Discover Nelson, British Columbia

Nelson is a most enchanting and extraordinary city.

As brazen as that may sound, it’s not an exaggeration.

While it might sound contradictory, perhaps seemingly impossible, Nelson, British Columbia is among just a handful of small cities in North America that can lay claim to a unique mix….. an unusual abundance of big city cosmopolitan amenities , coupled with a an authentic small town charm. You will feel the funky vibe and authenticity and entrepreneurial spirit following a quick stroll down historic Baker Street, a vibrant main street that is a true adventure in itself.

For those with a zest for fine dining and international fare, retail fashion and new wares, nights on the town or relaxing days and stimulating conversations in a local coffee shop – Nelson brings it all.

On the shores of Kootenay Lake’s West Arm, centrally located between Vancouver, B.C., Calgary, AB and Spokane, WA, just 30 minutes from the West Kootenay Regional Airport, Nelson has a growing population of 10,600; with Greater Nelson encompassing 18,000 and a trading area near 70,000 the duly-named Heritage City features a heritage downtown and 300-plus restored heritage homes, businesses and churches.

Nelson residents boast of the 50 restaurants and cafes, in fact more per capita than San Francisco, many with outdoor seasonal patios adding to that cosmopolitan feel.

Welcome to Nelson.

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Serving our community

Downtown Nelson is alive with locals and visitors alike with blocks of funky specialty shops, boutiques and great shopping. You’ll find galleries, museum browsing, alluring back lanes, over a dozen pubs, live music venues and dance clubs. If you thought people watching can be alluring on Vancouver’s Commercial Drive or Manhattan’s east side, you’ll enjoy downtown Nelson minus the traffic and about one million fewer people of course.

People make a point of supporting the local economy which helps drive an entrepreneurial spirit and unique businesses.

For skiers, golfers, shoppers or travelers, Nelson’s diverse accommodation and restorative health sectors are attractions too. From waterfront hotels to beautifully restored heritage, full service, even boutique hotels, or a vast array of fully licensed and approved B&Bs plus a selection of motels that will fit all visitor or business needs. The city and surrounding rural communities offer numerous spas, hot spring resorts, a zipline, whitewater rafting, plus Nelson features a new community recreation complex with pools, sauna, steam room and fitness centre and numerous practitioners in massage therapy, yoga, acupuncture and alternative health sciences.

Thanks to a temperate climate, you can enjoy world class skiing and awesome powder just minutes away without freezing or in spring and summer, golf, hike or mountain bike without burning up.

Whether you’re exploring Nelson for relaxation or adventure you’ll find a kind of spirit or authenticity that that has slipped away from so many cities.

Thanks for taking some time to Discover Nelson through our Chamber of Commerce website and partner sites…we hope you come back again and again.

We are sure you’ll find that Nelson is a great place to visit…but an even better place to live…to work…to own a business…to raise a family…to live your dreams.