Discover Nelson Kootenay Lake

Outdoor Adventure for Every Season

Nestled on a magnificent expanse of glacier-fed lakeshore, midway between Calgary, AB, and Vancouver, BC, lays the historical city of Nelson, BC and its three outlying communities of Kaslo, Balfour, and Ainsworth Hot Springs. Steep evergreen valleys, topped by snowcapped mountains define a breathtaking landscape that attracts outdoor adventurers of every age and taste.

Renowned for its eclectic arts scene, diverse restaurants and boutique shopping Nelson Kootenay Lake boasts year-round recreational activities. In winter, Whitewater Ski Resort and the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges feature some of Canada’s best powder alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing, as well as numerous options for backcountry skiing and cat-skiing. Come spring, summer and fall, the region becomes a mecca for cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, fishing, golf, rafting, and much more.

Whether you come to see it, tee it or ski it, this scenic corner of British Columbia offers a unique travel experience in every season – a rare mix of mountain lifestyle and big city buzz.

Find your adventure today.

Stories about the Area

Kaslo's Fletcher Falls named 'One of the 10 Best Waterfalls You Do Not Hear About!' by Canada EH
February 23, 2012
"Located on the shores of Kootenay Lake. The highlights of the Fletcher Falls is the small, but powerful waterfall, a fine elongated sandy beach and a wilderness hiking trail." Read more.

Best Ski Town
February 25, 2012
"North America’s best ski town, leaf peeping mecca, best small arts town, hippest hotel, best cat ski destination, best farmers market, top lake, and the list of accolades goes on. Where is this place? Have you been there yet?" Read more.

Nelson, Rossland voted top ski spots to 'throwdown' in North America
December 26, 2012
"A pair of southern Interior communities have been jointly crowned best ski town to “throwdown” in North America by readers of a 40-year-old ski enthusiasts’ magazine." Read more.

'Soup Queen' of Kaslo shares her secrets
November 13, 2012
"Kaslo's very own 'Soup Queen' and owner of Sunnyside Naturals shares some of her soup making secrets with CBC."  Read more.

Nelson - One of the Top 10 Places For Leaf Peeping in Canada
October 5, 2012
"The metropolitan meets the mountains at this hippy enclave nestled in the heart of the Kootenay Mountains. Early to mid fall often feels like summertime — minus the bugs and tourists — making it a golden opportunity to explore autumn's arsenal of colours."  Read more.

Kootenay Lake recognized as one of Canada's TOP 10 LAKES
September 18, 2012 
"Well known for its fishing, sailing, remote beaches and dramatic views, Kootenay Lake is bordered by the mighty Selkirk and Purcell mountains."  Read more.

Nelson an Easy Getaway
July 17, 2012 
"If you're looking for a quick weekend road trip - a little getaway to break the routine and forget daily stresses - and have already done Seattle, Ellensburg, and Glacier National Park, consider heading north."  Read more.

Mark Sissions: British Columbia's Wild Playground Boasts and Eccentric Past
June 12, 2012 
"With a compact, pedestrian friendly downtown core jammed with boutique style stores, natural foods outlets, yoga studios, outdoor gear outlets and eclectic, offbeat restaurants and cafes, Nelson has something for everyone."  Read more.