Nelson Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism/Bob Richardson
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 kilometres) 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-kilometre) 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 ₹7,814 per night from 14 May to 15 May
₹7,814
per night
14 May - 15 May
Stay at this hotel in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
Good value for the price
"Decent hotel at a reasonable rate. Friendly staff"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Prestige Inn Nelson
Hume Hotel & Spa
Hume Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
422 Vernon St, Nelson, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹10,992 per night from 13 May to 14 May
₹10,992
per night
13 May - 14 May
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Great old hotel, in a perfect location for exploring Nelson. They have done a great job of preserving/restoring the period feel while also providing modern amenities. One small complaint is that the fridge in our room (like many small fridges in hotels) was noisy."

Reviewed on 10 Apr 2024

Hume Hotel & Spa
Prestige Lakeside Resort, WorldHotels Elite
Prestige Lakeside Resort, WorldHotels Elite
4 out of 5
701 Lakeside Drive, Nelson, BC
The price is ₹14,837 per night from 24 May to 25 May
₹14,837
per night
24 May - 25 May
Stay at this hotel in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a marina. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (879 reviews)
"nice hotel"

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Prestige Lakeside Resort, WorldHotels Elite
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.
Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village
Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village
3.5 out of 5
4319 Main St, Whistler, BC
Stay at this aparthotel in Whistler. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,631 reviews)
"It was a very nice and clean hotel. Staff was also very friendly."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
810 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,561 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel!"

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

The Parkside Hotel & Spa
Rosedale Condominiums
Rosedale Condominiums
3.5 out of 5
838 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a health club and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,432 reviews)
"I would stay again"

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Rosedale Condominiums
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

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 33.333333333333336%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 66.66666666666667%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
29 Jul 2019

Nice, laid back place to visit. Plenty to see, lots of good restaurants and bars.