Nelson Visitor Information Centre

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.