is a small charge for entry.

Plan a trip to see Doukhobor Discovery Centre

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Savoy Hotel
Prestige Inn Nelson
Sandman Hotel Castlegar

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Doukhobor Discovery Centre

Sandman Hotel Castlegar

Sandman Hotel Castlegar

2.5 out of 5
1944 Columbia Ave, Castlegar, BC
Sandman Hotel Castlegar
Super 8 by Wyndham Castlegar BC

Super 8 by Wyndham Castlegar BC

2 out of 5
651 18th Street, Castlegar, BC
Super 8 by Wyndham Castlegar BC
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Castlegar

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Castlegar

2.5 out of 5
1810 8th Avenue, Castlegar, BC
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Castlegar
Canadas Best Value Inn & Suites Castlegar

Canadas Best Value Inn & Suites Castlegar

2 out of 5
1935 Columbia Ave, Castlegar, BC
Canadas Best Value Inn & Suites Castlegar
Twin Rivers Motel & RV Park

Twin Rivers Motel & RV Park

2.5 out of 5
1485 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar, BC
Twin Rivers Motel & RV Park
Chameleon Hotel

Chameleon Hotel

2.5 out of 5
330 Columbia Ave, Castlegar, BC
Chameleon Hotel
Sentinel Mountain view Flat, outdoor activities & parks right at your doorstep

Sentinel Mountain view Flat, outdoor activities & parks right at your doorstep

Castlegar
Sentinel Mountain view Flat, outdoor activities & parks right at your doorstep
Genelle House B&B Guest House

Genelle House B&B Guest House

3 out of 5
327, 15th Avenue, Genelle, BC
Genelle House B&B Guest House
Glenwood Inn & Suites

Glenwood Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
2679 Glenwood Drive, Trail, BC
Glenwood Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Doukhobor Discovery Centre

Experience a range of activities at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre in Castlegar, including guided tours of the living museum, school visits, and opportunities for business retreats. Beyond the centre, enjoy the stunning natural surroundings with options for hiking, skiing, and wildlife observation. This unique destination offers a blend of cultural insights and outdoor adventures, perfect for every visitor.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, Waneta Plaza, located 22.5km away from the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, offers a delightful shopping experience. You'll find a mix of family-friendly stores and unique local businesses, perfect for picking up gifts and souvenirs to remember your trip.

Recreation

Experience the tranquil vibes at Cottonwood Falls Park, perfect for relaxation amidst nature. For an active day, head to the Trail-Rossland Country Club, where you can enjoy a round of golf. Indulge in rejuvenating treatments at Bodhi Day Spa to enhance your wellness journey.

Adventure

The Slocan Valley Rail Trail, located 20.9km from the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, offers stunning outdoor scenery and hiking adventures. For winter sports, Big Red Cats and Silverlode Chair, both 25.7km away, provide thrilling ski experiences amidst breathtaking mountain views.

Nightlife

In Castlegar, the Castle Theatre, located 3.2km from the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, offers a delightful blend of culture and entertainment. A bit further, Charles Bailey Theatre, 22.5km away, provides a romantic atmosphere perfect for family outings and captivating performances.

Find the best attractions near Doukhobor Discovery Centre

While visiting the Doukhobor Discovery Centre in Castlegar, you can explore various attractions including the Doukhobor Discovery Centre Museum and the Doukhobor Village Museum. Enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views, with nearby options like national parks and golf courses. This destination offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty, making it perfect for a memorable vacation in British Columbia.

  • Selkirk College: Located 805m from the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, Selkirk College offers a vibrant atmosphere with modern facilities. Explore the campus and enjoy the city vibes while taking in the educational and cultural initiatives that enrich the local community.
  • Castlegar Golf Club: Situated 1.6km away, this golf course is perfect for enthusiasts and casual players alike. Enjoy a round of golf surrounded by stunning views, art installations, and sunny weather that enhance your experience on the greens.
  • Kootenay Gallery: Just 0.1.6kms from the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, this gallery showcases local and regional art, celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of the Kootenay region. Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene and appreciate the creativity on display.

Best time to go to Doukhobor Discovery Centre

The best time to visit Doukhobor Discovery Centre can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Doukhobor Discovery Centre falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Doukhobor Discovery Centre falls in December, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January23.0°F (-5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February24.3°F (-4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately High
March32.0°F (0.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowModerately Low
May51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
June58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July67.1°F (19.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighModerately High
August66.7°F (19.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighModerately High
September56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighModerately Low
November30.4°F (-0.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
December21.9°F (-5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Doukhobor Discovery Centre

If you're planning a visit to the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, consider taking advantage of free activities like the nearby Kootenay Gallery. To save on accommodation, plan your stay in April or October to November when hotel prices are lower, and try to book from Wednesday to Wednesday for the best rates. Use Expedia to compare and sort hotel prices, and consider eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities with an Expedia package can lead to significant savings. Look out for ticket deals for added discounts!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Doukhobor Discovery Centre is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Doukhobor Discovery Centre are April and October to November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to February and July to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Doukhobor Discovery Centre is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Doukhobor Discovery Centre is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can organize your search results by sorting prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.