Nelson, due to its home on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, is a popular tourist destination for outdoor enthusiasts and for those who love the lively city experience filled with shopping and restaurants.

While it’s got its fair share of heritage architecture and a vibrant arts scene, summer in Nelson truly shines when enjoying the crisp waters of Kootenay Lake and the rivers that feed it. If you’re looking to cool off, soak up the sun, or enjoy a picnic by the water, Nelson has you covered with these incredible beaches.

Here’s a breakdown of the best beaches in and around Nelson, BC, perfect for the weekend or your next beach day.

Lakeside Park

Location: Situated right in the heart of Nelson, at the base of the Big Orange Bridge.

Why it’s great: Lakeside Park is Nelson’s most popular and accessible beach. This beautiful park and its accompanying beach are the highlight of Nelson’s waterfront, with a long, sandy beach perfect for swimming in the crisp clear water of Kootenay Lake.

Amenities: The park has plenty of amenities, including change rooms, public washrooms, a paved path perfect for a stroll, extensive green spaces with shady trees, a playground for kids, tennis, basketball and bocce courts, a covered picnic shelter, and a boat launch. In summer, there’s a concession stand for snacks and drinks, as well as paddle board and kayak rentals. There’s even a wheelchair accessible path at one end of the beach.

Best for: Families, easy access, a full day of activities, and enjoying a classic Nelson experience.

Note on Dogs: Lakeside Park is a dog-free zone, as is the beach, all year round. Dogs on leashes are permitted on the perimeter walkways of the playing fields, and there’s a designated dog beach area by the Prestige Lakeside Resort. See our article on dog friendly beaches in the Kootenays for more dog-friendly spots.

Taghum Beach

Location: 8 km west of Nelson, on Highway 3A, towards Castlegar. 

Why it’s great: Taghum Beach is a popular local hangout for its spacious soft sand and more secluded feel compared to Lakeside Park. It has lots of space to spread out, relax, and enjoy the sun. It’s rarely windy, and the sun stays out late here due to the shape of the mountains. Kids will love catching minnows along the rocks, and there’s contained cooking stations for grilling when there aren’t fire bans in place.

Amenities: You’ll find picnic tables, pit toilets, and opportunities for fishing and non-motorized boating. There’s a beach volleyball court for a lively match between friends. It’s a great spot for a quieter day by the water, although parking can be difficult due to its popularity. 

Best for: An after work beach bbq or a day at the beach with active kids.

Shoreacres

Location: A small community gem situated west of Nelson, where the Kootenay River flows out of Kootenay Lake. 

Why it’s great: Shoreacres has a real community feel right along the tail end of the Slocan River. It’s a wonderful spot at the entrance to the Slocan Valley, popular with older kids and teenagers due to the fast current. You’ll need to be a good swimmer here, but it’s common to see adults and teens jumping off the rope swing and drifting down the river back to shore.

Amenities: The beach area is a natural setting, without much in the way of amenities besides the aforementioned rope swing and a couple picnic tables. Ideal for those looking for peace and quiet. 

Best for: Tranquil nature setting, river swimming, community connection, and older kids/teens.

Crescent Beach

Location: Crescent Valley, at the junction of highway 3A and highway 6. 15 Minutes from Nelson.

Why it’s great: Crescent Beach is named for its rounded crescent shape, located at a deep point in the Slocan River ideal for swimming. It’s a popular choice as the terminus for floating the Slocan River, and has a couple of great spots to eat right across the street. The water has fast and slow spots, ideal for all ages, but you’ll want to keep a close eye on smaller children and make sure you’re a strong swimmer.

Amenities: Picnic tables, mountain bike trails, lots of parking. There’s Evergreen grocery store and Tonik Distillery across the street for pizza and cold drinks. You can float the river and get out here too.

Best for: Families, river floats, a swim followed by pizza and a cocktail.

6 Mile Beach

Location: A bit further north of Nelson (around 10 minutes drive) near Duhamel Creek, also called Duhamel Beach. 

Why it’s great: Six Mile Beach is a beautiful sandy stretch of Kootenay Lake. It’s known for its clear waters and light sand. It’s more secluded than Lakeside Park, with a sandbar that extends into the lake, creating a shallow area. On the Nelson side of the sandbar, the water drops off suddenly, with dangerous currents, so use this one at your own risk!

Amenities: A quiet spot for water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding, but as an unofficial beach doesn’t really have amenities.

Best for: Those seeking a more natural setting, water sports, and a quieter beach experience.

Troupe Point

Location: Located on the North Shore of Kootenay Lake, east of Nelson. Accessible only by rail trail or boat. 

Why it’s great: Troupe Point offers a more natural and less developed beach experience, for dedicated locals seeking tranquility. It’s got soft yellow sand, and the clear water is perfect for a refreshing swim after your trek to the beach. It’s known for its peaceful, quiet atmosphere and beautiful views across the lake. 

Amenities: Primarily a natural beach setting without amenities. Pack in and pack out. 

Best for: Seclusion, peaceful swimming, nature lovers, and those willing to explore a bit off the main road.

Red Sands

Location: Situated on the North Shore of Kootenay Lake, just past Bealby Point Rd.

Why it’s great: A different looking beach with reddish-coloured sand, offering a distinct visual appeal. This smaller, often quieter beach provides a beautiful setting for sunbathing and swimming. It’s Nelson’s unofficial clothing-optional beach, and popular with dog owners as one of the most accessible dog beaches for those with pets. 

Amenities: No amenities – it’s a natural beach. Plan to be self-sufficient. 

Best for: When you forget a swim suit. Dogs. Those seeking a less-frequented spot.

Kokanee Creek Park

Location: About 20 minutes north of Nelson on Highway 3A. 

Why it’s great: This provincial park has over a kilometre of white sandy beaches along Kootenay Lake, perfect for swimming, paddling, or soaking up the sun. The rest of the park is also interesting, with a waterfall and tons of trails to explore. There’s a lot to this provincial park – we did a whole article on Kokanee Creek Park here.

Amenities: Kokanee Creek is a full-service park with four campgrounds, flush toilets, picnic areas, multiple playgrounds, short hikes, and even a visitors centre. There’s a boat launch, and a marina a few minutes away with ice cream and snacks. There’s also a designated dog beach located beside the boat launch at the north-east end of the park.

Best for: Families, camping, extended beach days, a mixed-use park day, and swimming.

Champion Lakes

Location: Approximately 45-50 minutes drive from Nelson, off Highway 3B near Salmo/Fruitvale.

Why it’s great: While a bit further away and not on Kootenay Lake, Champion Lakes Provincial Park is stunning. 

This park features a chain of three picturesque small lakes. Third Lake is the most developed for swimming, with two sandy beaches (Main Beach day-use area and Campers beach) with warm water (a rarity in the area). The lakes are perfect for canoes, kayaks, and non-motorized boats, and the third lake is even stocked with fish.

On one end is the day-use beach, with indoor plumbing and covered picnic tables, and at the other end is the campground beach, with a playground and pit toilets. Keep an eye out for wildlife here! It’s not uncommon to see turtles, frogs, beavers and more in this oasis.

Amenities: Campgrounds, indoor plumbed toilets, picnic areas, playground, fishing, and hiking trails connecting the lakes.

Best for: Camping trips, a small lake experience, warmer water, and non-motorized water sports.

Tips for Visiting Nelson Beaches

• Sun Protection: The sun can be intense, especially with the reflection off the lake. Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. If you’re staying long, bring your own shade – it’s not always easy to come by shade at Nelson Beaches. Umbrellas are a wonderful addition to your beach gear.
• Pack a Picnic: Most beaches have picnic facilities, making it easy to enjoy a meal with a view.
• Leave No Trace: Help keep our beautiful Kootenay beaches pristine. Pack out everything you pack in. Many on this list don’t have amenities like garbage cans or washrooms, so plan your day accordingly.
• Check Fire Bans: Check fire bans before attempting to use the grills at some of these beaches. Propane BBQ’s are also a great option!

Nelson is full of opportunities to connect with nature, and its beaches are a perfect example. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of a city park beach or the serenity of a more remote shoreline, you’ll find your perfect patch of sand and clear water at one of these incredible Nelson beaches.

Did we include all your favourite beaches? Make sure to let us know if we missed any in the comments below!