Activities in Nelson - Things to do in Nelson

Nelson’s temperate climate means ideal conditions for outdoor play. In winter, Nelson’s varied terrain makes for great skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Summer brings perfect temperatures for golfing, hiking, fishing, climbing, mountain biking and bird watching and many more activities.

Attractions in Nelson
The small town of Nelson is a unique attraction with over 350 designated heritage buildings. Visitors can take a self-directed walking or driving tour, or tour the community by hopping aboard the refurbished Streetcar 23 which runs in the summer months from Lakeside Park. Nelson’s Lakeside Park also offers wonderful beaches, tennis courts, a picnic area and a restaurant.

Local area history can be discovered at the Nelson Museum, with its displays of explorers and settlers, as well as of British Columbia’s First Nations. For a soothing escape, head to nearby Ainsworth Hot Springs. Here at Ainsworth Hot Springs you can wade into the horseshoe-shaped cave, where a hot shower of mineralized water falls from the cave's roof into a waist-deep pool.

Air and Land Activities in Nelson
Clear streams, inland lakes, wildflowers and forested valleys make Nelson a hiker's paradise. Venture out on one of eight hiking trails that depart from the Visitor Centre in Kokanee Creek Provincial Park.

Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park spans 32,035 hectares of amazing countryside. Explore three glaciers, great snowfields and sparkling glacial lakes. Towering centre stage, Kokanee Glacier is bordered by lush valleys and old-growth forest, while golden eagles soar overhead. Spot wildlife such as mountain goat, deer, black and grizzly bears as well as rabbits and squirrels. Numerous hiking trails wind throughout the park. Fishing is possible along a few of the trails.

You can also play a round of golf, driving one of the impressive fairways of Nelson's three distinct, 18-hole golf courses.

Mountain biking in Nelson is renowned. From calm railway glades to steep technical tracks, you can bike against a backdrop of the magnificent Selkirk Mountains. Many rides are within a short drive from Nelson or are accessible by bike right from town. Rock climbers also love to get a grip in Nelson. The local climbing club has an indoor climbing wall, and there are several great outdoor climbs in the area.

Entertainment in Nelson
Treat yourself to an evening of music, film, dance or theatre at the beautifully restored Capitol Theatre. The David Thompson Cultural Centre is another great venue for musical, theatrical and literary performances. Amble down lively Baker Street to explore a diverse array of shops, restaurants and heritage buildings. Numerous summer arts festivals flourish in Nelson. Local shops transform into galleries during Art walk from July to September. Streetfest in late July finds Baker Street spilling with artists, musicians, comedians, jugglers, puppeteers and many other talented performers.

Catch the Nelson Leafs, a Kootenay International Junior Hockey League team, playing at the Civic Centre.

Nelson Winter Activities
Deep snow and stunning landscape draw skiers to Nelson’s Whitewater Winter Resort southeast of Nelson, with its carefully groomed, wide-open glades and bowls as well as steep and deep slopes. Close to Whitewater Winter Resort, the Nelson Nordic Ski Club grooms more than 25 km of cross-country ski trails for enthusiasts of all levels. Nordic ski trails are also situated at Kokanee Creek and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Parks. The Nelson area also offers fantastic cat-skiing and heli-skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling opportunities.