Discover
Trip Ideas
Seasons
Inspiration
Finding Awesome
We're excited to welcome you back to our region! Here's a few small things we can all do to keep it awesome while you're here.
Finding Awesome
Recreation
Lake & River
Mountain
Road
Snow
Additional Recreation
Golfing
Social distancing is a breeze on the five golf courses around Kootenay Lake: Kaslo, Balfour, Kokanee Springs, Riondel & Granite Pointe.
/recreation/mountain/golf
Things To Do
Attractions
Arts, Culture & Heritage
Shopping
Eat & Drink
Health & Wellness
Take Out & Get Out
From lakeside to downtown, there are plenty of iconic places to enjoy an outdoor meal, picnic to go or a cool beverage.
/stories/spring-summer-patios
Stay
Stay
Staying in Style
Want to take your Kootenay Lake trip to the next level? Consider boutique accommodation in Nelson BC and Kootenay Lake.
/stories/staying-style-boutique-accommodation-nelson-bc-and-area
Plan
The Region
Travel Info
Kootenay Lake Ferry Schedule
The ferries in our region are free, including the tourist attraction, the Kootenay Lake Ferry, which is the longest free ferry in the world.
/plan/travel-info/roads-ferries
Events
Events
Events Calendar
See what's happening all across the region and remember to travel S.M.A.R.T.
/events/calendar
Search
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Winter

Nelson BC in the evening light covered with snow and lit up by Christmas Lights

Photo Credit : Nelson, BC | Joy McAdams

The stillness of winter is punctuated by a flurry of outdoor activities throughout the Kootenay Lake region. Legendary powder makes Whitewater Ski Resort, cat & heli skiing, and ski touring areas a bucket list destination for skiers. Nordic skiing and snowshoeing in Nelson and Kaslo offers family friendly recreation, while indoor and outdoor skating rinks are ideal for a classic Canadian pastime.

Brightly decorated historic main streets and boutique shops welcome the holiday season. Dozens of charming cafes, brewpubs and restaurants invite visitors to indulge in apres-ski all season long. A few restaurants in Nelson will have outdoor patios to give you a unique, Kootenay experience.

Check-in at one of our boutique hotels, motels and resorts all around Kootenay Lake. You'll find the perfect place to stay: safe, clean, and private.

Whitewater Ski Resort

Just 25 minutes from downtown Nelson, Whitewater Ski Resort is a world-class ski destination that still enjoys a well-deserved laid back reputation.

Skiiers crouched down while a Stellar Heliskiing heli lands in the mountain near Kaslo, BC.

Cat and Heli Skiing

We are the Cat Ski Capitol, because of this well-designed terrain, precipitation, and temperatures, with more Cat Ski operations here than anywhere else in the world.