Welcome to the small town of Nelson, British Columbia, a genuinely wonderful place to visit during any season. As a resident of Washington state, only 2.5 hours away, it is the perfect place for a weekend getaway any time of year. Here are some ideas of things to do in Nelson BC in the winter on a weekend trip.
About Nelson BC
Nelson BC is a community built around the silver boom in the late 1800s. Then in the 1980s, Nelson made an effort to restore the historical aspects of the town and has since transitioned itself into a center for arts and culture rather than the rural lumber town it once was. With a population just over 10,000, Nelson has attracted a conglomeration of well educated, artistic, outdoorsy, health conscious residents.
Nelson BC is located in the Selkirk Mountain range on the Kootenay Lake. It’s a nature lover’s paradise. Getting there is accomplished by either flying into the Spokane International Airport and driving over 3 hours or taking a regional flight to Castlegar or Trail BC.
Things to do in Nelson BC in the Winter
Experience Winter Activities at Whitewater Resort
With world class powder, Whitewater Resort has incredible skiing and boarding conditions for months from winter and well into the spring just 20 minutes from Nelson. This region is also world renowned for its epic cat and heli skiing/boarding with multiple operators to deliver you to the backcountry paradise.
Not a skier or boarder? There are plenty of nordic trails or snowshoeing trails for you to get your winter fix. We went for a beautiful winter walk just a few minutes from the ski lodge. You can even rent fat tire bikes and ride on multi-use trails.
Learn more about Whitewater Ski Resort HERE.
Visit Ainsworth Hot Springs
This small developed hot spring resort is about a 45 minutes drive along the beautiful Kootenay Lake. The resort has rooms and suites, a spa, a restaurant, and the natural spring swimming pool. The pool is a comfortable 96° F and then you can explore the caves where the water gets hotter and hotter. There is even a creek fed plunge pool so you can alternate cold and hot. It’s so fun!
Ainsworth Hot Springs has been a source of relaxation for the native Ktunaxa people for until being developed commercially in the 1930’s. After a number of sales and renovations, the property was eventually purchased by the Lower Kootenay Band.
You can either visit for the day and buy a single entry, a day pass, or book an accommodation at the resort. They have lockers and changing rooms for day visits.
Where to Stay in Nelson BC
Nelson has a handful of great hotels, along with the standard chains. But there are a couple that stand out.
The Hume Hotel is a historic beautiful hotel with a restaurant and spa. Well located and with old world charm, the Hume Hotel is my top pick. We had dinner here one night and LOVED it.
This modern boutique hotel has a super cool vibe plus it has some “economy style” rooms with bunk beds.
This classy waterfront resort has an indoor pool, spa, and on-site restaurant and coffeeshop. We came here for delicious crepes one morning.
Great reviews, great location, modern decor, and an onsite sauna.
For something more rustic and unique, check out this beautiful lodge with different cabins to choose from.
Lastly, I always have to recommend Airbnb. The link takes you to the cabin with barrel sauna we rented for a few days. I’ve always had good luck as long as I read reviews, check pictures, and view map locations. If you click HERE, you’ll get a discount on your first Airbnb booking if you’re new.
Where to Eat in Nelson BC
Nelson has some amazing restaurants and coffeeshops. You won’t have any trouble finding good food.
This little Mexican restaurant has awesome meals and a great vibe. They serve all three meals each day.
This restaurant is within the Hume Hotel. You don’t have to have a reservation to eat here, of course. The old world vibe is fabulous and the food is excellent.
This cafe is great for grabbing a breakfast sandwich and coffee. Super cute to gather and sit as well.
For the best in the art of espresso, look no farther than No6 Coffee Co. A minimalist coffeeshop, you’re coming here solely because you love to experience the creation of expert coffee creators.
For an all around delicious breakfast, look no farther than this main street favorite.
This restaurant is the number 1 rated in Nelson and primarily focuses on Indian fusion.
This is not an exhaustive list, there are plenty of other great restaurants, but these were the ones we enjoyed or believe to be some of the noteworthy ones.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on things to do in Nelson BC in the winter and found it helpful! Feel free to reach out!