Get in touch with us

Villa Motel, 655 Highway 3A, Nelson, British Columbia V1L 6H8, Canada

P:  2503525515

E:  [email protected]

The villa motel logo is red and white on a white background.

Attractions

Things To Do

A person is skiing down a snow covered slope

Whitewater Ski Resort

Attracting attention from around the world, Whitewater Ski Resort, located outside of Nelson BC, is known for one thing… POWDER. Each year this small and uncrowded resort receives an average of twelve metres of snow. The hill has three chair lifts and eighty one runs with a wide range of difficulty making it the perfect destination for all types of skiers.

+ Whitewater Ski Resort Website

+ Directions to Whitewater Ski Resort (35 mins away)

Ainsworth Hotsprings

Enjoy a breathtaking experience year round at Ainsworth Hot Springs. These hot springs contain three natural pools including caves that one can wade through. Discover a new sense of calm, especially in the chilly winter months.

+ Ainsworth Hot Springs Website

+ Directions to Ainsworth Hot Springs (40 mins away)

A person is swimming in a cave with a flashlight.
A group of people are playing golf on a golf course with mountains in the background.

Granite Pointe Golf Course

Conveniently located only minutes from downtown Nelson, BC, Granite Pointe Golf Course is a must-stop destination to round out your Kootenay travel experience. A gem in BC’s scenic Kootenay Rockies Region, you’ll want to bring your camera to capture the spectacular views of Nelson, Kootenay Lake, and the famed Kokanee Glacier.

+ Granite Point Golf Course Website

+ Directions to Granite Point Golf Course (10 mins away)

Cottonwood Falls & Market

Cottonwood Falls is located in the outskirts of Nelson and is the perfect place for relaxation. The misty atmosphere created by the waterfall and the lush greenery creates a serene setting for the park. In the summer months, Cottonwood Falls hosts a weekly market with live music and locally made food and clothing. Explore Cottonwood Falls and experience the tranquility of the area.

+ Cottonwood Falls Website

+ Cottonwood Market Website

+ Directions to Cottonwood Falls (7 mins away)

A waterfall is surrounded by trees and rocks in the middle of a forest.
An empty auditorium with rows of seats and a red curtain on the stage.

Capitol Theatre

The Capitol Theatre originally opened in Nelson in 1927 and has since been beautifully restored. It features local and regional theatre groups, musicians, students, and artists. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or in person. Please view the Capitol Theatre website for upcoming shows.

+ Capitol Theatre Website

+ Directions to the Capitol Theatre (6 mins away)

Downtown Baker Street

Take a stroll along Baker Street to view the numerous heritage buildings and discover unique shops and boutiques. Baker Street is the heart of Nelson with many outdoor patios available in the summer months to enjoy a meal and pubs open in the nighttime. Between the months of June and September, there is a local market on Baker Street each Wednesday. Parking on or near Baker Street is available.

+ Directions to Baker Street

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A group of people are playing on a beach with mountains in the background.

Kokanee Creek Provincial Park

Kokanee Creek Provincial Park features multiple day use beaches, walking trails within the forest, a boat launch, and a dog beach. During August and September, thousands of Kokanee salmon migrate to the Kokanee Creek spawning channels where visitors can get a close up view. Discover the wildlife and natural attractions that this Provincial Park has to offer.

+ Kokanee Creek Provincial Park Website

+ Directions to Kokanee Creek Provincial Park (20 min away)

Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park

Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park has two glaciers: Kokanee and Woodbury. It features spectacular views, hiking trails, and fishing in Gibson Lake. The park can be accessed by forestry roads and is the perfect place for discovery and exploration.

+ Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park Website

+ Directions to Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park (45 mins away)

A lake in the middle of a forest with mountains in the background
A ferry is docked at a pier in the water.

Kootenay Lake Ferry

The Kootenay Lake Ferry is the longest free ferry ride in the world where you get to experience the pristine sights of Kootenay Lake. The small community of Balfour is one of the landings of the Kootenay Lake Ferry, the other being Kootenay Bay.

+ Kootenay Lake Ferry Schedule

+ Directions to Kootenay Lake Ferry Landing in Balfour  (30 mins away)

Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park is located at the foot of the Big Orange Bridge and runs along the Kootenay Lake waterfront. This park is the perfect place for swimming, playing, or taking a relaxing stroll along the Centennial Pathway. The main features of the park include a long, beautiful beach, a large playground, tennis courts, a boat launch, picnic areas, large fields, and an exercise area. No dogs are allowed in the park.

+ Lakeside Park Website

+ Directions to Lakeside Park

A park with a house in the background and mountains in the background.
An aerial view of a city surrounded by mountains and a lake.

Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock is a beautiful hiking trail that takes approximately an hour to walk up. The top of the hike features a panoramic view of the entire city of Nelson.

+ Pulpit Rock Website

+ Directions to Pulpit Rock

Reel Adventures Fishing

Reel Adventures offers year-round guided fishing trips on Kootenay Lake. They supply the boat, tackle, and rods to give you the opportunity to catch the world’s largest wild Rainbow Trout.

+ Reel Adventures Website

+ Directions to Reel Adventures (10 mins away)

A man is holding a large fish in his hands in the water.
A large boat sits in the water with mountains in the background

SS Moyie National Historic Site

The SS Moyie is located in Kalso, BC and is the world’s oldest intact passenger sternwheeler. After a 59 year career, the vessel retired in 1957 and is now one of the most significant preserved steam passenger vessels in North America. From mid-May to mid-October, enjoy a self-guided tour throughout the ship’s interior and get the opportunity to blow the ship’s original steam whistle.

+ SS Moyie National Historic Site Website

+ Directions to the SS Moyie National Historic Site (1 hour away)


Streetcar #23

Streetcar #23 was used in Nelson in the first half of the 20th century. The fully functioning streetcar travels along the lakefront between the Prestige Hotel and Lakeside Park. Experience the scenic views and learn some history on a ride on Streetcar #23.

+ Streetcar #23 Website

+ Directions to Streetcar #23

A red trolley is parked in a park surrounded by trees.
A black and white photo of a large brick building with a tower on top.

Touchstones Nelson: Museum of Art and History

Touchstones Nelson: Museum of Art and History is a must-see for anyone wishing to experience the diverse interests of people living in the area. The changing exhibits range from contemporary art and pop culture, to fine craft and design, to local architectural and human history. The museum is located within a heritage building that was constructed in 1902 making it a cultural touchstone for Nelson and District.

+ Touchstones Nelson Website 

+ Directions to Touchstones Nelson

Whitewater Rafting

Nelson Whitewater Rafting Co. offers whitewater rafting and scenic float tours from June to September and are suitable for all ages. The company provides equipment and transportation to and from Nelson, BC. All you need is to bring a smile and enjoy your time spent on the water.

+ Nelson Whitewater Rafting Co. Website

+ Directions to Nelson Whitewater Rafting Co.

A group of people are rafting down a river.
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