Nelson BC Summer Activities: Endless West Kootenay Outdoor Fun!
Planning your summer vacation? Nelson BC summer activities offer the very best in West Koots outdoor fun for the whole family!
Nelson, British Columbia is a favourite destination for anyone who visits, no matter the season. But, as the warm weather settles in, there’s nothing like days or weeks of enjoying the best of summer, here in and around Nelson BC. Summer activities range from hiking to biking to incredible RnR and, of course, the best in Canadian music festivals. Truly something for everyone!
Shambhala Music Festival
We’ll mention this one first because, if you want to get in on the fun, you have to act NOW!
The 23rd Annual Shambhala Music Festival will take place July 22-25, 2022. Held at the Salmo River Ranch since 1998, Shambhala Music Festival is one of the longest-running electronic music events in the entire country. It’s really not to be missed. The Ranch is a beautiful retreat. It’s a combination of farm and beautiful forest hidden away in the Salmo River Valley in the West Kootenay region of Southern British Columbia.
Did you know? During the weekend of the festival, this event becomes the largest city in the West Kootenay.
Want to go? With everyone so eager to enjoy live music events again, you can’t delay! The festival is about 90% sold out, so if you want to enjoy this unique experience on the farm this year, BUY your tickets NOW!
Nelson BC summer activities – an historic walk
A highlight amongst Nelson BC summer activities is an historic Heritage Walking Tour around downtown. History is such a huge factor in the experience of this small city, and it’s something you feel immediately upon entering the city’s core. There are over 350 heritage buildings and this sense of connection to the region’s historic roots is a big reason why so many return year after year.
A great place to begin your historic tour is the Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History. There, you can find a helpful downtown map that gives detailed information about almost three dozen of the main historic buildings in and around downtown. The architecture ranges from Edwardian Classical with Richardsonian Romanesque features (McCullough Building) to Beaux Art Classical Revival (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Bank of Montreal), Mission Revival (Wood Valance Building) to Queen Anne Commercial (Houston block) to Boomtown Wooden False Front (Bellamy’s Grocery). Truly beautiful and fascinating!
And don’t forget the summer markets! An institution for two decades, the Cottonwood Market, every Saturday (9 am-2 pm), is scenically situated in Cottonwood Falls Park. Truly a full sensory experience, visitors have been known to spend the day! There’s also the Baker Street Farmer’s Market every Wednesday (10 am-2 pm) from June to October where you can find loads of fresh, local produce, baked goods, and much, much more.
A paddler’s dream!
In addition to the quaint, historic vibe of the city of Nelson, BC itself, people flock from everywhere to enjoy time on Kootenay Lake – a water lover’s dream!
The 144-kilometre lake offers the best in watersports from boating to world-class fishing. And for paddling enthusiasts of all stripes, it doesn’t get any better!
With beautiful beaches and endless shorelines, the exploration is truly endless. Bring your own or rent paddleboards and kayaks from Kokanee Creek Paddle Sports, located on the beach in the day use area of Kokanee Creek Provincial Park.
Mountain biking galore
Nelson BC and its surroundings are renowned as a mecca for mountain biking. No matter your abilities, there are trails to offer you hours of mountain biking fun. Even from here in town, simply head uphill to the top of town. Take the Trans-Canada Trail for an easy ride to scenic Cottonwood Lake or one of the other dozen or so mountain biking loops.
There is a trail map to help you find the trails that suit your skills, abilities, and experience as well as the length of ride you’d like to do. For other mountain bike experiences, pick up a copy of the Nelson Mountain Bike Guide.
Incredible hiking
The City of Nelson is surrounded by breathtaking forests and mountains – a hiker’s paradise! Whether you want to hike from town to scenic Pulpit Rock, for instance, or further afield into the many more advanced trails in the backcountry, there’s no shortage of opportunities.
Ease into a delightful, hot soak – Ainsworth Hot Springs
A soak in beautiful and tranquil Ainsworth Hot Springs is fabulous no matter the time of year or the weather, rain or shine. Relax tired muscles as you take in spectacular views of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountain Range.
A drive of about 50 km northeast of Nelson, luxuriate in hot waters kept at an average temperature of 42°C. It provides a delightful respite from active days. Don’t forget to take the short walk through the cave right there in the pools.
We’d love to help you make your next visit to Nelson an unforgettable one. We have 30 clean and comfortable rooms, with your choice of kitchenette or not. Coming with the kids? We have larger family units as well as suites with a fireplace and/or a jacuzzi.
We make it as easy as possible for remote workers. Or if you need to keep in touch with loved ones. The Inn features free wireless internet. We provide ample, free off-street parking, right in front of your door.
Better yet… our great rates!
Book with us directly to begin planning your incredible summer vacation in Nelson, BC!
