Discover Nelson

Our Community

Up your downtime.

It’s what you call uncommon ground. Nelson and our part of the British Columbia offer a remarkably unique mix of big city everything and small town life. Culture, cuisine, adventure, health and wellness, social services, education, recreation and relaxation. All right out your business’s front door, or waiting in your backyard. Need directions to your life’s next great adventure? Whether you’re coming to visit or making a move here, the folks at the Nelson Visitor Centre can help.

Aerial View of Nelson, Kootenay Lake, and the Big Orange Bridge

About Nelson

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.

Nelson’s Amenities

Nelson is a rich, diverse community, with a sophistication not often found in a small-town environment. When you add Nelson’s incredible geographical beauty to the mix, you have an exceptional place to live and raise a family, work, own a business, or retire if that’s where you are in life.

SS Nasookin. 1913 - 1947

Nelson’s history

Before prospectors arrived in search of gold and silver, the area where Nelson now sits was home for thousands of years to the Ktunaxa and Sinixt First Nations.

Aerial view of two people paddling on Kootenay Lake with the Big Orange Bridge in the background

Things To Do

Nelson is surrounded by the rugged Selkirk Mountains and sits on the shores of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. With some 350 heritage buildings, stunning geography, and a thriving arts community, Nelson has storybook charm combined with cosmopolitan sophistication.

Someone pointing at a map of Nelson

Visit nelson

For the first time visitor to Nelson, there are so many things to see and do that it’s no wonder people come back again and again – you can’t do it all in one visit.

Annual Events

Nelson is known for it’s funky vibe and lively arts scene. From music festivals to theatre events and farmers’ markets there are plenty of fabulous events for all ages and interests throughout the year.

YOUR CHAMBER.

YOUR FUTURE.

OUR COMMUNITY.

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