The community's mild climate means ideal temperatures for outdoor play. In winter, the area's diverse terrain makes for great skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Summer brings ideal temperatures for golfing, hiking, fishing, climbing, mountain biking and bird watching.
Clear streams, inland lakes, wildflowers and forested valleys make Nelson a hiker's dream. Venture out on one of eight hiking trails that leave from the Visitor Centre in Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. Be sure to stop and see spawning kokanee in late summer.
Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park spans 32,035 ha (79,150 ac) of stunning country. Discover three glaciers, vast snowfields and sparkling glacial lakes. Towering centre stage, Kokanee Glacier is surrounded by lush valleys and old-growth forest, while golden eagles soar overhead. Spot wildlife such as mountain goat, deer, black and grizzly bears as well as rabbits and squirrels. Several hiking trails wind throughout the park. Fishing is possible along some of the trails.
You can also play a round of golf, driving one of the spectacular fairways of Nelson's three distinct, 18-hole golf courses.
Mountain biking in Nelson is legendary. From gentle railway glades to steep technical tracks, you can bike against a backdrop of the spectacular Selkirk Mountains. Many rides are within a short drive from Nelson or are accessible by bike right from town. Rock climbers also love to get a grip in Nelson. The local climbing club has an indoor climbing wall, and there are several great outdoor climbs in the area.
Over 350 designated heritage buildings distinguish Nelson as one of the finest heritage cities in Canada. Take a self-guided walking or driving tour past these beautifully restored, Victorian-style residences and buildings. Pick up a map at the Visitor Info Centre located in the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce.
You can also drive southwest to Castlegar to visit the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, which recreates one of the communal villages originally settled by the Doukhobors, a group of Russian pacifists who immigrated to Canada in the early 1900s. Cross the Doukhobor Suspension Bridge, built by hand in 1913 and designated as a National Heritage Site. Also in Castlegar, see Hugh Keenleyside Dam and Brilliant Dam.
Nelson is one Canada's finest heritage cities, with over 350 designated Victorian-style heritage buildings. Take a self-guided walking or driving tour of this beautiful community, then stop in to explore local history at the Nelson Museum.
Several summer arts festivals thrive in Nelson. Local shops transform into galleries during Artwalk, which runs from July to September. Streetfest in late July finds lively Baker Street spilling with artists, musicians, comedians, jugglers, puppeteers and many other talented performers.
Northeast of Nelson, board a ferry in Balfour for the 40-minute crossing to Kootenay Bay on the world's longest free ferry ride. Once there, visit the celebrated arts community of Crawford Bay. Don't miss the Doukhobor Discovery Centre in Castlegar, which recreates one of the communal villages originally settled by the Doukhobors, a group of Russian pacifists who immigrated to Canada in the early 1900s.
The community of Nelson is itself a unique attraction with more than 350 designated heritage buildings. Visitors can take a self-directed walking or driving tour, or tour the community in style by hopping aboard the restored Streetcar 23 which runs in the summer months from Lakeside Park. Lakeside also offers sandy beaches, tennis courts, a picnic area and a restaurant. It is an idyllic spot to spend the day.
Local area history can be explored at the Nelson Museum, with its displays of explorers and settlers, as well as of BC's First Nations. For a soothing escape, head to nearby Ainsworth Hot Springs. Here you can wade into the unique horseshoe-shaped cave, where a steamy shower of mineralized water falls from the cave's roof into a waist-deep pool.
Take the world's longest free ferry ride to visit the artistic community of Crawford Bay. You can also drive to Castlegar and visit the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, which recreates one of the communal villages originally settled by this group of Russian pacifists.
Indulge in an evening of music, film, dance or theatre at the beautifully restored Capitol Theatre. The David Thompson Cultural Centre is another great venue for musical, theatrical and literary performances. Stroll down lively Baker Street to explore an eclectic array of shops, restaurants and heritage buildings. Several summer arts festivals thrive in Nelson. Local shops transform into galleries during Artwalk from July to September. Streetfest in late July finds Baker Street spilling with artists, musicians, comedians, jugglers, puppeteers and many other talented performers.
Catch the Nelson Leafs, a Kootenay International Junior Hockey League team, playing at the Civic Centre.
Kokanee Glacier Park spans 32,035 ha (79,150 ac) of stunning country in the Selkirk Mountains. Three glaciers feed the park's 30 lakes and many creek headwaters. Towering centre stage is Kokanee Glacier, surrounded by lush valleys and old-growth forest. The park is a significant habitat for grizzly bears and also home to a variety of bird species. Several hiking trails wind through the park, while fishing is possible along some of the trails.
Stop in at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park to soak up the scenery along the park's sandy beaches and two campgrounds. Amenities include an adventure playground, boat launch, viewing platform, group campsite and nearby marina. Eight hiking trails leave from the park's Visitor Centre. Wildlife such as deer, elk, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, cougars as well as grizzly, brown and black bears thrive in the area. Bald and golden eagles often soar overhead.
Immerse your mind and body at Ainsworth Hot Springs, in its unique horseshoe-shaped cave. A steamy shower of mineralized water falls from the cave's roof into a waist-deep pool, creating a natural steam bath.
Sandy beaches and fine swimming spots dot the area at Lakeside Park and around Kootenay Lake. Nelson spas offer soothing services from water massages to mud hydrotherapy to retreat centres. Blaylock Estate is a majestic mountain retreat in Nelson. Built in 1937 on the shores of Kootenay Lake, this old-world manor will captivate your soul and fire your imagination.
You don't have to look hard to find a fishing spot in the Nelson area. Kootenay Lake is the largest inland lake in BC. Dip your line here for Gerrard rainbow and bull trout as well as kokanee. Kayaking, fishing, sailing and swimming are also popular on the lake. Cast for cod, bass and trout below the Brilliant Dam or in the Slocan Pool, where the Slocan River meets the Kootenay River.
Canoe the Slocan River - you'll float past pastoral farmland set against a spectacular mountain backdrop. The shallow reed- and rush-choked waterway teems with wildlife. You can also stop to swim from one of the area's many beaches en route. Windsurfing, wakeboarding and waterskiing are also popular activities in Nelson. The clear water of Kootenay Lake allows divers to explore one of the largest concentrations of well-preserved, freshwater wrecks in western North America.
For a restorative soak, head to Ainsworth Hot Springs. Wade into the natural steam bath situated in a unique horseshoe-shaped cave.
Deep snow and spectacular scenery draw skiers to Whitewater Winter Resort southeast of Nelson, with its gently groomed, wide-open glades and bowls as well as steep and deep slopes. Close to Whitewater Winter Resort, the Nelson Nordic Ski Club grooms over 25 km (15.5 mi) of cross-country ski trails for enthusiasts of all levels. Nordic ski trails are also located at Kokanee Creek and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Parks. Head into the backcountry for magnificent touring or telemarking. The Nelson area also offers excellent cat-skiing and heli-skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling opportunities.