We usually visit my family in the lower mainland and Okanagan during the summer. I'm thinking it would be fun to see something different this year. We've heard that Nelson is a nice town to visit. With only 2 weeks and lots of family and friends to visit, we'd probably spend a couple of days in Nelson. Any recommendations on accommodation?

Nelson is definately worth a visit especially for it's turn of the century, (19th to 20th), architecture and it's quaint shops. It's also very much a last stronghold of the 'hippy' culture of the 60's and 70's and the I found those womens' unshaven armpits often competing with the omnipotent odour of BC Bud marijuana which is the leading cash crop in the vicinity. But it is a very friendly and historical place to visit.

Downtown the Best Western Baker Street is quite nice and close to many of the main attractions. It has a nice restaurant adjacent and a meager exercise room and the rooms are nice, albeit a bit small. There is a much better full facility hotel down by the lakefront at the end of the trolley run (I can't recall the name), but it's a fair shlep uphill to the tourist area of town.

There are a number of decent restaurants around but the best is The Fiddlers Green about 10k north of town. There's also a very good Italian restaurant downtown run by people who had a successful restaurant in Vancouver, (Gastown), but damned if I can remember it's name. Just ask for the good Italian place downtown and I'm sure that's the one.

A nice half day trip to Kaslo, about an hour's drive north is also reccomended. Don't miss touring the last paddlewheeler to run on the lake which is the town's main attraction.

As Gary says it's a sweet little place.
Although the 'hippier' side of Nelson does get the press there is a side to the town and the Kootenay area that's today little known.
At one time the Doukhobour religion was prominent in the region and although changing times mean that people no longer live communally in large houses the philosophy of acceptance and vegetarianism is still widespread.Being of Slavic background myself I noticed almost instantly the faces, the quiet piquant humour and courtliness in many of the people.The slightly startled looks when I passed by made me feel a little at home-they knew me from somewhere and many of them seemed familiar.
There's a lot to explore in the area and it's my favourite after the coast-sorry I can't remember where we stayed it was unremarkable at best.Kaslo town is also worth a look.

Thanks for the advice.

Hi Susan...the name of the hotel on the waterfront is The Prestige Resort...gorgeous place...try the safari room for fun!

if you drive out of town about 20 minutes or so, there is a free ferry that goes across the lake. i don't think it's worth taking the car as i didn't see much on the other side but it would be a nice boat ride for an hour.
good mexican restaurant in nelson.
plenty of hotsprings around too.

I think its a great place- I took the ferry to the other side - nice ride - but as previous poster said- dont think much happening over there - mostly summer homes and resorts. I think there are some artsy places to visit though- potters etc.
The lake was beautiful - went out on my cousins boat and think there were maybe 3 other boats on the lake.
Kids spent a lot of time swimming in the Slocan River outside of Castlegar.

Hi Susan...should you have any specific questions feel free to ask...i am from Nelson.