Nelson has both the terrain and the scenery that makes for fantastic hiking. Clear streams, large inland lakes, forest covered valleys, wildflowers, make this area a hiker’s paradise. Wildlife here thrives, so don't be surprised if you encounter deer, elk, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, both grizzly brown, black bears. Both bald eagles and golden eagles fly overhead. There are at least 10 trails close to the city for hiking, biking and snowshoeing.
For Family Hiking
8 hiking trails leave from the West Kootenay Visitor Centre and lead through the impressive Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. The park's sandy beach and delta area slopes gently upward to the base of the forested Slocan Range of the Selkirk Mountains. If you are visiting in late summer, be sure to see the remarkable spawning of the Kokanee salmon.
For More Adventurous Hikers
Try taking on Kokanee Glacier Park. This rugged mountain area is open for hiking between July and October. Kokanee Glacier itself is the main attraction and sits an elevation of 2775 meters. Wilderness camping is permitted in designated areas. There are no developed campgrounds in the park. Various shelters are located throughout the park for overnight use.
Rock Climbing & Mountaineering
The Nelson region is abundant with great climbing opportunities. The new West Kootenays Rock Climbing Guidebook has over 400 listed routes, putting the area clearly on the map as a climbing destination. The weather is overall drier than Squamish and cooler than Skaha. The mild climate makes for a long season too, typically April to October. Many areas are close to water for a quick après-climb dip in the heat of summer. The climbing is mostly on good quality granite and gneiss and both traditional as well as bolted sport climbs can be found on routes ranging from 1 to 8 pitches long.
Recommended local areas include CIC, Kootenay Crag, Hall Siding and Grohman Narrows, but fantastic climbing can also be found at the Waterline and Kinnard Bluffs in Castlegar as well as the Slocan Bluffs by the lake in Slocan City. For some great multipitch climbing try Pulpit Peak in Nelson and the Brilliant Wall in Castlegar.
If you are looking for a day guide or a specialized guided trip, contact:
For more information on all the activities available to you in and around Nelson, please drop by our Visitor Info Centre.
225 Hall Street, Nelson BC V1L 5X4 Phone: (250) 352-3433 Toll Free: 1-877-663-5706
