Nelson has earned a reputation for being one of the most impressive heritage cities in Canada, owing to its large collection of heritage structures. Dating back to the late 1800s, most historical buildings are close to one another, making a walk back in history an easy task.

The region around Nelson is also known for its natural beauty. The Selkirk Mountains are a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers who want to explore the untouched wilderness. There are several beautiful lakes located nearby that are great for swimming or boating. And if you're looking to immerse yourself in nature without venturing too far from civilization, head to nearby Larch Valley where you can hike through lush forests or go horseback riding on some idyllic pastures. When you're ready to unwind after a day on the slopes or in the mountains, there are plenty of nightlife options to choose from, including bars and pubs with live music and DJs. Whether you're looking for a getaway to relax or a place to explore and discover new ideas, Nelson is worth exploring.

Top 5 Things to Do

  • Soak in the Ainsworth Hot Sprigs
  • Ride the world's longest FREE ferry ride
  • Try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking on Kootenay Lake
  • Visit Kaslo  and the s.s. Moyie
  • Explore the area on a mountain bike

Queen of the Kootenay Region

Whether you're kayaking, cycling, hiking or skiing, Nelson is the queen city of the Kootenay region and the gateway to its expansive backcountry.
Ferry on the water near Nelson BC
Nelson BC - Photo: Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton
Man and child on mountain bike trail
Kootenay Rockies - Photo: Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton
Street scene with cars and trees in Fall
Downtown Nelson - Photo: Destination BC / Kari Medig
Historic Steamship in harbour at Kaslo BC
SS Moyie at Kaslo - Photo: Kootenay Rockies Tourism / Sara Rainford

Finding Awesome In Nelson & Kootenay Lake

The sky’s the limit, year-roud, when it comes to outdoor activities in and around Nelson.


Video courtesy of Nelson & Kootenay Lake Tourism

Loved the whole experience. So relaxing.
Janice French
Nova Scotia, Canada
Free ferry ride was an awesome experience. Area is amazing. I will be back.
Doug Trent
Toronto, Canada

Itineraries that include British Columbia

Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 9 days
Okanagan Wine Tour
The Okanagan valley offers a tantalizing experience for anyone who loves fabulous wine accompanied by fine cuisine. This is a perfect opportunity to taste the global culinary infusion of locally grown products complemented with renowned Okanagan wines. With more than 150 wineries in the Okanagan region, our itinerary can only offer suggestions as to how to make the most of your RV wine tour experience. And please, no drinking and driving!
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Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 7 days
Sea to Sky Adventure
You may be familiar with British Columbia’s Sea to Sky because it played a starring role when Vancouver was host to the 2010 Olympic Games. Known for its breathtaking views and Vancouver’s greatest backyard and playground, escape the city and explore the Coast Mountain Range in the towns of Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton.
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Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 16 days
Southern BC to the Rockies Circle
Enjoy 16 days exploring the beauty of Western Canada from the Pacific coast, to the Rocky Mountains, to the interior of British Columbia. This tour gives you a unique taste of some of British Columbia and Alberta’s most spectacular sights.
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Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 7 days
Sunshine Coast
British Columbia's Sunshine Coast is a rugged, secluded, marvelously laid-back area people instantly appreciate when they make the journey. It stretches from Gibsons to Lund in an approximate 180 kilometre-long collection of ocean-side villages, creating homes for unique waterside shops, friendly locals and the easygoing, coastal lifestyle.
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Start/End Vancouver / Calgary
Duration 12 days
The Crowsnest Route - Vancouver to Calgary
A leisurely alternative to the more-travelled route, Highway 3 meanders south from Hope, BC through Manning Provincial Park and the mountainous terrain of the Cascades. It’s a 1250km scenic route that will have you discovering something new at every turn.
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Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 24 days
Totem Circle
From spectacular coastline to mountains, to inland British Columbia and beyond, our Totem Circle tour takes you through some of Western Canada’s most spectacular scenery. Immerse yourself in fur trading history and learn about the culture of the indigenous people who inhabited this land before the arrival of European settlers. Small cities and towns will delight you as you discover your own piece of paradise on this iconic route.
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Start/End Vancouver / Whitehorse
Duration 19 days
Vancouver to Whitehorse
Our one-way itinerary from Vancouver to Whitehorse via the Inside Passage takes you to unexpected places and encompasses two ferry rides along with the best of Canada’s spectacular outdoors. Please note that both a Northern Surcharge fee and the US Travel fee are applicable to this itinerary.
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Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 10 days
Vancouver Island Experience
Enjoy ten days exploring the diverse landscape and culture of beautiful Vancouver Island. From rainforests to marshes, beaches to mountains, oceans, rivers and lakes, Vancouver Island is one of the world's premier locations for whale watching, birding and fishing. Your CanaDream RV is the perfect way to experience it all.
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Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 30 days
West Coast Road Trip
We're Disney bound but the destination is just one part of the journey! The Pacific Coast highway is the ultimate west coast road trip. The beautiful thing about taking your holiday along the Pacific Ocean is the freedom to stop and take in the ocean breeze whenever your heart desires. Some of our favourite places to stop along this journey are the Redwood Forest, Cannon Beach, Mendocino and Big Sur. Of course, spending time visiting Disneyland and other area attractions is your ultimate goal but there's so much more to do and see on this Pacific Coast RV road trip. Please note that the US Driving fee is applicable to this route.
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Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 12 days
Winter Sea to Sky
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of snow-capped mountains, towering in glory as they reach out to embrace the sparkling expanse of the sea. Transport yourself to a place where the silence of the forest is broken by crunching snow and the occasional cry of a bald eagle.
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