Spring, Summer & Fall

With a lake the size of an inland sea and an ocean of peaks in all directions, the Nelson Kootenay Lake region offers outdoor adventure for everyone. From sun-soaked sandy beaches to awe-inspiring hiking trails, to world-class golf courses and a family-friendly hot springs, you’ll never be at a loss for something exciting to do. Check out this list of warm-weather activities:

Mountain Biking

If your perfect vacation involves peddles, a sprocket and two wheels, Nelson Kootenay Lake is nirvana. A world renowned mountain bike destination, Nelson has a kingdom of singletrack laden with spectacular stunts and epic drops. It also features a gentle rail trestle route tailored to families alike. Many of the technical downhill trails can be accessed right from town. If you need a lift, shuttles can be arranged in Nelson.

Cycling, Bike Tours

If your two-wheel adventure leans more towards road racing or touring, you’ll spot many fellow cyclists on the numerous winding highways and byways in this region. Add in friendly guides, well-equipped bike shops, affordable hotels and delicious cuisine and watering holes all along the route, and you’ll understand why this place is a mecca for cyclists.

Hiking, Walking, Backpacking, Rock Climbing

From scenic lakeside walks to legendary alpine trails, you’ll find it all here in the West Kootenays. Within 15 minutes of Nelson, hiking trails lead to local lookouts like Pulpit Rock and multi-day hikes to backcountry lodges like beautifully timber-framed Kokanee Glacier Cabin. You can also find numerous sites for rock climbing, both technical and non-technical, with ample support from local guides.

Camping

Beaches, boating and fishing can be accessed from several campgrounds in and around Nelson, Ainsworth, Balfour and Kaslo. Kokanee Creek Provincial Park offers 132 campsites with boat access. Goat Range Provincial Park and Valhalla Provincial Park are also within driving distance and offer amazing unspoiled hikes, treks canoeing and fishing opportunities. Within Nelson itself, you can find Nelson City Campground and other sites with RV hookups.

Golfing

Take a drive along Kootenay Lake and access four golf courses with mountain backdrops and lake views, including Granite Pointe Golf Club, Balfour Golf Course, Eagle View and the PGA-rated Kokanee Springs Golf Resort. Reasonable green fees, no crowds, and spectacular scenery are the highlights of a golf vacation in the Nelson region.

Boating, Sailing, Fishing

Out on the lake the sailing is sublime, with historic events like the Grey Creek Regatta held annually, and sailing courses offered throughout the warm weather months. Rent a powerboat or a jet ski right down at the local dock. If you like fishing, you can launch or charter a boat and hope to hook one of our world famous Kokanee salmon, or the more common Rainbows and Dolly Varden trout.

Hot Springs Pools & Caves

Spring and fall are great times to beat the crowds at Ainsworth Hot Springs, located just 40 minutes from Nelson. The three world famous hot pools are set into the side of a mountain, overlooking sparkling Kootenay Lake. A highlight is the 160-foot cave loop, featuring limestone stalactites, which you can swim through in waist deep water. A cold pool, and swimming area make this a perfect family attraction no matter what time of year.

Birding

Hundreds of species of birds can be seen throughout the Nelson Kootenay Lake region in the warm seasons. Along Highway 31, you’ll find a wealth of birding opportunities, especially at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. Ride the world’s longest free ferry from Balfour across Kootenay Lake. In the Crawford Bay Wetlands you’ll find excellent bird habitat.

Swimming, Beaches, Watersports

In the summer months, Kootenay Lake comes alive with swimmers, water-skiers, kiteboarders, skimboarders, stand-up paddleboarders, tubers and host of other fun watersport lovers. Lakeside Rotary Park, only a 5 minute walk from Nelson’s Baker Street, offers a family beach with swimming. The park also is the home station for “Car 23,” a restored streetcar that takes passengers 1.2 kilometres along the lakefront. Taghum Beach Regional Park another park located just East of the city, offering picnic sites, playgrounds, and lots of sandy beach.

Kayaking & White Water Rafting

Nelson is a great base from which to explore the area by kayak, either on Kootenay Lake or one of the many streams or rivers in the area such as Slocan River (Class II to III) or Salmo River (class III to IV). There’s no better way to see the ecological diversity and stunning beauty of the area than this. Rent a kayak or join experienced outfitters to experience an adrenaline-filled rafting vacation like no other.