Nelson

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism
Photo provided by Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism/Bob Richardson
Photo provided by Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism/Ollie Jones
Nelson
Photo provided by Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism/David Gluns
This picturesque town in the foothills of the Selkirk Mountains has superb ski resorts, watersports, heritage architecture and a thriving arts scene.

Nelson is a pretty and laid-back town that combines stunning natural scenery and outdoor adventures with Victorian-era heritage and a vibrant arts culture. From skiing and watersports, to galleries, museums and boutique shopping, the town has a wealth of varied attractions. Nelson sits on the west arm of Kootenay Lake and at the base of British Columbia’s Selkirk Mountains. 

The pedestrian-friendly streets of downtown Nelson are enjoyable to explore on foot. Discover more than 350 well-preserved Victorian buildings on the self-guided Heritage Walking Tour. Spot 19th-century shop fronts and historical landmarks such as the early 1900s Court House. Go to Baker Street to find a range of independent boutiques, galleries, cafés and pubs.

Learn about the town’s history, First Nations people and early settlers at the Touchstones Nelson: Museum and Art Gallery. Attend concerts, musical and plays at the Capitol Theatre or take a tour of the Nelson Brewing Company.

Walk to the waterfront, where the town meets the glorious Kootenay Lake. During the summer months the lake hosts many watersports, including boating, kayaking, fishing and scuba diving. Enjoy a scenic waterfront ride on the historic Streetcar No. 23. Stroll along the waterfront trail to Lakeside Park, a popular recreational area with sport’s courts, a maze, a beach and safe swimming. 

When the snow falls Nelson becomes a paradise for wintersports. Just a short drive from downtown Nelson is Whitewater Ski Resort, which has 81 ski runs and 9 miles (15 kilometers) of Nordic trails spread over the Selkirk Mountains. On the opposite side of Kootenay Lake is Baldface Lodge, home to 32,000 acres (12,950 hectares) of backcountry skiing terrain.

Nelson is almost halfway between Calgary and Vancouver. It’s well-connected by intercity buses, although getting here is most convenient via rented car. Nelson is a gateway to British Columbia’s striking Kootenay region. Bike or hike along the Great Northern Rail Trail, a 30-mile (48-kilometer) long trail that passes rugged landscapes and small villages. Go hiking in Kokanee Glacial Provincial Park and relax on the unspoiled beaches of Kokanee Creek Provincial Park.

Prestige Lakeside Resort, WorldHotels Elite
Prestige Lakeside Resort, WorldHotels Elite
4 out of 5
701 Lakeside Drive, Nelson, BC
The price is ¥26,209 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
¥26,209
¥30,141 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Nelson Streetcar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"It’s quiet and on the lake"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Prestige Lakeside Resort, WorldHotels Elite
Prestige Inn Nelson
Prestige Inn Nelson
3 out of 5
1301 Front St, Nelson, BC
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Nice clean rooms, comfortable beds. The train woke us up once at 7am and another time at 6am, but not a big deal. We actually slept really well. Using the luggage cart was tricky because of all the stairs in random places. Parking was difficult one night, but the lady at the desk helped us find a ..."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Prestige Inn Nelson
Best Western Plus Baker Street Inn
Best Western Plus Baker Street Inn
3 out of 5
153 Baker Street, Nelson, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥23,035 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
¥23,035
¥26,490 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (789 reviews)
"Easy parking and close the everything in downtown Nelson."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Best Western Plus Baker Street Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Comfortable lodging close to Whitewater & town
Comfortable lodging close to Whitewater & town
Nelson
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Granite Pointe Golf ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Quirky mountain hideaway
"A great view of the valley, was really nice! Clean."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Comfortable lodging close to Whitewater & town
Sweet private studio just minutes from the downtown core.
Sweet private studio just minutes from the downtown core.
Nelson
Stay at this apartment in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lakeside Park and Nelson Streetcar #23 are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
What an amazing place!
"A piece of paradise nestled into the heart of Nelson.. a cozy cottage feel that makes it super homey! the host is absolutely lovely, inviting and engaging. Can’t wait to come back and stay!"

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Sweet private studio just minutes from the downtown core.
Broken Hill Designer Baker St Flat Mountain View. Registered with BC Gov
Broken Hill Designer Baker St Flat Mountain View. Registered with BC Gov
Nelson
Stay at this apartment in Nelson. Enjoy laundry facilities, balconies, and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Tea Garden Salon & Spa and Touchstones Museum ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
"excellent stay thanks so much !"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Broken Hill Designer Baker St Flat Mountain View. Registered with BC Gov
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Nelson

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
51
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
24
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We will be back to check out the area.

5/5 - Excellent

May

Huge variety of restaurants to choose from...not all created equal but highly recommend Yum Son Viet-Modern and Celestial Scoop Cafe (don't let the store front fool you, it's amazing vegan ice cream!)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Loved Oso Negro Coffee!

4/5 - Good

Anonymous

Nelson was a beautiful city and I had a great time at the event I traveled for. My hotel stay was rough, but I’d visit the city again if I stayed elsewhere.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Love Nelson, will go back, but probably will stay at another property.

5/5 - Excellent

Cindy

Eat at The Hume Hotel, stay there if you can, excellent dining staff and food (breakfast) and nice hotel. Eat at West Coast Grill, beautiful out door dining area on the water. Buffet dinner has everything you need. Baker Street is the place to shop