The West Kootenays is a large region with a number of cities and towns that offer incredible landscapes, endless outdoor adventures, and opportunities to find work-life balance in family-friendly communities. All of these communities are served by Interior Health. The most prominent communities in the West Kootenays are: Castlegar, Nelson, Trail, Rossland, Grand Forks, and Creston with many other smaller communities such as Salmo, New Denver, Kaslo, Nakusp, and Christina Lake. In addition to the summaries of these communities below, representatives from many of these communities are in the BC Interior Discord ready to welcome you and to answer your questions.
Castlegar, British Columbia, is a vibrant "hub" city nestled at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers. Castlegar offers a rare balance of professional fulfillment and an enviable Kootenay lifestyle. For healthcare workers, the appeal lies in a community that genuinely values its providers; the local culture is one of "collegial support," where the city and local foundations actively invest in the latest medical technology and recruitment of healthcare professionals to ensure the healthcare team thrives alongside the residents.
Volunteers in Creston have assembled a lovely infusion website with helpful information about the beautiful Creston Valley! Please visit the healthcare infusion page to learn about this welcoming community.
Located in the sunny Boundary Country, Grand Forks, British Columbia, offers a unique "best of both worlds" environment. The city sits at the confluence of the Kettle and Granby Rivers, providing a lush, Mediterranean-style climate that is perfect for those who love long summers and mild winters. for those seeking a slower pace. Grand Forks is an outdoor enthusiast's hidden gem, offering world-class gravel biking on the Columbia & Western Rail Trail, exceptional fly-fishing, and easy access to Christina Lake—widely regarded as the warmest tree-lined lake in Canada. Cost of living in Grand Forks is significantly lower than larger cities in BC and lower than most areas of the Okanagan and Kootenays in the BC Interior.