top of page

Getting Here

IMG_9993.jpg

By Car from Calgary

Nelson is roughly a 6.5-hour drive. You have two scenic routes to choose from:

  • Via Fernie on Highway 3

  • 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.

​

** 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)

  • Distance: Closest airport, about 40 minutes away.

  • Flights: No direct flights unless traveling from Vancouver;  only one flight per day.

  • Travel Tip: Plan to arrive a day early due to limited flight options.

  • 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)

  • Distance: Approximately 3 hours from Nelson.

  • Flights: More flight options available, often with connections through larger hubs.

  • Weather Reliability: Typically more reliable with fewer weather-related cancellations compared to other airports.

  • Travel Tip: Car rental or transportation is necessary to reach Nelson.
     

Trail Airport (YZZ)

  • Distance: Roughly 50 minutes from Nelson.

  • Flights: Limited flight options, best for travellers coming from the island or coast.

  • Weather Reliability: Decent reliability but only operates within B.C.

By Major Plane

Kelowna (YCG)

  • Distance: Closest major airport, about 4.5 hours away.

  • Flights: Plenty of flights from multiple carriers all over the country.

  • Travel Tip: Book a rental car or chat with Sarah and Joe about carpooling/shuttle opportunities.
     

Calgary International Airport 

  • Distance: Approximately 6.5 hours from Nelson.

  • Flights: Plenty of flights from multiple carriers all over the country.

  • Travel Tip: Book a rental car or chat with Sarah and Joe about carpooling/shuttle opportunities.

Staying Here

IMG_0218.jpg

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.

 

​

Best Western Plus Baker Street $$

  • Pet-friendly 

  • Right on Baker Street 

  • Lots of guest parking 

  • 2 minutes away from shuttle location 

  • Amazing dining option for breakfast and dinner (our fave!)

The Adventure Hotel $$

  • Pet-friendly 

  • 1939 Heritage Building

  • One block away from Baker Street

  • Amazing coffee shop with good treats

  • Freshly renovated rooms with lots of variety

The Hume Hotel $$$

  • Pet-friendly 

  • In-hotel Spa

  • Cocktail Lounge and Jazz Bar

  • One block away from Baker Street 

  • 1898 Heritage Building (Nelson's First hotel!) 

  • Complimentary Breakfast when booked through Hume

Prestige Lakeside Resort $$$

  • Guest Parking

  • Water Front Stay

  • 10 minute walk to Baker Street 

  • 100 year old tram car to Lakeside Park

  • Pool for Kids and Outdoor Swimming Area

Dancing Bear Hostel $

  • ​Guest Parking

  • On Baker Street

  • 1904 Heritage Building

  • Cooking and Outdoor Facilities

  • Dorm and Private Rooms Available 

Municipal Campground $

 I know we’ve got some campers in the group, so here are a few friendly warnings about the City campground:

 

  • Tight Spaces: Maneuvering trailers can be tricky—prepare for close quarters.

  • Train Noise: Right by the CPR tracks, so bring some good ear plugs. 

  • Limited Privacy: Folks tend to cut through campsites, so seclusion is limited.

  • Neighbour Roulette: Your experience may vary depending on who’s nearby.

  • 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.

Our
Reccos 

IMG_0173_edited.png
Image by Eric Murray

Broken Hill

Cool atmosphere with amazing cocktails and BBQ

​

Joe's Fave: Smoked Brisket 
Sarah's Fave: Cauliflower Mac n' Cheese and All Things Nice Cocktail

An italian snack_edited.jpg

Marzanos

Intimate atmosphere with unique seasonal selections

​

Joe's Fave: Crackling Chicken
Sarah's Fave: Risotto Verde

Image by Keszthelyi Timi

Outer Clove

Cozy atmosphere with comforting East European eats

​

Joe's Fave: Chicken and Gravy Crepes
Sarah's Fave: Broccoli and Cheese Soup

Image by Henry Be

Library Lounge

Historic Lounge with jazz, cocktails and a variety of food

​

Joe's Fave: Hume-ongous Burger
Sarah's Fave: Crispy Artichoke Sandwich

Image by Krisztian Tabori

Cantina del Centro

Delicious margs and tacos
 

Joe's Fave: Chili coconut marg
Sarah's Fave: oh my gourd tacos

Image by Leon Bublitz

Red Light Ramen

Unreal soup and cool cocktails!
 

Joe's Fave: Chicken Tan Tan
Sarah's Fave: Butternut Squash Tan Tan

Image by Dan Meyers

Pitchfork

Upscale farm to table dining with amazing seasonal offerings
 

Joe's Fave: Steaks 
Sarah's Fave: Seasonal veggie dish

bottom of page