Finding Heritage, Culture and Hotels in Nelson BC

	Flowing to Kootenay Lake in Nelson B.C. 1

Arts, history, culture and great fun—these are just a few of words used to describe the city of Nelson, B.C. Some call it the Queen City. As of 2001, nearly 10,000 people have called it home. Others still call it their favourite place to visit. Spend only a short time in this little mountain community and it quickly becomes apparent as to how it gained so much positive recognition.

The love affair with Nelson, a city still small enough to explore by foot, ignites almost immediately and easily lasts an entire visit—or a lifetime for some. From Baker Street down to the waterfront, the city's numerous turn-of-the-century buildings house a parade of inventive restaurants, comfortable cafes, funky shops and world-class accommodations. It is easy to see; just wander through these rural streets and take it all in. Don't be shy though as here it is common to receive a smile and a hello from locals demonstrating a certain sense of community spirit.

Though the townspeople have come to appreciate the benefits of tourism, they have always approached development here with caution, not wanting to spoil their mountaintop heaven with big box stores and commercialism. Locals will remain courteous to visitors but they have a grievance with the big chains and corporations that try to capitalize on the unique community they have built. This attitude is what gives Nelson one of its coolest aspects as residents choose to support the local economy, many original businesses and artists have the opportunity to flourish and provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind shoping experience.

A HELPING HAND

WorldWeb.com offers two useful directories for those visiting Nelson. These two directories are designed to help visitors find accommodations that suit their needs.

Accommodation Directory—This is a complete Nelson accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, luxury resorts, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.

	Daily News Building in Nelson 2

Maps—The Nelson map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

VENTURE INTO THE KOOTENAYS

Nelson is located on the western arm of Kootenay Lake in the mountains of B.C.'s southern interior. It is set 663 km (412 mi) east of Vancouver, B.C., 628 km (390 mi) west of Calgary, A.B., and 55 km (34 mi) north of the U.S. border.

The city can be accessed via Highway 6 from the south, and Highway 3A from the east and west.

Daily bus service is provided by Greyhound, and the Castlegar Airport is only 30 minutes away by road. While the Nelson Airport can be reached via charter aircraft, it is the airport in Castlegar that provides regular airline service from both Vancouver and Calgary.

Queen City Shuttle & Charters will arrange door-to-door service from airports in Castlegar and Spokane. They also handle group transportation throughout the West Kootenays.

The City of Nelson operates a small but effective transit system within city limits that offers an economical alternative for getting around.

	The Library Lounge in Nelson 3

FROM LAKE SHORE TO MOUNTAIN TOP

Nelson is the classic example of a B.C. mountain town. The city's growth is limited on all sides, as it sits cradled within the breathtaking Selkirk Mountains and wades into the waters of the expansive Kootenay Lake, which has helped Nelson maintain its small town feel throughout the years.

This unique position favours the city but it does have its drawbacks as well. For example, the amount of activities right at Nelson's doorstep are innumerable; however, being built on the side of a very steep hill in an area that receives high snowfalls can be treacherous at times. Even on a hot summer day, the short trip from the beaches of Kootenay Lake to the shops of Baker Street can prove to be a difficult climb. For this reason, it is important that people come prepared for the city's challenging terrain, especially those with reduced mobility.

ACCOMMODATIONS

	A Day at the Beach in Nelson 4

Waterfront
The Prestige Lakeview Inn and its sister property, the Prestige Lakeside Resort, are undoubtedly the most recognizable and influential lodges in Nelson. These large boutique hotels sit on the shores of Kootenay Lake, each offering their own touch and their own charm.

The deluxe Lakeside Resort treats visitors to a full service marina complete with fishing charters, an indoor swimming pool with hot tub, a full service convention centre and a contemporary lounge and restaurant. Rooms range from exotic theme suites to the luxury guestrooms with marble entryways. Kitchenette suites are available for extended stay travellers.

Situated a short way down Front Street, guests of the more economical Lakeview Inn enjoy the hotel's French country-style accommodations, along with full access to the facilities available at the Lakeside Resort.

While staying at the Lakeside Resort or Lakeview Inn, guests can hop aboard Streetcar 23. This fully restored street car from the 1920s tours the waterfront from the old city wharf area, past Chahko Mika Mall and on to Lakeside Park.

	All Aboard Streetcar 23 in Nelson 5

Below Baker
Before the steep climb up to Baker Street, there is a choice of two fine hotels to be found on Vernon Street. From the hip heritage of the New Grand Hotel to the cherished Nelson landmark that is the Hume Hotel, guests will not be disappointed.

Formerly the Heritage Inn, now the Hume, this hotel has been established for over 100 years. Here, 43 nostalgic guestrooms are located above the General Store Restaurant, where a great Italian American feast awaits. Mike's Place Pub, the Library Lounge and the Liquor Boutique are located within the Hume and multiple banquet facilities are available—all catered by the expertise of Greg Schlosser and the Hume Hotel Catering company.

The New Grand Hotel was originally built in 1913 and recently redesigned by the award-winning B.C. Architect David Dobie. The classic luxury of this 40s-style hotel has been combined with all the state-of-the-art amenities of a big city stay in order to offer guests whatever they desire. Guests can enjoy the fine dining experience at Louie's, a classic steakhouse offering metropolitan cuisine. The 34 guest rooms at the Grand include a 15-room hostel for those travelling on a tight budget. Private conference rooms are available for groups as small as 15 to as big as 100.

Baker Street Accommodations
Amidst its brick buildings and fantastic shops and popular restaurants, Baker Street features a small bundle of hotels and hostels for those who want to stay somewhere central. There is a Best Western on the east side of town and the Dancing Bear Inn and Backcountry Hostel right next to it. The Mountain Hound Inn is located a couple blocks down the drag in the center of town.

	The Historic Hume Hotel 6

One of Nelson's newer additions, the Best Western Baker Street Inn features all the comforts and amenities that hotel chain is known for. Guests of this hotel will enjoy the fitness room and hot tub, Jacuzzi suites, banquet facilities and the Baker Street Grill.

Hostelling International maintains the Dancing Bear Inn at 171 Baker Street. This hostel was created to accommodate travellers of all ages and nationalities. Depending on their budget, guests of the Dancing Bear can choose from shared, private and family rooms.

Another new business on Baker Street, the Backcountry Hostel gives travelers a fun and social place to set up base and meet some new friends. This hostel has 4-,6-, and 8-person dorms as well as private rooms with cable TVs. In addition, the lodging is great for travellers looking for a fun time as it hosts shows and parties throughout the week.

Luxury, technology and history meet at the Mountain Hound Inn. This extensively remodeled boutique hotel features all the amenities required for both short stays and extended vacations. The 19 well-appointed rooms all feature new LCD flat screen TVs, remote air-conditioning, high speed Internet and luxurious beds.

Out of Town
The Alpine Motel extends to their guests comfortable, affordable lodging only minutes north of Baker Street. Perched above Nelson's downtown core, this family-owned motel offers rooms suitable for those travelling with children, for the adventurous type and for business people alike.

	The Secluded Kookenay Lakeview Lodge 7

When visiting Nelson, a trip to Ainsworth Hot Springs should be considered a mandatory indulgence. Located 47 km (29 mi) north of the city, Ainsworth features three naturally heated pools, a 46-m (150-ft) water-filled cave, a casual restaurant and a 43-room resort, all with an impressive view of Kootenay Lake and the mountains beyond.

Take an inspiring 25-minute drive along the lake's shore to the pleasant community of Balfour. Located en route to the hot springs, the Kootenay Lakeview Lodge presents a relaxing getaway on a secluded waterfront property. Golfers can work on their game at Eagleview—the lodge's own 9 hole course—then play a full round only minutes away at the impeccable Balfour Golf Resort.