Nelson & the Northern Loop
Kootenay, Arrow & Slocan Lakes

Nelson:
Set amid stunning mountains on the west arm of Kootenay Lake, Nelson is the largest centre in the Kootenay Country. Once a prosperous mining town, Nelson is now noted for its vast numbers of restored heritage buildings and a well documented history. It is located 43 km (27 miles) east of Castlegar on Hwy 3A, and 40 km (25 ml) north of Salmo on Hwy 6.

Heritage Walking/Motoring Tour:
Explore any of the 350 heritage buildings in the area including the Nelson Courthouse and City Hall or view artifacts at the museum and Chamber of Mines of Eastern British Columbia. The Visitor Infocentre will provide maps and more information.

Streetcar No.23:
This recently restored electric tram gives visitors a chance to view the town from its lakeshore route.

Lakeside Park:
Stroll along this lakeshore walkway to sandy beaches, picnic and play areas, nature areas and a greenhouse.

Follow Hwy 3A to Balfour where a car and passenger ferry across Kootenay Lake will take visitors to the town of Crawford. Highway 3A then leads its scenic route along the lake to Creston.

Ainsworth Hot Springs:
Instead of continuing along Highway 3A, you may choose to follow Highway 31 which leads past Ainsworth Hot Springs. Canada's highest mineral content hot spring with a pool temperature of 45 degrees C (over 100 F) offers visitors a fabulous view of the lake. It is open year round.

Cody Caves Provincial Park:
North of the hot springs follow a gravel road which leads to the caves. Guided tours are available.

Kaslo:
Further north on Highway 31 is the village of Kaslo, first settled during the 1890's silver strikes. Now a peaceful resort community on the shores of Kootenay Lake, visitors may enjoy the excellent fishing or explore the historic buildings and relics of yesteryears.

S.S. Moyie:
This is the oldest passenger sternwheeler in North America. Now completely restored as a museum, it has been named a historic site by the Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada.

From Kaslo, visitors may continue along Highway 31 to Galena Bay which is a slightly more isolated and rougher route. Alternately, follow Highway 31A to New Denver, Highway 6 to Nakusp and Highway 23 to Galena Bay. From Galena Bay onto Shelter Bay and Revelstoke in the High Country.

New Denver:
At the junction of Highways 31A and 6 on the eastern shores of Slocan Lake is New Denver. Once a mining town, it is now a centre for anglers and boaters, hikers and skiers. Further along Highway 6 is Nakusp.

Nakusp:
Situated on the Upper Arrow Lake in the Selkirk Mountains, Nakusp offers visitors a new marina, 9-hole golf course, driving range and waterfront walkway and park. Enjoy the nearby hot springs (just off of Highway 23 north of town) or angling for kokanee, Dolly Varden and rainbow trout in the lake. The name Nakusp is an Okanagan Indian word meaning "closed-in".

Fauquier:
South of Nakusp on Highway 6 is a ferry which crosses the Lower Arrow Lake to Needles. Further along are Cherryville, Lumby and the Okanagan. Alternately, continue back along Highway 6 to New Denver, Slocan, South Slocan and the Highway 6 Junction to Nelson.

Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort: This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy majestic scenery – with accommodations to suit your every need. Along with a great hot springs experience and accommodations, enjoy our dining room & lounge, gift shop, along with local attractions and activities. more

Halcyon Hot Springs: With spectacular mountain scenery and wilderness Halcyon Hot Springs on Arrow Lake is the perfect place for you. There’s mountain biking, canoeing, ATV touring, and wildlife viewing -- plus comfortable accommodations and wellness programs. more

Kootenay Kingfisher Guiding Services: Fish the Kootenay’s for world class Gerard Rainbow, Bull Trout & Walleye on the Arrow & Kootenay Lakes, & Columbia River. Full time licensed guide Brad Stubbs offers guided day trips & and all inclusive packages, and provides you with exceptional service. more

Shadow Mountain Outfitters: Located in the Bull River drainage, this is the largest guiding territory in Southeastern BC, encompassing 80-mile Kootenay Lake; an area often referred to as "Little Africa”. With over 30 years of guiding experience, this will be an adventure you won’t forge... more

Snowwater Heli Skiing: Located near Nelson, in the Kootenay region of southern BC, our area was chosen for its spectacular beauty and superb, light deep powder. Heli-ski on 150,000 acres of pristine wilderness with endless untracked turns. This is the heli-skiing adventure of a li... more

Sol Mountain Touring: Monashee Provincial Park provides dramatic alpine skiing with summit-to-creek runs of 3,000+ feet and steep tree skiing. Pure wilderness, a cozy lodge, and silence shattered only by your heartbeat – you’re here! Visit during summer for spectacular hiking. more

Valhalla Powdercats: It’s the most incredible big mountain terrain in BC with high alpine bowls and steep, old-growth forests in the Valhalla Mountains! Our ski / snowboard terrain is 6 times the size of Whistler / Blackcomb, offering bigger mountains and deeper snow than ever be... more

Woodbury Resort & Marina: Welcome to our membership resort offering safe, relaxing & enjoyable vacations year round. Not only are we a fabulous place to spend your summer vacations, but we have stellar Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing on Kootenay Lake in the Fall & Winter. more