Nestled on a magnificent expanse of glacier-fed lakeshore, midway between Calgary, AB, and Vancouver, BC, lies the historical city of Nelson, BC and its three outlying communities of Kaslo, Balfour, and Ainsworth Hot Springs. Steep evergreen valleys, topped by snowcapped mountains define a breathtaking landscape that attracts travellers of every age and taste.
View of Kootenay Lake with rainbow arching over it
Renowned for its eclectic arts scene, diverse restaurants and boutique shopping Nelson Kootenay Lake also boasts year-round recreational activities. In winter, Whitewater Ski Resort and the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges feature some of Canada’s best powder alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing, as well as numerous options for backcountry skiing and cat & heli-skiing. Come spring, summer and fall, the region becomes a mecca for cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, fishing, golf, rafting, and much more.
Whether you come to see it, tee it or ski it, this scenic corner of British Columbia offers a unique travel experience in every season – a rare mix of mountain lifestyle and big city buzz.
Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism (NKLT) is a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) incorporated in 2009 under the BC Societies Act. We are a not-for-profit, self-sustaining marketing organization, representing the interests of the tourism-related industry sector.
Our funding comes primarily from the 2% tax collected by all hotels within the region that have four bedrooms or more. The Ministry of Finance manages this funding and distributes to all DMO’s accordingly. Our other form of funding comes from Partners within our footprint who are tourism-related. An annual fee is charged to each partner giving them representation through our marketing channels.
Our Mission is to market the Nelson Kootenay Lake destination on behalf and in cooperation with our stakeholders, Kootenay Rockies Tourism and Destination British Columbia.
Our area of representation includes Nelson, Balfour, Ainsworth Hot Springs, Kaslo, Meadow Creek and the Lardeau Valley, plus Whitewater Ski Resort and the Cat and Heli Ski operators within our footprint.
