Nelson

The Queen City of the Kootenays — BC's most beautiful heritage city, perched above Kootenay Lake.

Nelson is widely regarded as the most beautiful small city in BC — a heritage gem of 10,000 people perched on the steep hillsides above the west arm of Kootenay Lake, with over 350 heritage buildings that give it a character and architectural richness unmatched anywhere in the BC interior. It was founded during the silver mining boom of the 1880s and grew rapidly into the commercial and cultural capital of the West Kootenay, a status it has never entirely relinquished. The downtown core is a pleasure to explore on foot. Baker Street, the main commercial street, is lined with beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian buildings housing independent shops, restaurants, galleries, and cafes. The streetcar that runs along the waterfront is a beloved community institution, and the views from the hillside streets over the lake and the surrounding mountains are extraordinary. Nelson has a vibrant arts and culture scene that is remarkable for a city of its size. The Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History is one of the finest regional museums in BC, and the city's galleries, studios, and performance venues support a creative community that draws artists from across the province. The Nelson Brewing Company, one of BC's pioneering craft breweries, has been producing excellent beer here since 1991. Whitewater Ski Resort, 20 kilometres south of Nelson, is one of the best powder skiing destinations in BC. The resort receives exceptional snowfall from the Selkirk Mountains and has a devoted following among powder enthusiasts who prize its uncrowded runs and authentic mountain atmosphere.