Like the frontier gateways of Canada’s historic Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, or New York’s Ellis Island, many of the Nelson region’s first founders and countless families took their very first steps into the city on the planked arrival platform of the historic CP Rail Building.
This is where your journey should begin too.
Over 120 years old, the building is home to both the Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce and its beautiful Nelson’s Visitor Information Centre. It’s perfectly located at the west end of historic Baker Street — the city’s colourful main corridor of retail, hospitality and business.
Following an extraordinary $4 million, five-year restoration effort the station is an homage to the region’s passion for its history, heritage and entrepreneurial get-‘er-done attitude.
But the jewel within this community crown is the Visitor Information Centre.
Local travel experts are on hand with all the information and friendly advice you’ll need to see and do it all — maps, up-to-the-minute event listings, brochures, road conditions and help planning any itinerary for travels around BC, western Canada or the US Pacific Northwest.
It’s the Station Gallery and Gift Shop that make the CP Rail Building a must-stop.
The beautiful space, defined by natural light, viewscapes and beautiful post and beam design offer racks of distinctly local artisan wares, art, literature and garments.
There’s more to see and utilize outside. Two mammoth Fairbanks-Morse locomotive engines highlight the Chamber’s new square, along with electric vehicle and e-bike charging, bike racks, public washrooms and visitor parking with room for RVs too.
The Station and the surrounding Railtown neighbourhood include a great cafe, deli, and a mix of longtime and brand new businesses — all a quick stroll away from Cottonwood Falls Park.
We have implemented enhanced cleaning services in the centre with hand sanitizing at the door and a maximum of 10 people in the centre at one time.
VISITOR CENTRE AMENITIES
- Station Gallery & Gifts
- Historic Locomotives
- EV charging
- Electric bike charging – coming soon
- Benches and seating
- Public washrooms
- Visitor day parking with room for RVs – see staff inside for your parking pass
- Railtown Coffee House
ACCESSIBILITY
MOBILITY
Entrance
- Entrance has no steps or if there are one or more steps, there is non-slip ramp with a maximum of 5% slope
- Entry route has a door that is at minimum 815 mm wide
Restroom In Public Area
- Can be reached without going up or down stairs, has a main entrance and/or stall that is a minimum 815 mm wide and has an outward swing door
Food Services
- Accessible path of travel and accessible style tables/booths
Activities & Transportation
- Key activities are accessible to guests using mobility devices
- Information displays (if applicable) at a lower height
- Accessible spaces have clear views of the main activity (i.e. stage, viewing area)
- Pathways are hard packed surfaces with a maximum slope 5%
VISION
Overall Space
- Braille/large print signage for all publicly accessible areas
- Audible alarm and/or public service system
- Multiple lighting sources to improve visibility
- Customer service staff have been trained, and prepared to verbally describe rooms, menus, business amenities and contracts/waivers in detail
- Staff are available to accompany guests through the venue as a guide, and to describe the sights
HEARING
Overall Space
- Staff are trained to use alternative communication tools such as Apps or text messaging
COGNITIVE & SENSORY FRIENDLY
Overall Space
- Staff are available to accompany guests through the venue as a guide, and to describe the sights
GENERAL
Service Dogs
- Staff have been trained on guide and service dog policies
- Business has a dog relief area on site
High Speed Internet Service
- Business has high-speed internet service available for video application use
VISITOR CODE OF CONDUCT
We ask that all visitors to our area respect our nature, our places, and our people the same way the locals do. Please see our Visitor Code of Conduct.
HOURS & LOCATION
91 Baker Street Nelson BC V1L 4G8
250-352-3433
info@discovernelson.com
VisitNelsonBC Instagram
Nelson Visitor Centre FaceBook
Open for Service:
Monday thru Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM-4:00PM