Nelson’s heritage buildings clamber up the Selkirk Mountains and overlook the golden beaches of Kootenay Lake. Complementing its beautifully preserved architecture is Nelson’s thriving arts scene, hippy culture and rugged mountain trails.
Things to do in Nelson
Get a feel for Nelson’s funky vibe with a stroll down historic Baker Street, where freshly roasted coffee permeates the air. Get your caffeine hit at Oso Negro and find hand-woven scarves and unique pottery at Crafts Connection. When the sun goes down, tuck into some tofu tacos and a cocktail at Cantina Del Centro bar.
For magnificent views over Nelson against the peaks of Kokanee Glacier, hike up Mount Grohman to Pulpit Rock. Families looking for a less strenuous climb can explore several gently sloping trails in Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, while avid hikers can trek through the rugged terrain of sapphire lakes and soaring peaks in Kokanee Glacier Park.
Nestled at the base of Ymir Mountain, Whitewater Ski Resort offers backcountry skiing and snowboarding just 25 minutes from Nelson. The relaxed resort is renowned for receiving over 12 meters of powdery snow every season. In summer, go river rafting along the Facchina Rapids of Slocan River or canoe across Kootenay Lake.
If you’re keen to uncover the local history, visit the Touchstones Nelson Museum to learn about the traditions and perspectives of the Sinixt and Ktunaxa First Nations’ people, where you can retrace the European Settlements through the fur trade and gold mining eras. For a glimpse into the creative hub of Nelson, don’t miss the museum’s changing art exhibits.
Getting around Nelson
Nelson is just 30 minutes’ drive from Castlegar Airport and an hour’s flight from Calgary or Vancouver. Greyhound buses arrive in Nelson from both east and west. Once in Nelson, shuttle buses, taxis and ferries provide convenient transport in and around town.