Nelson Attractions

Nelson (543 m (1782 ft)) lies in a beautiful spot on the western arm of the long and charmingly situated Kootenay Lake, surrounded by the snow and ice-covered peaks, some as high as 2000 m / 6500 ft, of the Selkirk Mountains. Nelson is a mining town which grew up at the end of the 19th c. quickly developed into a tourist center. There are skiing regions in the surrounding area, such as the "Wild Water Ski Area" to the south on Mount Ymir which is 2585 m / 8484 ft high.

Nelson's many carefully preserved Victorian buildings give the town a charm all of its own, and it proudly calls itself the "Heritage Capital of the Kootenays".
Nelson is also known for attracting artists and younger adults interested in alternative lifestyles.