Bordered by towering peaks, forests, glacial lakes and rivers, Nelson and its surrounding communities have come of age in the past few years, quietly earning legendary renown as one of North America’s most unique mountain playgrounds. But unlike many of its holiday destination contemporaries throughout the west, Nelson and nearby centres of Balfour, Harrop-Procter and Salmo offer a remarkable mix of small town life and big city commerce.
Come see for yourself.
We’re a world class four-season destination, with accommodations ranging from waterfront resorts and boutique hotels to solitary lakeside camping spots. Stay in the middle of the action. Or the middle of nowhere. Visit our accommodation directory for a list of options.
As for events, there’s something going on almost every night of the year at a local nightspot or theatre, for all ages, and a full calendar of annual happenings.
RECREATION
The question isn’t what can you do in and around the Nelson area. It’s what you can’t. There isn’t much you won’t find in the way of adventure.
Nelson sits on the shores of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, with the nearby Salmo and Slocan Rivers winding beneath the rugged slopes of the Selkirk Mountains.
In winter you can ski and snowboard (by chairlift, snowcat, helicopter or your own oomph) snowmobile, snowshoe or cross country, skate (indoor and out)… when the weather warms, spring, summer and fall there’s world class mountain and road biking, golf, rapids and shorelines to paddle or float, climbing, fishing, dirt biking and ATVing.
ARTS & HERITAGE
For years considered one of North America’s great little arts towns, Nelson has a thriving cultural community that stretches to the villages, forests and fields throughout our rural reaches.
With some 350 heritage buildings — and that’s just in town — the region’s neighbourhoods and business districts teem with the frontier spirit that built the pillars of an economy that still exists today.
Reconciled and stewarded sites of great multi-cultural importance — including those of our First Nations — pay homage to the creation of places we now all call home.
ATTRACTIONS
For down days or a few free hours in between adventures and retail romps, there are dozens of great venues and side-trips to take in during your Nelson stay.
Rain, snow or shine, there are destinations for pool time or a deep soak and steam, as well as art exhibits, archives and historical destinations that can be self-guided or toured with hosts.
For a scenic stroll, a bit of exercise (or a lot), there are gorgeous walks through manicured green spaces and gardens, hikes into towering old growth forest and winding trails to famous vistas.
And for those who like to get out on the road, there’s a number of circuit drives that include free ferry rides — one of them the world’s longest free voyage across the water. Take a spin out to Harrop/Procter, Kootenay Lake’s East Shore, Kaslo or the nearby Slocan Valley.
nelson visitor centre
For more information, tips, or trip ideas come talk to our friendly staff at the Nelson & Area Visitor Centre and Station Gallery.
91 Baker Street
Nelson BC
Phone: (250) 352-3433
Toll Free: 1-877-663-5706
For even more info on things to do in the area visit the Nelson Kootenay Lake Toursim website.
VISITOR CENTRE & STATION GALLERY
Need more details? Drop by the Nelson & Area Visitor Centre, located in the historic CP Rail Station, or call 250-352-3433. There’s a local tourism expert there to help, as well as a beautiful art gallery and gift shop featuring an exciting variety of local products.
PLACES TO STAY
There is plenty of diversity when it comes to accommodations. From waterfront resorts, full service heritage hotels, boutique hotels, motels, B&B’s or vacation rentals, there is something that fits the needs of every visitor. Check out our Business Directory or visit Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism for even more ideas.
ANNUAL EVENTS
You won’t have much time to be bored in Nelson and area. With something going on almost every night of the year at a local nightspot or theatre, it seems there is an event of activity for all ages, including a full calendar of events that take place annually – see the list on our annual events page.
THINGS TO DO
It may sound like a cliché, but Nelson and area is a four-season destination with activities that take full advantage of its unique setting, a vibrant diverse community on the shores of Kootenay Lake, with a mountain backdrop that just calls for you to head outdoors. Check out our Things To Do page for ideas.
GETTING HERE
Let’s face it, Nelson and area isn’t the easiest place to get to. But once you are here, it’s well worth the effort. The region is located just north of the US border (about 2.5 hours from Spokane, Washington), at the mid-point of southern British Columbia’s Highway 3 between Calgary (7 hours) and Vancouver (8 hours), and 4 hours from the Okanagan Valley. It’s a wonderfully scenic trip through the mountains that you’ll always remember. Find out more about getting here.
NELSON KOOTENAY LAKE TOURISM
For more in-depth travel information, trip ideas and upcoming events in the Nelson area, please visit Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism – the official tourism association’s website. Here you’ll find a wealth of local Nelson resources including deals, contests, travel suggestions and more.
