What To Do Before And After Shambhala

When 20,000 people descend upon a region of B.C. where that more than doubles the population, you know the draw must be something awfully special. And indeed it is. The Shambhala Music Festival started in 1998 as nothing more than a few hundred people gathering at a family ranch on the banks of the Salmo River to dance to electronic music. Fast forward more than two decades and it’s one of the most revered electronic music festivals in North America. Devotees of dubstep and West Coast bass would argue the world. Think Burning Man in the mountains, with a Kootenay twist, and you start to get the picture.

As a family-owned festival that still clings to its grassroots, Shambhala has a devout following from far and wide. The five-day bacchanal unfolds about 45 minutes south of Nelson, drawing crowds from across Western Canada, plus about 8,000 international attendees. Many come for the distinct curation of art, music and community, but also for the setting. The event takes place during the peak of summer, when rivers and lakes are warm and the forested hillsides are glowing green. Nights are comfortable, and the streets and markets of our handsome little towns are bustling. It’s an ideal time to visit.

A note from the founder

We checked in with Shambhala founder Jimmy Bundschuh about why the Nelson and Kootenay Lake area is the perfect home for Shambhala, and his best suggestions for how to enjoy the area before and after arriving at the festival.

Why does Shambhala thrive in the Kootenays?

I think it's all about the remoteness. It was interesting when we were growing and trying to get people to come, because it was really hard to get to. But then later that became a big advantage, where it's a journey. The Kootenays are so amazing because you really have to try hard to come here. If Shambhala was an hour out of a major centre, then the audience would be less committed, but the Kootenays are such a destination.

How should festival go-ers warm up?

Just to go for a walk in Nelson and explore.

The energy around the Queen City of the Kootenays ramps up as the festival approaches and folks roll into the Victorian mountain burg that serves as its major landing point. A self-guided heritage walking tour highlights stately turn-of-the century architecture and a bustling cultural scene set in the middle of staggering wilderness. A free audio mural tour further peels open Nelson’s creative side open with over 50 commissioned façades.

Can I get supplies or even an outfit in Nelson?

Yeah, I like that Nelson's been having more public events on Baker Street, with its markets and entertainment in the evenings leading up to the festival.

Weekly farmers’ markets and night markets are home to local produce, music and makers, where the artisan scene blossoms into Kootenay couture. Crafters of all ilk sell hand-made jewelry and clothing that’s exactly on point for Shambhala, to either help diversify your wardrobe or let you travel a little lighter and get the whole thing here. Shambhala always starts on a Friday, which means the Wednesday market gives you two days of lead time.

You can also visit The Tickle Trunk Shop right on Baker Street any day of the week, “Where bold expression meets luxe sensuality.”

Where can you get a hearty meal before heading to the ranch?

Definitely check out the restaurants. My wife and I always end up at Marzano, that seems to be our date-night location.

Truly, you’ll be at the festival for five days burning as many calories as an endurance athlete. It’s worth treating yourself to Nelson’s famous local food scene to fuel up beforehand, especially since the cosmopolitan enclave has more restaurants per capita than Manhattan. Nelson is famous for its fusion, with local takes on world cuisine attracting chefs from around the world. Red Light Ramen and Yum Son or two stand out options with top reviews, and might be worth a reservation.

Also note that Shambhala is alcohol free, which means if you want to sample local suds or spirits, before or after is the time to imbibe. There are two award-winning breweries in town, Nelson Brewing Company and Backroads Brewing, the latter with its tasting room right on Baker Street. There’s also the Angry Hen to check out in Kaslo, it's worth the drive.

How can you stretch your legs before the beat drops?

I would definitely go up to Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. That's a nice area with easy hikes that’s obviously gorgeous. There are more advanced hikes, but I think Kokanee and the Valhallas are easily accessible. You’re not going to get into too much trouble or be too far out there alone.

Even easier, whether before or after is to simply head down to Rotary Lakeside Park, only minutes from downtown, which has a long shoreline stroll with a section that’s even dog friendly. Or do a quick burn up to Pulpit Rock (two hours return average) for a view of all of Nelson. If you’re ambitious, link it with the Lyon’s Bluff Trail to make it a point-to-point. 

What’s the best way to slide back into real life after the festival?

It's kind of like two phases: rest and then recharge. I think people are pretty tired and need some rest. Decompression is definitely something that everybody's looking for after the event. We go to Ainsworth quite often—I always feel the most effect from the water out there. 

The healing waters of Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort or the soothing beaches of Kootenay Lake will help even the most ravaged souls come back to centre. Taghum Beach Regional Park will introduce a bit more quiet, while Cottonwood Lake Regional Park offers an even gentler calm. 

Planning to stay a couple nights after the festival will also ensure you’re in better shape to make the trip home. Whether you want to camp on shoreside at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, book into The Adventure Hotel, Hume Hotel & Spa, Prestige Lakeside Resort or even dovetail into a wellness retreat, spa or ashram, booking a couple of down days after Shambhala is a smart practice. 

The Victorian village of Kaslo just an hour north of Nelson offers an even deeper respite with quieter lodgings and the stillness of Kaslo Bay Park. 

Savour The Journey

I think the majority of the people just kind of head home to wherever they came from. But there's definitely a big opportunity for people to slow it down and maybe take a different route. Take the long way home, you know?

If you want to make the trip to or from the festival just as memorable, there are plenty of routes to do so. Heading east, take the world’s longest free scenic ferry from Balfour to Kootenay Bay and stroll the artisan village of Crawford Bay. Heading north, detour north of Kaslo for a long walk through the glacier-surrounded Monica Meadows. 

You could even just stay in Nelson a while longer, where the Bloom Nightclub extends the Shambhala vibe year round. Who knows, maybe you’re home now.