For a first-time visitor, there are numerous things to do in Nelson, BC. Every time you visit Nelson‘s charming town, you will fall in love again.
This lovely Canadian city is nestled in the rugged Selkirk Mountains on the shores of Kootenay Lake. Nelson, nicknamed “The Queen City” due to its 350 restored heritage buildings from the silver rush days, packs a powerful punch for any visitor.
There are plenty of things to do here for any outdoor enthusiast in Nelson, Canada. But it also has an old-world charm that makes just walking around town enjoyable. Continue reading if you’re wondering what to do in Nelson, BC!
1. Where can you find Nelson?
Nelson is set between the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains in the heart of British Columbia. Highways 3A and 6 pass through the city’s heart, making it easy to get about. The Kootenay regional airport also serves Nelson (30 minutes from the city), making it a popular domestic and international destination.
2. The best time to visit Nelson, BC, for visitors
While Nelson is a year-round destination, June and August are the most popular. The days are long and (mostly) sunny during these months, and the temperatures are pleasant (15-23°).
The summer season is ideal for the many outdoor activities available in Nelson and the surrounding area.
While the temperatures are slightly lower in May and September, you can admire beautiful flowers in Spring and changing leaves in Autumn.
The winter months in Nelson are cold, but if you enjoy winter activities (as many Canadians do), this is an excellent time to visit.
This is the video about winter in Nelson, BC. Let’s enjoy!
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3. Top 15 Awesome Things to do in Nelson, BC – Canada
Shop on Baker Street
Baker Street is the main street in Nelson and is home to most local shops, cafes, and restaurants.
This street has a surprising number of businesses for a small mountain town. You could easily spend a few hours strolling around and shopping.
Hot Springs Ainsworth in Nelson, BC
Ainsworth Hot Springs is a historic village on British Columbia’s Kootenay Lake. It is best known for its resort, which is only about an hour’s drive from Nelson. People always come here on day trips to soak in the hot springs. You could easily spend an afternoon here relaxing and enjoying the spa. There’s even a cave to explore!
The Ktunaxa people have used these springs for their restorative properties. The water is rich in minerals and flows from the nearby Cody Caves.
If you want to stay longer than a day, you can stay at the resort and eat at the Ktunaxa Grill.
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Hike to Pulpit Rock
When you arrive in Nelson, one of the first things you should do is hike up to Pulpit Rock. Hiking up to Pulpit Rock is something that almost every Nelson resident and visitor has done. This short hike is a great way to spend a few hours in Nelson.
This is a 3.5-kilometer round-trip hike with a 325-meter elevation gain that offers the best views of Nelson. Don’t miss out on this adventure if it’s a sunny day.
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Ski Whitewater in Nelson, BC
Whitewater Ski Resort is one of Canada’s best ski resorts. Whitewater is located just outside of Nelson, and skiing here is like stepping back in time. It’s a simple, retro ski resort away from the throngs of large resorts like Whistler.
While it may sound like some hippie ski hill, you might be surprised to learn that Whitewater receives 12 meters of snowfall each year.
So, if you spend a few days in Nelson in the winter, you’re bound to have at least one epic powder day. With so much powder and tree skiing, this is easily one of the best things to do in Nelson in the winter.
Visit Kokanee Creek Provincial Park
On a sunny day, Kokanee Creek Provincial Park is a lovely place near Nelson. Anyone visiting the West Kootenays should consider taking a hike in the park.
Within the park, 9.5 kilometers of easy hiking and walking trails range in difficulty. There’s also great wildlife viewing near Kokanee Creek at the end of Canyon Trail.
There is also plenty of beach access for a fun day on the water at the park. So grab your beach necessities and floaties, and have some fun in the sun.
Experience Mountain Biking in Nelson, BC
British Columbia, in general, is known for its epic bike riding in Canada and worldwide. Nelson also has some of the best mountain biking in British Columbia. Mountain biking here is not a joke.
What may be a black trail in other communities is a blue trail here. These mountain biking trails are challenging!
Nelson is in charge of trail maintenance in eight different areas. Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park and Balfour offer some of the best biking opportunities. Get a trail map from Valhalla Pure or Sacred Ride in town.
Trip to Kaslo
The village of Kaslo is another fantastic day trip from Nelson. A historic mining town worth a morning out is only an hour’s drive from Nelson. Once a prosperous silver mining town, it serves as a charming tourist destination along Kootenay Lake.
The town has a small population and can be sleepy at night, but it has a lively atmosphere during the day. Go for a swim at the beach or stroll around town. In town, there is a charming art gallery. If you have more time, you should visit the SS Moyie, a National Historic Site in Canada.
Immerse in the Food Scene in Nelson, BC
Nelson’s food scene is surprisingly impressive. It differs from nearby Rossland, Trail, Castlegar, or even Revelstoke, a few hours away, because it has some delicious and hip restaurants.
There is something for everyone here, from coffee shops like Empire Coffee and Oso Negro Coffee to fantastic dinner spots like Pitchfork.
Tamil Kitchen, Pitchfork, and Cantina Del Centro are my favorite places to eat in Nelson. Don’t be afraid to try Backroads Brewing Company for drinks and beer.
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Go to the Selkirk Loop
Driving the international Selkirk Loop is one of the nicest things to do in Nelson in the summer and fall. This is a gorgeous drive that will take you through both Canada and the United States.
Spend 3–8 days exploring the Selkirk Mountain Range. Enjoy the surroundings at your leisure. Starting in Nelson, you can drive to some attractions, like Sandpoint, Idaho, and Newport, Washington.
Kootenay Lake Stand-Up Paddleboarding
There is arguably no better way to spend a summer in Nelson than to visit Kootenay Lake. Take in the scenery from a stand-up paddleboard, a canoe, or even a motorboat. This lake comes alive in the summer, especially on a hot day. You’ll forget you’re in Canada and think you’re somewhere else!
Raft the Salmo River’s Class 4 Rapids in Nelson, BC
White Salmon River rafting has long drawn whitewater enthusiasts. The river’s class III-IV whitewater rapids challenge even our most experienced veteran raft guests, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced rafters.
The river’s water is crystal clear all year, fed by the glaciers of majestic Mt. Adams and aquifers beneath surrounding orchards. The White Salmon, once a lava tube, runs through narrow volcanic basalt canyons before emerging into the warm sunshine of a forested valley.
Sunbathe beneath the Big Bridge
Nelson has a large orange bridge. It’s a town symbol that you can’t help but notice. In the summer, there is a public beach right under the bridge where you can relax. If you have floats or want to wade near the shore, you can easily get into the water from here.
In the winter, the Rotary Lakeside Park is ideal for a stroll or to hand around the many Canadian Geese.
Explore Touchstones Museum: Museum of Art and History.
If you’re interested in learning more about Nelson’s history and culture, pay a visit to the Touchstones Museum, housed in a former post office established in 1902.
The museum features various exhibits highlighting the region’s natural riches, First Nations people, and early settlers. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum’s gift shop sells locally manufactured products.
Visit Cody Caves Provincial Park and go underneath.
Cody Caves Provincial Park is a little further inland from Ainsworth Hot Springs. The Cody Caves System, one of British Columbia’s most well-known cave systems, is a limestone cavern in the Selkirk Mountains that provides a unique experience of wandering through caves.
The caves are only available during the summer and can be explored on tour. Cody Cave Trips has tours for people of all ages and levels of fitness, ranging from short hikes to rigorous expeditions.
Take a beautiful drive in Nelson, BC
What better way to appreciate Nelson’s natural beauty than on a leisurely drive? There are several routes to choose from, each with its own distinct scenery.
4. Neighboring Communities in Nelson, BC
BALFOUR/AINSWORTH
Balfour and Ainsworth exemplify lake life, with the Selkirk Mountains behind them and the Purcells in front.
Both communities were Ktunaxa hunters, fishers, and gatherers for millennia. The Lower Kootenay Band manages the famous Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, 18 km north of Balfour.
HARROP/PROCTER
Both forward-thinking and laid-back, Harrop and Procter are nestled against the forested hills of West Arm Park and Kootenay Lake’s west arm.
Once home to fruit orchards, sawmills, hotels, and sternwheeler and rail shipments between Nelson and Creston, these picturesque outposts are now sustainable forestry and remanufacturing pioneers.
There are two lakeside parks, hiking, and mountain biking, a fantastic bakery and village store, and a mix of lovely heritage farms and new designer homes.
SALMO/YMIR
Salmo is becoming Nelson’s first bedroom community.
This Kootenay hub, just down the highway from the Shambhala Music Festival, now has a craft brewery, lively cafe and bistro, golf course, and ski hill with summertime mountain biking routes.
Beyond Nelson and District
Nelson’s west, north, and east neighbors are worth a day trip.
Winlaw, Silverton, and New Denver are along Slocan Lake and the Slocan River. Kaslo is the entryway to Kootenay Lake’s north end. The artisan-rich Crawford Bay, Riondel, and Wyndell are across the Kootenay Lake ferry.
