Arts + Culture + Heritage
Experience Kootenay Arts, Culture, and Heritage
Today, Nelson has a diverse population of close to 10,000 people. The legacy of the past, evident in the more than 350 preserved heritage buildings, mixes with a dynamic arts and culture scene, attracting outdoor enthusiasts, creatives, entrepreneurs and urban refugees alike. This diversity creates a rich community that entices visitors all year round. Here are just a few local attractions worth seeing:
Museums and Galleries
Pop in to Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History to peruse its First Nations and early settler exhibits, and craftwork from local artisans. Follow up with a visit to the Oxygen Art Centre and Craft Connection, two artist-run studios featuring award-winning paintings, sculpture and pottery. Kaslo’s Langham Cultural Centre is another great gallery space. Get a taste for Kootenay Lake’s working past with a tour of the SS Moyie, one of North America’s finest preserved steam ships.
Walking Tours
Learn about Nelson's stunningly preserved Victorian homes and buildings with a self-guided heritage walking tour. For a lighter stroll, try the Roxanne Walking Tour, which features points of interest from the 1987 film starring Steve Martin. Get details for both at the Visitor Centre.
Performance
Nelson's Capital Theatre offers both contemporary and traditional dance, theatre, and music, showcasing internationally renowned artists and companies.
Education
To see student artists in action, take a tour through Selkirk College’s Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson.
Nelson, British Columbia
Phone #: 250 352 5592
Website: none
Unique and artistic floral and plant creations, inspired by nature. Local knitwear and pottery. Original artwork and cards. Mink chocolates and 1000 Flowers Perfume from France. Weddings, Corporates, Everyday. Read more...
Nelson, British Columbia
Phone #: 250-352-5833
Website: http://www.civictheatre.ca
Nelson Civic Theatre Society reopening our local movie theatre. This summer we will be running movies each week plus special events. We are a non profit society with mostly volunteer labour. Read more...
Nelson, British Columbia
Phone #: 250-354-6363
Website: http://www.capitoltheatre.bc.ca
The Capitol Theater enriches the community through the arts. The theatre presents an annual season series of performances encouraging a broad spectrum of theatre events. The Capitol Theatre serves as a performing arts resource and referral facility for the community making the theatre available to the community as a venue for the performing, film and visual arts. Read more...
Kaslo, British Columbia
Phone #: 250-353-7577
Website: http://www.kaslojazzfest.com
Big mountain, small village, floating stage.
August 2,3,4 2013 in Kaslo BC. Read more...
Nelson, British Columbia
Phone #: 250-505-5241
Website: http://www.kootenaylitcomp.com
The Kootenay Writers Society is a non-profit organization committed to supporting and promoting Kootenay writers and the literary arts within the Kootenay region. Read more...
Kaslo, British Columbia
Phone #: 250-353-2525
Website: http://klhs.bc.ca/
Worlds Oldest Intact Passenger Sternwheeler. Now a designated Historic Site and BC Landmark. Launced in Nelson in 1898 she steamed proudly on Kootenay Lake for 60 years, making her the longest running sternwheeler in Canada. Read more...
Nelson, British Columbia
Phone #: 250-352-3582
Website: none
The Nelson Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Nelson, British Columbia, the cultural and recreational heart of the West Kootenay region. The Nelson Brewing Company strives to bring you Certified Organic, hand-crafted, traditionally styled beers. Read more...
Nelson, British Columbia
Phone #: 2503527623
Website: http://www.shambhalamusicfestival.com
Nelson-based award winning electronic music festival held at the Salmo River Ranch annually in August since 1998. Read more...
Nelson, British Columbia
Phone #: 250-325-9813
Website: http://touchstonesnelson.ca/
Touchstones Nelson: Museum of Art and History is Nelson's only public museum, art gallery and archives. Featuring history and art from Nelson, the region and beyond, Touchstones Nelson is a cultural highlight for visitors and residents alike. Read more...
Kaslo, British Columbia
Phone #: 250-353-2661
Nelson, British Columbia
Phone #: 250-352-9813