Top 18 Things To Do In Nelson, Canada

Things to do in Nelson Canada
Louise
Louise 
Updated
| 8 min read

Nelson is a beautiful city in Canada filled with majestic landscapes and breathtaking sceneries. It nests in the Selkirk Mountains of Kootenay Lake, boasting of the peaceful country life and serenity. It is also a place with a rich heritage and fascinating culture. While in the city, you can visit the remarkable Touchstones Museum of Art and History. You may also fancy slopes in the Whitewater Head Office. If you wanna be reconnected with nature and get your creative juices freely flowing, spend an amazing time in the Cottonwood Falls Park. To give you a more detailed list of the best things to do in Nelson, Canada, here is a list of activities and tourist destinations that you might wanna visit and experience. Feel free to browse below.

1. Discover Nelson's local history and culture at the Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History


Quench your thirsty thought and feed your imagination by visiting the Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History located in Vernon St. It features a majestic century-old building that showcases a wonderful collection of art pieces and rotating exhibits. Learn more about the heritage and culture of the beautiful Nelson through the rooms filled with artwork. Also, you might want to check out the cold-war bunker for a more in-depth understanding of the local history.

Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History

Address: 502 Vernon St, Nelson, BC V1L 4E7, Canada

Website: Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History

Opening hours: Wed, Fri, Sat: 10am - 5pm; Tues, Sun: 11am - 4pm; Thurs: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

Price: From 8 USD

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2. Explore kayaking, rafting, and canoeing on the West Arm, the Main Lake, the Columbia, Slocan, and Kootenay Rivers


If you are in the city known for natural wonders, what better things to do than to experience kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and other exciting activities. If you like this idea, Nelson has a plethora of amazing destinations for these sports. Head to the West Arm, the Main Lake, the Columbia, Slocan, and Kootenay Rivers. Experience challenging waters and the majestic views of the mountain range and forest canopy. With these activities, you might want to experience these with your friends who are as watersport enthusiasts as you are.

West Arm, the Main Lake, the Columbia, Slocan, and Kootenay Rivers

Address: Southeastern British Columbia, Canada

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3. Quench your adrenaline rush by climbing the north faces of Mt. Kitchener and Grays Peaks


If you are into more challenging activities than just kayaking in calm waters or fishing, you might want to experience mountain climbing in Nelson. The city is popular for fantastic landscapes, so, why not take advantage of it and spend a day climbing the Mt. Kitchener and the Grays Peaks. Found in the Columbia Icefield of Jasper National Park, the Mt Kitchener is considered as one of the top two most coveted hiking destinations in the Canadian Rockies. Book a tour package and immerse in a day of reconnecting with nature while burning calories.

Mt. Kitchener and Grays Peaks

Address: Southeast British Columbia, Canada

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4. Go fishing on Kootenay Lake

Kootenay Lake - our favorite swimming place as kids!
Source: Photo by Flickr user Mari Smith used under CC BY 2.0

Kootenay Lake is not only ideal for watersports, but it is also a wonderful fishing site. If you are thinking of a fun and memorable activity to do with your families, why don’t you indulge in a day of fishing in the Kootenay Lake? Imagine a barbecue of your fresh catch while singing in chorus with your kids to the melody of your favorite song. Plus, there are also villas that you can rent if you want to spend the night. There are also wonderful restaurants nearby for more great food.

Kootenay Lake

Address: British Columbia, Canada

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5. Embark on off-road adventures on an ATV on Beavervale Creek Forest Service Road

ATV
Source: Pixabay

With a beautiful and exciting landscape as Nelson’s, you will never run out of fun things to do. Whether you are in the city with your adventurous group of friends or on a romantic escapade with a special someone, there are a lot of activities to do in this laid back city. If you want to experience something different, head over to the Beavervale Creek Forest Service Road and enjoy an ATV with your squad. With its strategically modified trails, you will feel your adrenaline rushing with every twist and turn.

Beavervale Creek Forest Service Road

Address: British Columbia, Canada

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6. Sled through the snowmobiling trails of the Six Mile-Crusader, Springer-Lemon Creek, and Redfish Creek


If you are in the beautiful city of Nelson on a winter season, aside from skiing, you might also want to try snowmobiling and sledding the thick blankets of snow forming challenging landscapes. For more exciting trails, head over the Six Mile Crusader, Springer-Lemon Creek, and Redfish Creek. There are local businesses there waiting for you to book an exciting adventure package. You may also want to enjoy some hot choco during your breaks.

Trails of the Six Mile-Crusader, Springer-Lemon Creek, and Redfish Creek

Address: Kootenay Lake, British Columbia

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7. Satisfy the foodie in you at Library Lounge


Nelson Bay is not only a city of majestic views and marvelous landscapes, but its eats are also top-notch. If you are looking for a place to bring your family for a sumptuous lunch or to simply refuel your energy from a day of touring the city, you might want to try the Library Lounge in Vernon Street. It features a beautifully furnished restaurant with a rustic accent and vintage details, exuding romantic and sophisticated vibes. Aside from mouthwatering dishes, you will love to enjoy your food together with the melody of live music.

Library Lounge

Address: 422 Vernon St, Nelson, BC V1L 1S8, Canada

Website: Library Lounge

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 10:30am - 11pm

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8. Try mountain biking in Nelson


With lots of extreme sports and adrenaline-building activities, you may also pause a little and enjoy the scenic views and rich flora of Nelson City. Instead of skiing, water rafting, and other sports of this kind, why don’t you savor the beauty of Nelson through mountain biking and admiring the beauty of nature? This is ideal for people who are in their soul-searching phase or those who are waiting for their creative juices to offer them new ideas.

Mountain biking in the Nelson

Address: Nelson, Canada

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9. Catch a live show at the Capitol Theatre

things to do in nelson canada | catch a live show at the capitol theatre
Source: instagram

If you are into the art scene of the cities you visit, one way to immerse in this aspect of Nelson Bay is to visit the Capitol Theatre and watch an entertaining live performance. It showcases performances from both famous performers as well as fresh talents. Enjoy a wonderful time watching ballet masterpieces, contemporary dance, comedy, and a lot more. There are also performances for kids and families. Check their schedule and see which form of entertainment is best for you.

Capitol Theatre

Address: 421 Victoria St, Nelson, BC V1L 5R2, Canada

Website: Capitol Theatre

Opening hours: Varies according to performance

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10. Explore a plethora of indoor activities at Nelson and District Community Complex


Thinking of a place to bring the kids while in Nelson? If so, the Nelson and District Community Complex won’t disappoint you and your little fellows. It is a wonderful community center in the city with a plethora of indoor activities for the kids and kids at heart. While in the district, you can enjoy a hockey game. ice skating, a public swimming pool, a gym, and others. Plus, the staff are welcoming and warm.

Nelson and District Community Complex

Address: 305 Hall St, Nelson, BC V1L 5X4, Canada

Website: Nelson and District Community Complex

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5:30am - 9:30pm; Sat: 8am - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 8pm

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11. Unwind yourself at the Lakeside Park

things to do in nelson canada | unwind yourself at the lakeside park
Source: instagram

Lakeside Park is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Nelson. It features a breathtaking beach, carousel, playgrounds, concessions, courts, dressing rooms, and communal wash areas. If you are looking for a place to bring your family, Lakeside Park is the place to be. Imagine setting up a picnic with your loved ones as you watch the beautiful sunset. Be sure to bring your camera for more captured moments.

Rotary Lakeside Park

Address: Nelson, British Columbia, Canada

Website: Lakeside Park

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm; (closed on Sat and Sun)

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12. Savor some authentic Mexican dishes at the Cantina Del Centro


If you want to experience the authentic food of Nelson, head over Cantina Del Centro and gourmandize on mouthwatering Latin American Flavors. The restaurant features a laid-back ambiance and the food is guaranteed of carefully sourced ingredients. While in Cantina Del Castro, be sure to try some of their best sellers such as their meat quesadilla, tofu-tastic, al pastor, the Argentine, Pescado, and a lot more. There are also available alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to pair with your food.

Cantina Del Centro

Address: 565 Baker St, Nelson, BC V1L 4J1, Canada

Website: Cantina Del Centro

Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 11:30am - 10am; Fri: 11:30am - 12am; Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 10pm

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13. Enjoy live music at the Royal on Baker


If you want to experience some local partying in Nelson, it is always a party at the Royal on Baker. For years, Royal Baker has welcomed guests from all over Nelson, Canada, and the world. It boasts of serving good food, high-energy rock, and instrumental live entertainment, and a wonderful time as a whole. You might also want to visit at 6pm for their happy hour schedule.

Royal on Baker

Address: 330 Baker St, Nelson, BC V1L 4H7, Canada

Website: Royal on Baker

Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 5pm - 2am; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 2am; Sun: 6pm - 12am

Price: From 5 USD

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14. Browse the Otter Books store


Otter Books store is a paradise for the inner bookworm in you. Located in Baker Street, this store houses and sells classic novels as well as freshly released reads. There are also works of art from local Canadian authors that you can buy and enjoy. Aside from books, there are school educational materials that are available in the Otter Books store, from calendars, maps, journals, and more.

Otter Books

Address: 398 Baker St, Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Canada

Website: Otter Books

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm

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15. Shop farm fresh at Cottonwood Community Market

Posted by Cottonwood Market on Wednesday, 16 May 2018

If you have nothing to do on one of your Saturdays in Nelson, head over the Cottonwood Community and score some locally sourced fresh produce that is guaranteed to be of top quality. The Cottonwood Community Market showcases many different stores from fresh produce to juices, local natural meats, to jewelry, artwork, and many more. Plus, the people here are warm and friendly. You can share some culinary tips or bargaining techniques.

Cottonwood Community Market

Address: West Kootenay EcoSociety, #206 - 507 Baker St, Nelson, BC V1L 4J2

Website: Cottonwood Community Market

Opening hours: Sat: 9:30am - 3pm

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16. Try some heli-skiing,cat-skiing or nordic-skiing to the Whitewater Ski Resort

Ymir Mountain
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Green slash used under CC BY-SA 3.0

You cannot leave Nelson City without visiting the famous Whitewater Ski Resort. If you are visiting during the winter season, this tourist destination is definitely a must try. Whitewater Ski Resort features amazing landscape and exciting slopes ideal for heli-skiing, cat-skiing, and Nordic skiing. Not only is it a fantastic ski destination, but the food in the resort is just as great, and the people are guaranteed warm and friendly.

Whitewater Ski Resort

Address: 602 Lake St, Nelson, BC V1L 4C8, Canada

Website: Whitewater Ski Resort

Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 8:30am - 5pm (closed on Fri - Sun)

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17. Indulge in an exotic spa treatment at Mountain Waters Spa and Wellness


With all the rigorous activities to try in Nelson city and all the touring, treat yourself with some spa treatment sessions at the Mountain Water Spa and Wellness. It is a renowned and award-winning spa in the city of Nelson. Not only that, but it also offers salon services, a clinic, some souvenir shops, and more. Plus, the area is peaceful and tranquil, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Mountain Waters Spa and Wellness

Address: 266 Baker St, Nelson, BC V1L 4H3, Canada

Website: Mountain Waters Spa and Wellness

Opening hours: Mon, Sat: 9am - 7pm; Tues, Fri; 9am - 7:30pm; Wed, Thur: 9am - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm

Price: From 90 USD (Spa package)

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18. Get adventurous by hiking on the Kokanee Glacier Park


Nelson is indeed a paradise of majestic sceneries that will take your breath away. For a maximum experience, why don’t you go on a hiking adventure with your friends in the Kokanee Glacier Park? It is known for being one of the oldest and most beautiful Glacier Parks in Canada. Imagine a fun-filled day marveling at the beauty of natural wonders while at the same time burning some calories and working on your physical fitness.

Kokanee Glacier Park

Address: Ainsworth, BC V0G 1A0, Canada

Website: Kokanee Glacier Park

Opening hours: Open year-round

Price: Free

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Beautiful Nelson

Nelson, BC (392979058)
Source: Photo by user Shawn used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Nelson City is a wonderful tourist destination in Canada ideal for those who want to escape the busy city life and experience the peace and quiet of the countryside. In here, tourists are treated to a plethora of exciting, relaxing, and fascinating activities as well as breathtaking sceneries that will leave your camera phones with low storage capacity by the end of their visits. If you are planning to visit Nelson any time soon, remember this article by heart and use it as a guide in the future. May you have an amazing Nelson experience ahead.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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She is a lover of life and a very optimistic person. She thinks of herself as a vessel of a billion possibilities, which can harness limitless potential. Trying new experiences, going places she's...Read more

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