If you’re not feeling like adventuring outdoors today, Nelson still has so much for you to enjoy! The city’s downtown is thriving, packed with cozy cafés for you to find and plenty of shopping to be had!
Once you’re done with that, how about a little entertainment! The town attracts talent from all across the world, making Nelson a cultural hub for shows, independent films, and musicians. There’s lots to see and do before stopping at one of Nelson’s most popular restaurants for an incredible meal!
Shop Local
Nelson has long valued small business, creating a vibrant downtown that promotes local craftspeople, boutique shops, and friendly store owners who you can meet face to face. While there are some franchises in the mall, Baker Street has been Nelson’s centre for commerce and trade since the old days of the Hudson’s Bay Company (which sat on the corner of Baker and Stanley Street).
With more shops, cafes, and restaurants than you could possibly visit in one weekend, you could fill several afternoons browsing on Baker Street – and you should! Here’s a few of our favourites:
Nelson Farmer’s Market
A creative, crafty town with a quirky sense of style and a passion for all things organic, it should come as no surprise that Nelson is home to a well attended farmer’s market.
In the Summer you can get your fresh produce fix Wednesday mornings on Baker Street, and Saturday at Cottonwood Falls park. You’ll find fresh and preserved food, handmade artisan craft ware, and colourful jewelry filling the booths on market day.
There’s also a night market several times during the summer, which is an expanded version of the weekly markets, featuring live music performances and a higher concentration of food & beverage vendors. Whether you’ve lived here for years or are just visiting, Nelson’s Farmer’s Market is a great place to find handmade goods, souvenirs, and delicacies all in one place.
The Kootenay Co-Op
Long before locally grown, organic produce was a country-wide cultural movement, the Kootenay Co-op was providing Nelson with fresh organic produce, bulk items, and health products such as vitamins, supplements, and specialty foods.
Since it’s days as a Baker Street staple, The Kootenay Co-op has expanded with an even wider array of grocery and health products, as well as freshly baked bread, pastries, and delicious sandwiches, salads and ready-made meals.
As a member-owned and operated organization, the Co-op is committed to providing its members with high-quality products, fair pricing, and a strong commitment to the community. They even offer occasional workshops on specialty dishes in partnership with locals chefs. You can keep an eye out for cooking workshops on our events calendar here!
Baker Street
Baker Street, the heart of Nelson’s downtown core, is a treasure trove for those seeking unique finds and supporting local businesses. Many of the buildings here are reminders of Nelson’s history, with false-front facades and original signage from their days as gilded era working shops and offices. Today the street is lined with cute shops offering everything from handcrafted goods to vintage treasures, along with an abundance of restaurants and the odd sport and recreation facility as well.
You won’t find popular chains from the city here, but you can easily get lost in the eclectic mix of boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores that give Baker Street its distinctive charm. Discover locally made jewelry, pottery, and textiles, or browse through vintage clothing and antique shops. For foodies, Baker Street offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and gourmet food shops, where you can sample cuisines from across the world.
Catch a Show
With an esteemed music school, circus performance institute, and a penchant for attracting creatives from all around the world, Nelson’s performance arts scene is full of diverse and talented individuals who love to share their art with the world!
The Royal
The Royal is a beloved institution in Nelson, known for its vibrant atmosphere, penchant for fried chicken, and eclectic live music scene. As a cornerstone of the city’s entertainment scene, The Royal hosts a really diverse range of musical acts, from local bands to touring artists all year round.
Whether you’re a fan of rock, blues, jazz, or folk, you’re likely to find something to your liking at The Royal. The venue’s intimate setting creates a personal and immersive experience for both performers and audience members.
In addition to live music, The Royal also offers a variety of other events, including comedy shows, open mic nights, and special themed parties. With its stacked calendar, delicious food, and lively atmosphere, The Royal is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a memorable night out in Nelson.
The Capitol Theatre
Nelson’s main stage, The Capitol Theatre is a cultural mainstay, where history meets entertainment. This historic venue is a throwback to Nelson’s decadent past, with gilded architecture and vintage decor that transport you back in time. From the plush velvet seats to the ornate ceiling, every detail of the Capitol Theatre is designed to create a magical atmosphere.
Whether you’re attending a live music performance, a theatrical production, or a film screening, you’ll be captivated by the venue’s charm and ambiance. The bulk of the shows are plays put on by local performance arts groups, and the talent on display here will have you laughing, crying, and on the edge of your seat with original scripts and popular favourites such as The Little Mermaid and Legally Blonde: the Musical.
Nelson Civic Theatre
How about a trip to the movies? Nelson’s Civic Theatre is a community run venue that showcases the latest blockbusters and a healthy selection of local and indie films as well! Undertaking renovations in 2024 to become a multi-screen complex, The Civic keeps Nelson’s cinephiles well entertained with its massive screen size and incredible audio.
If you’d like to become a member (which is around $20), you also get access to the 18,000+ movies at Reo’s Videos, available to rent for free, and discounts on every movie ticket you purchase!
Wellness Experiences
Look and feel your best – on your own, or with a friend!
Unwind at Ainsworth
This one’s not in downtown Nelson, but we think you’ll forgive us – a visit to Nelson isn’t complete without a visit to Ainsworth hot springs. 45 minutes from town, Ainsworth is just a perfect getaway after a day of walking, shopping, and eating.
As the road follows along the lakeshore, allow yourself to unwind as you marvel at the beauty of Kootenay Lake – now in its full glory as the narrow west arm of the lake opens up past Balfour into the main body of Kootenay Lake.
Ainsworth itself is a resort, but it’s the kind of resort that can only exist in Nelson, where the business is supported by locals and this natural wonder hasn’t been overdeveloped, instead retaining much of its natural charm.
There’s two main pools here: a smaller hot pool where the source of the springs originates which is a bit warm for some, but really sets your muscles at ease. The springs themselves flow from inside a natural horseshoe shaped cave, complete with interesting nooks and small stalactites that have formed on the ceiling.
The larger pool is still warm, but because of the larger surface area tends to be a few degrees cooler. It’s a perfect place for the whole family to relax, with enough seating for everyone, and a few pods for a little bit of privacy. Top that off with a cold plunge and you’re all set for a soak that’ll leave you relaxed and rejuvenated.
Spa/Massage
Rooted Massage Therapy
This group of ladies offer registered massage therapy right above the Vienna Cafe, right downtown – convenient for a post-massage brunch.
If you’ve never been to a RMT before, it’s a great way to relax and ease tense muscles. The RMT will use various techniques, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, or trigger point therapy, to address your specific problem areas, and leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Aura Spa & Salon ~ The Hume Hotel
Located right downtown in the historic Hume Hotel, Aura offers a full range of spa services – both therapeutic and aesthetic.
- Massage Therapy: Indulge in a variety of massage techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone massages.
- Facials: Treat your skin to a nourishing facial treatment, tailored to your specific needs.
- Manicures and Pedicures: Pamper your hands and feet with luxurious manicures and pedicures.
- Hair Services: Enjoy a wide range of hair services, from cuts and styling to coloring and treatments.
- Body Treatments: Relax and rejuvenate with body scrubs, wraps, and other treatments.
Himilayan Salt Cave
The Himalaya Salt Cave in Nelson, BC, is a unique kind of wellness experience where you can experience the therapeutic benefits of breathing in salt-infused air: relaxation and respiratory detox. The cave is constructed with 12,000 pounds of Himalayan salt, creating a serene and calming atmosphere, and illuminated to provide a warm ambient glow.
Beyond the salt therapy, the cave offers a variety of services to promote relaxation and wellness, including several kinds of massage therapy, sound healing, and meditation. Guests can also enjoy the soothing warmth of an infrared amethyst biomat to alleviate muscle and joint pain, inflammation, circulation, and stress. If you’re seeking relief from respiratory issues, stress reduction, or simply a peaceful escape, give Nelson’s Himalayan Salt Cave a try.
Aesthetics
Serendipity Nail Studio is Nelson’s only dedicated nail salon, and has been helping people look their best for 15 years now. Stop by for gel nails, manicures, or pedicures for a fresh new look. They do nail art and embellishments at no extra charge, and you can even get side-by-side pedicures with a friend. With close to 200 gel colours to choose from, they’ll have something to fit your vibe.
Once you’re done shopping and relaxing (or in between rounds), it’d be a great time to grab a coffee at one of Nelson’s cafés, or visit one of the town’s iconic establishments for a drink!
