Hotel Blog

Image by: Karl Lee

Nelson, BC is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, it is the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors. That is why hiking is one of our favourite activities in Nelson. Below, we’ve put together a list of the best hiking trails in town.

Gyro Park Lookout

To get acquainted with Nelson, we recommend walking up to the Gyro Park Lookout. This is an easy and accessible hike and it really won’t take you very long, but it’ll be worth it. Once you reach the Gyro Lookout point, you’ll be treated to a bird’s eye view of the city, and a wonderful panoramic view of the lake and mountains. Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch from this picturesque spot.

Pulpit Rock & the Flagpole

Hiking up Pulpit Rock is sort of like a rite of passage in Nelson. This hike is definitely the toughest on this list, mostly because there is a lot of vertical involved. That said, the rule of thumb is generally the harder the hike, the better the view, and that definitely rings true for Pulpit Rock and the Flagpole. You’ll reach the Pulpit Rock lookout first, and from there you’ll have the option of carrying onto the Flagpole for an even better view of the river and valley below. The walk between Pulpit Rock and the Flagpole is truly stunning, especially in the fall, so we highly recommend carrying on if you’re able!

Gibson Lake Trail

This hike isn’t technically in Nelson, but it’s nearby so we’ve decided to add it to this list. Located in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is where you will find the Gibson Lake Trail, a moderate, 10-kilometre long, out and back route that will take your breath away. Enjoy the reflection of the mountains in the crystal clear lake as you walk. Access to the trail is about one hour by car from Nelson. Remember to check weather conditions in advance as forest fires in the late summer or snow and ice in the winter can impact the trail.

If you’re planning on hiking while in Nelson, then you’ll want to book a room at the Best Western Baker Street Inn & Convention Centre. Just a short distance from some of the best trails in the city, we combine quality service and family-friendly amenities with an unbeatable location.