A visit to the CPR Station Museum is a journey through the local history and railway heritage of Castlegar. Check out historic photography displays, explore the living quarters of a station master and step aboard old train carriages. The museum is housed in an early 1900s former railway station of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR).
Go to the upper floor to see inside the former residence of the station master, complete with period décor and furniture. On the ground floor you’ll find artifacts that showcase the history of Castlegar and the Kootenay Rockies region. Browse through newspaper archives, admire old city photographs and find information about the importance of the railroad to the development of Castlegar.
Located in the museum’s garden are original rail transport vehicles. Among these is a boxcar, a type of freight car common in North America. Don’t miss the caboose, which is a railcar used at the rear of a freight train to give shelter to the train’s crew. The railroad next to the museum is still operational and you can often see freight trains pass by.
Finish your visit at the museum’s gift shop, where you can purchase railroad souvenirs and handcrafted items, such as art and pottery, by local artisans.
Visit the museum on Saturday from April to October when it hosts the Castlegar Farmer’s Market. Browse the stalls for handicrafts, herbs, fresh produce and artisanal food.
You’ll find the CPR Station Museum situated on the western edge of downtown Castlegar. There’s a large car park adjacent to the museum and free limited-hour parking is available on the streets. Nearby attractions include the Castlegar Sculpture Walk and Twin Rivers Park. About a 25-minute walk away is Zuckerberg Island, a historic island home to walking trails, woods and heritage buildings.
CPR Station Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday and admission is free, although donations are welcome. The museum offers free internet access to visitors. Find full details on the museum’s official website.
