Nelson BC is located in the West Kootenays region of British Columbia, Canada. If you look at a map of British Columbia, the Kootenays are located in the southeast corner of the province. Nelson’s population is just under 10,000 people. Although Nelson doesn’t have all the conveniences of a larger center, there are still plenty of fun things to do when you spend time here. Here are the top ten things to do in Nelson on your family vacation.
Visit Lakeside Park in the north end of the city, right next to the big orange bridge. Things you’ll find in the park include plenty of grassy areas for picnics, a sandy beach, boat launch, and a playground. Bring your own lunch or buy lunch at the snack stand in the park, which has a diversified menu. Dairy Queen is also within walking distance. Near the park you will find soccer and baseball fields.
Watch the planes take off and land at the airport. For a city the size of Nelson, you’ll be surprised to learn that it has its own airport, right by the sea. The airport is mainly used by small personal aircraft and helicopters. In the summer, the airport can get quite crowded, especially during wildfire season, and you’ll see all kinds of planes.
Walk along the boardwalk. If you start at Lakeside Park, you can walk along the boardwalk to the west, past the sandy beach, soccer fields, Chahko Mika Mall, Prestige Inn, and the airport. On the way back, take the traditional trolley that runs from the Prestige Inn to Lakeside Park.
Spend an afternoon at the Nelson Aquatic Center. The aquatic center was renovated in 2005 and contains a full pool, children’s pool, lazy river pool, water slide, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. A great way to spend a few hours at a cost of around $10 (for a family of four). The same building also contains a weight lifting gym and a hockey rink. Bring your skates in the winter to skate in public!
If your family likes to play golf, check out the Granite Pointe Golf Club. The golf course is located at 1123 West Richards street in the Rosemont area of Nelson, a short drive from downtown. The 18-hole course was designed by Bill Newis in 1993. Beautiful views and a great clubhouse will top off your day here.
If the weather isn’t cooperating, spend some time inside the bowling alley. Savoy Lanes is located at 520 Falls Street, across from the Best Western Hotel. It features regular bowling, league bowling and laser bowling.
Catch a movie at the Nelson Civic Theatre, 719 Vernon Street. This is an older ‘one screen’ cinema, usually with one or two current movies in rotation. They usually have two evening showings a day, with matinees on the weekends. The experience of watching a movie here can be quite nostalgic; bring your own bag and they will fill it with popcorn!
Learn about local history by stopping at the Nelson Museum (402 Anderson Street). The museum houses exhibits on native peoples, explorers and settlers in the area, as well as art and history. An extensive archive of local photography can also be viewed.
Do you want to see how the local beer is made? Nelson Brewing Company is a local brewery that produces more than half a dozen brands, including its famous Faceplant winter brew. Located at 512 Latimer Street, where the brewery began over 100 years ago, call ahead for tour times.
Enjoy a meal at the Hume Hotel (formerly the Heritage Inn, founded in 1898). No trip to Nelson is complete without a visit to the Hume Hotel, located near the center of the city. The hotel has undergone major renovations in the last 25 years, but still maintains its old charm, without the ‘sterile’ atmosphere of newer establishments. You will enjoy the hotel restaurant with its upbeat staff, historical memorabilia and photos, a varied menu and reasonable prices. Be sure to ask for a table by the window so you can see the stone courthouse across the street and watch the traffic go by.