Public Transit is a Great Traveling Option around Nelson and Balfour, BC

West Kootenay Regional Transit — Public Bus System

The public transit system in the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region is convenient, inexpensive and reliable. Bus stops are located in easy to reach areas and run often. All regional buses are also bike-friendly, making this combination a handy alternative to driving. There is regular service within the city of Nelson, as well as service along Kootenay Lake all the way to Balfour. Exact schedules do change with the seasons, so check the official schedule for exact travel information.

BC Transit stops near the Castlegar Airport. The best way to find route times and pickup locations is through Google Maps and clicking on the Transit icon. 

Towards Balfour and the North Shore

The bus route traveling along Kootenay Lake toward Kaslo is called the “North Shore”. This route goes regularly between downtown Nelson at Ward Street and the Balfour Ferry, with several stops in between. Additional service to and from Kaslo is available. 

By Ferry

Holding the title as the longest free ferry ride in the world, The Kootenay Lake Ferry takes 35 minutes to cross from Balfour to Kootenay Bay. Different schedules apply for winter and summer months and the M.V Balfour also operates in the summer months to meet additional demand.

Taxi Service

Glaicer Cab Company shuttles people to and from the Castlegar Airport, around Nelson and up and down Kootenay Lake. They can be reached at 250-354-1111.

Shuttles

OPERATIONS DURING COVID-19 MAY BE EFFECTED.  

Charters: 

Kootenay Charters is part of the Mountain Transport Institute and offers chartered airport shuttles, recreation & event shuttling, transportation in and around the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region.

Kootenay Gateway offers private charters for groups and functions. During COVID-19 travel restrictions may effect their services.

Kelowna: Silver City Stage Lines runs from Nelson to Kelowna, departing 6:30am from the A&W 512 Railway Street, Sunday to Friday. Shuttles depart from Kelowna at 1pm.

Vancouver: Ebus runs from Vancouver to Kelowna and connects with Silver City Stage Lines bus. Mountain Man Mike's Shuttles offers shuttles to and from Kaslo and Vancouver once a week. 

Calgary: Mountain Man Mike's Shuttles offers shuttles to and from Kaslo and Calgary once a week. 

Tours: East Shore Transportation Society located on the East Shore, runs charters for events and group tours. Spend a leisurely day or two journeying around the entire region.

Nelson - Spokane: NOT RUNNING DUE TO COVID AND BORDER CLOSURE.
Throughout the winter daily shuttles run from Nelson to the Spokane Airport via Kootenay Gateway. Details of departure and arrival times, and costs are on our Shuttle page. Private charters can also be arranged for groups and functions by contacting them directly, though COVID-19 travel restrictions may effect their services.