Nelson BC Itinerary

A Dream Getaway to Nelson, BC – Nature, Luxury & Pacific Northwest Magic

Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains along the edge of beautiful Kootenay Lake, Nelson, British Columbia is a hidden gem that stole our hearts. After months of dreaming and planning, we finally embarked on our perfect Pacific Northwest escape—and Nelson delivered beyond expectations. From the moment we arrived, it was clear: this wasn’t just a trip. It was an experience we would treasure forever.

Stirling Suites: The Heart of Nelson

Our home base for this adventure was Stirling Suites, an absolutely stunning boutique stay located in the heart of Nelson. If you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury, this is the place to be. See a quick glimpse of all the magic we experienced there here.

The suites themselves are incredibly spacious, gorgeously appointed with modern finishes, and designed with such thoughtful attention to detail that we genuinely didn’t want to leave. From plush linens to a full kitchen setup, washer & dryer… you name it! Everything we needed was at our fingertips.

But the true showstopper? The balcony views. Sweeping sights of Nelson's charming streets, framed by mountains and lake vistas—it was as if we were living inside a postcard. And just like out of a dream, we watched small planes taking off or coming into the small airport right from our private balcony. We also loved watching all the sailboats on the water and gazing upon big BOB - the famous Big Orange Bridge!

Stirling Suites also honors its historic building roots with a tasteful mix of heritage charm and upscale modernity. It's that rare blend of boutique luxury and local soul. From keyless entry to in-room amenities, a lovely barrel sauna and cold plunge, everything is thoughtfully curated. It’s obvious the owners care deeply about the guest experience, and we were blown away by the attention to even the smallest detail. It didn’t feel like a hotel stay, it felt like home away from home. You can book a stay at this unforgettable hotel here.

Sailing into the Sunset with Sail Nelson

One of the absolute highlights of our trip was our sailing cruise with Sail Nelson, guided by our incredible Captain Penny. The golden hour light across the water, with the mountains mirrored in the stillness, felt unreal. Captain Penny’s warmth and knowledge made the experience unforgettable. Check out her website for details on this cruise here or contact Penny directly at: 250-777-1754

The cruise included a delicious dinner ($100 voucher for food and drinks) at Sage Tapas & Wine Bar—a perfect blend of luxury and nature. Highly recommend the mussels! The restaurant also beautiful views of Kootenay Lake. You can find their full menu here.

Flying over Nelson in a Cessna

Flying over Nelson, British Columbia in a Cessna was like stepping into a dream — one stitched together by towering mountains, endless blue water, and the kind of perspective you can only get from the sky.The adventure lasted just an hour, but it felt timeless. As the Cessna lifted off the runway, the world below began to shrink — the charming town of Nelson tucked in between the Selkirk Mountains, surrounded by wilderness that stretches far beyond the horizon. We climbed steadily, and soon the full expanse of Kootenay Lake opened up beneath us. Mountains rolled out in every direction, their rugged peaks dusted with snow even in the summer. The scale of it all — the vastness, the remoteness — was humbling and unforgettable!

Pampered at Aura Spa & Salon

Just trust me, and book this experience! We enjoyed the full pamper treatment at Aura Spa & Salon, and it was every bit as dreamy as it sounds! The spa has experience packages and we indulged in the Duet Experience—a 2.75 hour long relaxing, rejuvenating couples package that left us both glowing. The Duet experience package included Prosecco, a 60 min Infrared Sauna Session for two, side by side 75 min Deep Tissue Massages and Conditioning Scalp Treatments. Aura’s tranquil setting and talented therapists make it the ideal place to unwind and reset. For more information on the spa click here or contact them at 250- 352-0879

Ainsworth Hot Springs

A short drive from Nelson took us to the Ainsworth Hot Springs, where we soaked in mineral-rich waters while looking out over Kootenay Lake. The Ktunaxa Grill on site served up an incredible meal afterward—local, fresh, and full of flavor. This combination of healing waters and fine dining is truly a must when visiting the region. Check out their website for more details here.

Not to be missed is their restaurant, the Ktunaxa Grill! It was one of THE best places we ate at while in BC. It was truly an unforgettable experience with gorgeous views all around! They also had a great gift shop where we picked up some books all about the Kootenays and a few local treats. I recommend making a reservation. Trust me when I say, this restaurant is a destination in and of itself!

Where to Eat in Nelson

Many Nelson eateries and cafés take pride in their farm‑to‑table philosophy, sourcing seasonal produce from nearby farms like Earth Temple Gardens and Winderberry Farm, which work closely with local chefs to ensure ingredients are harvested at peak ripeness. To give you an example, the region is home to the Kootenay Co-op, (first pic) Canada’s oldest food co‑op grocery store, which plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the ethos of local sourcing and high-quality ingredients in restaurants and bakeries! We loved our lunch there, and the freshness of each ingredient was evident. For a full list of places we picked as the best places to eat in Nelson, check out my Nelson food post here.

Kayaking on Kootenay Lake

For a more serene water adventure, we turned to Nelson Paddleboard & Kayak Rentals. Gliding across the glassy surface of Kootenay Lake was pure magic—surrounded by peaks, quiet waters, and nothing but the sound of nature. You can check them out here or contact them at: 877-808-7238

Kokanee Mountain Zipline

Zip lining with Kokanee Mountain Zipline in British Columbia is an unforgettable adventure through the stunning Selkirk Mountains. With six thrilling lines, some stretching over 2,400 feet and reaching speeds up to 90 km/h, the experience combines adrenaline with jaw-dropping scenery. As you soar above the treetops and deep canyons, panoramic views of Kootenay Lake and surrounding peaks unfold beneath you. The guides are friendly, professional, and make you feel safe every step of the way. Between zips, there’s time to take in the fresh mountain air and appreciate the peaceful beauty of the forest. It’s an exhilarating way to see BC’s wild side from a whole new perspective.

Why Nelson Should Be on your List

Nelson is a town that draws you in slowly. There’s authenticity here—kind people, artisan shops, cozy cafes—and an energy that makes it a true sanctuary for both outdoor lovers and those seeking rest and rejuvenation. If you crave nature, soul, and charm in one place, Nelson is it. Whether it’s sailing into the sunset, biking scenic paths, soaking in hot springs, or simply enjoying a local coffee shop conversation—this town invites you to slow down and be present.

The people of Nelson are what make it truly special. Warm, welcoming, and passionate about their beautiful home, they add a richness to the experience that no itinerary can capture.

Final Thoughts

Our dream getaway to Nelson, BC was everything we imagined and more. From luxurious accommodations at Stirling Suites to unforgettable adventures on land and lake, every moment felt like a perfect note in a song we never wanted to end.

Whether you're seeking romance, adventure, relaxation—or all three—this charming Pacific Northwest town should be at the top of your travel list. To see all Nelson, BC content head on over to IG: thehonestpassport. I’ve created an entire highlight tab, posts and reels of our trip there!

✨ Nelson, you have our hearts. We’ll be back. ✨