 West Arm Bridge, Nelson, Tourism BC/David Gluns photo
Car Travel Having a vehicle facilitates access to the surrounding mountains and valleys for hiking and other recreational activities and things to do. Car rentals are available from the Castlegar airport and from two locations in Nelson. Ensure the car is winterized and has proper tires or chains for winter use as some roads can get slippery.
Air Travel The closest airports to Nelson are Castlegar Municipal Airport and Trail Regional Airport. Castlegar is 41km/25mi away, while Trail is 67km/42mi. Air Canada Jazz has daily service from Vancouver and Calgary into nearby Castlegar Airport, and an airport shuttle service is available to downtown Nelson. Pacific Coastal Airlines flies into Trail's airport. Visitors from the US often fly into Spokane, Wa, rent a car and then make the three-hour drive to Nelson or drive from the Canadian Rockies International Airport near Cranbrook(add link) approximately 250km/156mi or the Kelowna International Airport, about 338km/210mi away. Be advised that Castlegar Airport only operates during daylight hours and low ceilings due to fog, snow or rain can impact flight arrivals and departures, particularly in winter. Some flights may be cancelled, so it is recommended to book an earlier flight, in case the first one out is cancelled. Selkirk College operates airport webcams and general consensus is that flights are more likely to land/depart if the tops of mountains are visible. Motorcycles and RVs With many quiet mountain roads in the area, motorcycle touring has become very popular. Riders can socialize with each other at the unique "motorcycle only" Toad Rock Campsite about 40 minutes north of town, while overnight recreational vehicle parking is permitted in the Chahko Mika Mall parking lot on the waterfront.
Public Transportation Greyhound Bus Canada operates a twice-daily scheduled service that connects with Vancouver and Calgary. The depot is located a five-minute walk from the Prestige Lakeside Resort. BC Transit operates regularly scheduled bus services within Nelson and very limited service to some neighbouring communities. Gravity Adventures operates a daily ski shuttle bus from Nelson to the Whitewater Winter Resort.
Getting Around The single lane road that follows Kokanee Creek into Kokanee Glacier Park can be navigated by most cars, but is not recommended for recreational vehicles. Access to more remote wilderness areas requires a high clearance, preferably four wheel drive vehicle. Bicycle rentals, mostly mountain bikes, are available at the two bike shops on Baker Street. Local maps are available at the Nelson Visitor Centre.
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