Getting Here
By Car from Calgary
Nelson is roughly a 6.5-hour drive. You have two scenic routes to choose from:
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Via Fernie on Highway 3
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Via Radium on Highway 93
** You will be in and out of service for larger portions of both of these drives. Please take extra care while driving.
By Car from Kelowna
Nelson is approximately a 4.5-hour drive. You can easily get there via Rock Creek on Highway 33.
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** You will be in and out of service for large portions of this drive. Please take extra care while driving.
By Regional Plane
Castlegar Airport (YCG)
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Distance: Closest airport, about 40 minutes away.
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Flights: No direct flights unless traveling from Vancouver; only one flight per day.
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Travel Tip: Plan to arrive a day early due to limited flight options.
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Weather Reliability: Flights can be frequently canceled in bad weather due to technical issues, however they will shuttle you in/out from Kelowna if this happens. Generally reliable in sunny weather.
Cranbrook Airport (YXC)
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Distance: Approximately 3 hours from Nelson.
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Flights: More flight options available, often with connections through larger hubs.
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Weather Reliability: Typically more reliable with fewer weather-related cancellations compared to other airports.
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Travel Tip: Car rental or transportation is necessary to reach Nelson.
Trail Airport (YZZ)
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Distance: Roughly 50 minutes from Nelson.
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Flights: Limited flight options, best for travellers coming from the island or coast.
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Weather Reliability: Decent reliability but only operates within B.C.
By Major Plane
Kelowna (YCG)
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Distance: Closest major airport, about 4.5 hours away.
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Flights: Plenty of flights from multiple carriers all over the country.
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Travel Tip: Book a rental car or chat with Sarah and Joe about carpooling/shuttle opportunities.
Calgary International Airport
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Distance: Approximately 6.5 hours from Nelson.
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Flights: Plenty of flights from multiple carriers all over the country.
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Travel Tip: Book a rental car or chat with Sarah and Joe about carpooling/shuttle opportunities.
Staying Here
Notes about Accomodations
Nelson offers dozens of charming accommodations, and we’ve compiled our top picks—all within easy walking distance of the shuttle pick-up/drop-off on Baker Street. You’re welcome to choose something farther uphill, but be warned: it’ll be a bit of a hike back as buses and cabs don’t run at night.
Long weekends get busy, so be sure to book well in advance.
The shuttle will not operate beyond the pick up/drop-off location on Baker Street. We highly recommend choosing a place within walking distance of Baker Street.
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Municipal Campground $
I know we’ve got some campers in the group, so here are a few friendly warnings about the City campground:
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Tight Spaces: Maneuvering trailers can be tricky—prepare for close quarters.
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Train Noise: Right by the CPR tracks, so bring some good ear plugs.
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Limited Privacy: Folks tend to cut through campsites, so seclusion is limited.
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Neighbour Roulette: Your experience may vary depending on who’s nearby.
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Haunted Probably: Built on top of the old cemetery, so pretty spooky if you ask me.
It’s the only campground within walking distance, so if you’re set on staying here… consider yourself warned! But if you’ve got a designated driver and are okay staying outside Nelson, there are beautiful provincial campgrounds about 30 minutes away at Kokanee Provincial Park and Redfish.