Nelson has been recognized as the Heritage Capital of British Columbia. Located in the West Kootenays, it is an outstanding example of early 20th century architecture, yet its distinct culture and eclectic community provide a modern mountain paradise on Kootenay Lake. It’s been dubbed the “Best Small Art Town in Canada” and one of the top recreational destinations in the province. The city is situated about half way between Vancouver and Calgary, and about 50 kilometres north of the U.S. border. The heart of Nelson lies along Baker Street, which offers a variety of cosmopolitan boutiques, coffee shops, eateries, and sporting good stores.

Visual arts, theatre, and live music offerings are plentiful in the town’s cultural centre, theatres, and nightclubs. Nelson is surrounded by wilderness, making it a haven for hiking, mountain biking, golfing, kayaking, climbing, cross-country and downhill skiing and snowboarding. Whitewater Ski Resort, a twenty-minute drive from Nelson, is renowned for some of the best powder snow in North America, with an average snowfall of over 40 feet. At the base of the town lies the west arm of Kootenay Lake, a water sports mecca. Nelson is heaven for anyone with a passion to play outdoors and spend time in a vibrant community.