For links to sites of interest in and around Nelson, click here.

Surrounded by the majestic Selkirk Mountains and set on the shores of beautiful Kootenay Lake, Nelson has earned a reputation as one of BC's premier tourist destinations. The cosmopolitan character, spectacular mountain setting, heritage charm, and abundance of cultural and recreational activities serve to provide visitors with a world-class vacation experience. In fact, there are so many things to see and do here that planning to stay a few days is perhaps your most important consideration.

The Nelson area has a rich history of exploration and mining. Explorers and adventurers employed by the North West Trading Company and the Hudson Bay Company were the first to enter the Kootenay and Columbia River valleys while searching for fur trade routes. David Thompson travelled the Kootenay River as well as the full length of the Columbia River between the years 1807 and 1811. In September 1876, gold was discovered at Forty-nine Creek, nine miles west of Nelson, resulting in a minor rush of prospectors from the United States. The mining industry helped to create the foundation for a community and on March 18, 1897 the City of Nelson was born when the Letters of Patent were issued. The first mayor of Nelson was John "Truth" Houston. Once incorporated, Nelson became a hub of activity for the West Kootenay region. Sternwheelers plied the waters of Kootenay Lake and the West Arm, and development of the new city, including the construction of the Hume Hotel, proceeded quickly.

In the early 1980s, the residents of Nelson undertook an important and ambitious heritage restoration plan. Because of this tremendous community effort, Nelson now boasts over 350 heritage buildings, both throughout the downtown core and residential neighborhoods. Today, heritage walking and driving tours take visitors back to a time filled with grand Victorian architecture and garden tea parties. Visitors can also ride along our scenic waterfront on the fully restored Streetcar 23. And if you're a movie buff, be sure to visit the Nelson Fire Hall, which was used to great effect in the movie Roxanne, filmed in Nelson in 1986 and starring Steve Martin and Darryl Hannah.

In addition to the charming heritage ambiance, Nelson is considered the number one small arts town in Canada, and consistently ranks in the top five in North America. Every summer you can experience Artwalk, which brings together all manner of artistic expression with local businesses to provide a thoroughly entertaining walking tour around town. In the third weekend every July, you can also enjoy Streetfest, our version of a summer block party, and an event that is gaining an international reputation as one of the finest street performer festivals in the world. It's an absolute must-see if you're in the area. The beautifully restored Capitol Theatre also provides Nelson with a variety of local productions throughout the year, ranging from pantomime, to plays, to musicals. The eclectic mix of many artist and artisan-run specialty shops and boutiques further enhances the cultural charm of Nelson, and the international flavour of the many cafes, restaurants and nightclubs provides many options to meet any taste. Take a stroll down historic Baker Street and you'll see what we mean.

For more information on Nelson, visit www.discoverNelson.com