Discover Nelson, a beautiful West Kootenays mountain town on the shores of Kootenay Lake. Whether youβre looking to get out on the water, hike, bike, relax at the beach or hot springs, or check out local art and history, thereβs something for everyone! Here are 10 fun things to do in Nelson this summer.
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Top 10 Picks for Summer Fun in Jasper
1. Explore historic Baker Streetβs colorful buildings which are home to one-of-a-kind boutiques, art galleries (Nelson is known as the Number One Small Arts Town in Canada), and amazing restaurants like Broken Hill, Cantina Del Centro Nelson, and Thorβs Pizzeria.
2. Find fresh local produce, arts and crafts, and more at the weekly Nelson Farmers Market. Saturdays at Cottonwood Falls Park and Wednesdays on Baker Street.
3. Cottonwood Falls Park and Japanese Garden is a scenic spot for a morning or evening walk.
4. Cool off at Rotary Lakeside Park. With a sandy beach and swimming area, shaded green spaces, SUP and kayak rentals, and ice cream at Rose Garden Cafe, itβs the best place to be on a hot day!
5. Ride historic Streetcar #23 along the waterfront. Admission is by donation: suggested $3/adult, $8/family. If you prefer to walk the scenic Nelson Lakeside Path, itβs 6 km round trip.
6. Hike, paddle (rentals available onsite), and learn about the salmon lifecycle at nearby Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. If you visit in late August and September, you can see red fish (kokanee salmon) spawning in the channel. While youβre there, check out the Nature Centre and Red Fish Coffee Shop, hike the Canyon Trail to a small waterfall, or play on the sandy beach. 20 minutes northeast of Nelson.
7. Hike to a scenic viewpoint: Pulpit Rock (3.5 km round trip, 315 m elevation gain), and Lyonβs Bluff (3.2 km, 325 m elevation gain) have awesome lake and mountain views. Be bear aware – we saw a black bear near the Pulpit Rock trailhead last time!
8. Bike the Great Northern Rail Trail: Ride south from Mountain Station Parking Lot to two trestle bridges and a lake. Itβs a steady climb up a forested dirt and gravel trail, but itβs all downhill on the way back. 3.5 km + 82 m elevation to 1st trestle, 4.5 km + 106 m elevation to 2nd trestle, or 15 km + 354 m elevation gain to Cottonwood Lake. All distances are one way.
9. Go Whitewater Rafting: For a breathtaking experience, ride the Slocan Riverβs Facchina Rapids with Nelson Whitewater Rafting.
10. Fly over a canyon: Make lasting memories with Kokanee Mountain Ziplineβs fully-guided tour over Kokanee Creek Canyon. 6 exciting ziplines await! Minimum weight 22.7 kg/50 lbs.
Sights and Attractions in the Nelson Area
The West Kootenays is a beautiful destination with a diverse range of sights and activities from hot springs to cultural/historical sites. Here are some must-sees in the Nelson area:
- Take the worldβs longest FREE ferry across Kootenay Lake from Balfour Bay to Kootenay Bay. The beautiful 35-minute ride is first come first served. 30 minutes northeast of Nelson.
- At the Doukhobor Discovery Centre (historical village), discover the culture and history of the Doukhobors in the West Kootenays. 30 minutes southwest of Nelson.
- Visit hot springs in a cave at Ainsworth Hot Springs! There is also a large outdoor pool with mountain views. 43 minutes northeast of Nelson.
- Explore Kaslo: Check out gorgeous Fletcher Falls (500 m round trip hike), Kaslo River Trail featuring eight Hide & Seek sculptures and the Trailblazer Bridge, and the historic SS Moyie paddlewheeler. 1 hour northeast of Nelson.
- Learn what life was like for relocated Japanese Canadians during WWII at the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in New Denver. It is located on the site of a former internment camp. 1.75 hours north of Nelson.
If driving home via Revelstoke and Highway 1, plan to spend some time in Nakusp. This lakeside mountain town boasts a large network of mountain biking trails, beautiful beaches, and amazing hot springs. See our story The Top 10 Things to Do in Nakusp for more info. 2.25 hours north of Nelson.
What to Bring
Disclosure: This section includes affiliate links through which I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Waterproof mid-heightΒ hiking boots, aΒ down hoody or fleece,Β toque, gloves, andΒ windproof/waterproof shellΒ are recommended year round. Trekking poles are useful for long hikes, steep descents, or when you’re carrying a fully-loaded backpack (or are babywearing). You should also carryΒ The Ten EssentialsΒ including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a first aid kit, headlamp, GPSΒ /Β compass / Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator* andΒ mapΒ of the area,Β mineral sunscreen, bug sprayΒ (this DEET-free insect repellent contains 20% icaridin and will repel ticks), andΒ bear spray. Carry bear spray in aΒ Bear Spray HolsterΒ orΒ Scat Griz Bear Spray Running Belt.
*A Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator is highly recommended for contacting Search & Rescue and emergency contacts in the event of an emergency, or communicating with friends and family when you are out of cell phone range. You can send text messages and your GPS coordinates via satellite, but a monthly service plan is required.
Getting Here
Nelson, BC is located in the West Kootenays, approximately 7 hours from Calgary. You can get there via Highway 1 and 93S, or via Highway 3 (going through Crowsnest Pass and Fernie).
Where to Stay
Kokanee Creek Provincial Park‘s Sandspit Campground has spacious, shaded campsites; power and unserviced sites; showers, a playground; interpretive programs; and a nature hut with exhibits; and coffee shop (proceeds support conservation efforts in the park). If youβd like a campsite in this popular park, reservations are required, but Friends Campground has some first come, first served sites.
Prestige Lakeside Resort (Expedia affiliate link) has an incredible location, and offers the following amenities: hot tub, pool, free bike rentals, gym, restaurant, coffee shop, and hair salon.
Related Posts
- The Top 10 Things to Do in Nakusp
- Why you should visit Halcyon Hot Springs, Nakusp
- The Best Hikes in Crowsnest Pass
