The Kootenay Current

Downtown, outdoors, culture, and relaxation

Best Things to Do in Nelson

With a lifetime of experience in the area, we’ve certainly found our favourite things to do in Nelson! Here’s a few we think you’ll love.

Explore Historic Downtown Nelson

Downtown Nelson is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and wander. Centered around iconic Baker Street, this heritage-rich core is packed with locally owned shops, cozy cafés, and beautifully preserved buildings that give the city its unmistakable character.

We always recommend starting with a stroll along Baker Street, where colourful storefronts and mountain views set the tone for your visit. This is the heart of Nelson’s shopping scene, and we take all our visiting guests for a a relaxed morning popping into independent boutiques, bookstores, and specialty shops you won’t find anywhere else.

Coffee lovers are in for a treat! Downtown is dotted with excellent local cafés, each with its own personality — perfect for warming up on a crisp morning or taking a mid-afternoon break between exploring. If your ideal travel day includes a good latte and a window seat, you’ll feel right at home. Check out our recommendations for the first 3 Coffee Shops to see on your first visit.

For a dose of culture, we usually check to see what’s coming up at the historic Capitol Theatre, one of Nelson’s most beloved venues. From live music to independent film screenings and performances, it’s a cornerstone of the city’s famous arts scene.

As you wander, keep an eye out for Nelson’s street art and heritage architecture. The city is famous for having one of the best collections of restored heritage buildings in British Columbia, and part of the fun is simply exploring side streets and spotting murals, brick facades, and perfect photo opportunities.

Local tip: We usually give ourselves at least a half day downtown — longer if you love browsing shops or café hopping.

👉 Looking for a deeper dive? Check out our full guide to downtown Nelson for more local favourites and hidden gems.

Outdoor Adventures in Nelson

If getting outside is part of your travel plans (and in Nelson, it really should be), you’ll have no shortage of options. Surrounded by mountains and sitting right on Kootenay Lake, Nelson makes it incredibly easy to mix small-town exploring with big outdoor days.

Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Nelson BC, with trails ranging from quick scenic viewpoints to full alpine adventures. Local favourites like Pulpit Rock reward the climb with sweeping views over the city and lake, while nearby forest trails offer plenty of quieter options if you’re looking for a more relaxed outing. For trail ideas and local favourites, start with Touring Nelson: Must-See Hikes, Parks, and Activities and 7 Hikes Around Kootenay Lake You Need to Experience.

In the warmer months, the lake becomes the centre of activity. Nelson’s beaches are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply stretching out with a good book on a sunny afternoon. If you’re visiting with family, many of the area’s lakeside spots have easy access, picnic areas, and calm water that make for an easy half-day outing. You can explore our full roundup in Best Beaches in and Around Nelson BC.

For something a little more leisurely, the region’s rail trails provide scenic walking and biking routes with minimal elevation gain. They’re a great option if you want beautiful views without committing to a full hike, and they’re especially popular with families and casual cyclists. See our guide to Kootenay Rail Trails for route ideas.

If you’re planning a summer visit, there are even more ways to get outside, especially along the North Shore where you’ll find family-friendly adventures and easy-access nature spots. Our list of 8 Exciting Summer Family Activities In and Around Nelson’s North Shore is a great place to start.

Winter brings a completely different kind of magic. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other cold-weather adventures are all within easy reach of town, making Nelson a true four-season outdoor destination. For seasonal inspiration, browse 5 Outdoor Winter Activities to Do in the Kootenays and 5 Indoor Winter Activities to Do in the Kootenays.

Planning tip: Plan at least one full outdoor day in your Nelson itinerary — most visitors end up wishing they’d scheduled more. We think there’s enough to do outdoors to last a lifetime – we’re still finding new gems every month, which you can find on our instagram.

👉 Want even more ideas? Don’t miss Waterfalls in the West Kootenay for scenic stops worth adding to your trip.

Arts & Culture Scene

Nelson’s arts and culture scene is one of the biggest reasons people fall in love with the city. From colourful street murals to lively community events, creativity is woven into everyday life, like the impressive costumes we see during the lantern festival or during market nights.

During the summer months, Nelson ArtWalk turns downtown into an exploratory art gallery, with artists taking residence in downtown businesses to showcase and discuss their art, ranging from painting to performance art, sculptures and more. It’s a great opportunity to see some of the city’s local talent (and maybe take a piece home with you). Find this year’s ArtWalk dates on our community events calendar here.

If you’re exploring downtown, you’ll quickly notice the artistic energy — especially around Baker Street, local galleries, and the city’s many performance spaces. Our guide to Downtown Nelson shopping, entertainment, and wellness is a great starting point for discovering creative businesses and cultural stops.

During the warmer months, the beloved Nelson Night Market  transforms downtown into a vibrant evening festival filled with local makers, musicians, and food vendors. It’s easily one of the best ways to experience Nelson’s community spirit firsthand.

For a closer look at what to see and do in the city core, check out What To Do Downtown Nelson BC, which highlights our #1 recommendations for what to see and do downtown, including shows and shopping spots.

Relaxation & Scenic Experiences

Not every Nelson itinerary needs to be packed with hikes and full-day adventures. One of the best things to do in Nelson BC is simply slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy the easygoing pace that makes this area so special.

We’ve taken every guest we’ve had for a soak at the nearby Ainsworth Hot Springs, located about 45 minutes from Nelson along the shores of Kootenay Lake. The drive along the lake is stunning, and the mineral pools and one-of-a-kind cave experience make this a perfect half-day outing, especially if you’re looking to unwind after a few active days.

If you’re in the mood for a bit of scenery, Nelson makes an excellent base for exploring surrounding communities! The drive is always part of the appeal — with winding lake views, mountain backdrops, and plenty of pull-over photo spots along the way. For inspiration, browse our guides to Kaslo, Castlegar, and New Denver, each a charming small town that we visit most seasons.

Back in town, lakeside downtime is always a good idea. Whether you’re planning a relaxed beach afternoon or a sunset stroll by the water, there are plenty of beautiful shoreline options close to the city. Our Best Beaches in and Around Nelson BC guide rounds up the local favourites.

Travel tip: Plan at least one free day into your Nelson trip. We know there’s lots to see, but it’s the quiet moments that make a trip to Nelson special.