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 Inn Nelson
Prestige Inn Nelson
3 out of 5
1301 Front St, Nelson, BC
The price is ¥13,822 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
¥13,822
¥15,896 total
Jun 23 - Jun 24
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Nice stay with some rooms offering small balconies and views of the lake. Small kitchen was a nice addition. Comfortable bed but a small bathroom. The hotel offers few amenities, however, ameneties at its sister hotel nearby are available to use. We would stay here again as it is close to a large ..."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Prestige Inn Nelson
Prestige Lakeside Resort, WorldHotels Elite
Prestige Lakeside Resort, WorldHotels Elite
4 out of 5
701 Lakeside Drive, Nelson, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥26,374 per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
¥26,374
¥30,331 total
Jun 30 - Jul 1
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Prestige Lakeside Resort, WorldHotels Elite
Best Western Plus Baker Street Inn
Best Western Plus Baker Street Inn
3 out of 5
153 Baker Street, Nelson, BC
The price is ¥25,526 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
¥25,526
¥29,355 total
Jun 23 - Jun 24
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! (786 reviews)
"Check in was fast and easy"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 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.
Bright Lakeside Retreat: King Bed & Willow Views
Bright Lakeside Retreat: King Bed & Willow Views
Nelson
Stay at this vacation home in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lakeside Park and Big Orange Bridge are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"Well kept property ,nice sunny location"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Bright Lakeside Retreat: King Bed & Willow Views
Family friendly 2 bdrm/ 3 bed  home mins from sandy beaches and downtown Nelson!
Family friendly 2 bdrm/ 3 bed home mins from sandy beaches and downtown Nelson!
Nelson
Stay at this vacation home in Nelson. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Big Orange Bridge and The Cube Climbing ...
10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Peaceful locatio
"Beautiful property nice outdoor sitting and there was every convenience in the kitchen, bathrooms even beach towels. We were very close to the Ainsworth hot pools and restaurants. Would highly recommend we really enjoyed our stay"

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Family friendly 2 bdrm/ 3 bed home mins from sandy beaches and downtown Nelson!
Nelson Lake & Mountain View with Hot Tub
Nelson Lake & Mountain View with Hot Tub
Nelson
Stay at this vacation home in Nelson. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Tea Garden Salon & Spa and Nelson ...
10/10 Exceptional! (91 reviews)
Nelson stay near downtown.
"Very clean. Nice hosts and a beautiful view. It was so relaxing. We had a wonderful time."

Reviewed on May 22, 2025

Nelson Lake & Mountain View with Hot Tub
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

Things to do

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