Things to do in Nelson
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All Seasons Café
Sitting out on the magical patio here, with little lights twinkling in the big tree above, you may not even care about the food, but you should. This is one of BC's best restaurants, with a casual and eclectic menu that changes with the seasons. Dishes are boldly seasoned and prepared using BC produce with global influences. There's also a great, reasonable wine list.
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Oso Negro
This local favorite (with a the corner location) roasts its own coffee. The café is bright and open, and outside there's tables in a garden with gurgling water features.
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Kootenay Co-op
Part community centre, part market, the Kootenay Co-op has local produce and foodstuffs and good prepared foods in its bakery.
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Darwin's Deli & Cafe
A classic deli with good sandwiches, internet access and a few tables outside.
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Whitewater Winter Resort
Known for its heavy powdery snowfall, which averages 1050cm per year, Whitewater Winter Resort features good skiing and boarding.
Unlike more-commercial places, Whitewater maintains its small-town charm. Whitewater has only two double chairs and a rope tow, but they can take you to an elevation of 2400m (the drop is 396m), where you can enjoy great powdery snow on 20 marked runs. Several snow-cat operators can take you to virgin territory for the day. There are 11 groomed Nordic trails. The resort is 18km south of Nelson off Hwy 6.
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Gerick Cycle & Sports
Most of this area's mountain-biking trails wind up from Kootenay Lake along steep and rather challenging hills, followed by wicked downhills. Trail names like 'Boneyard' and 'Fat Chance' are not misnomers, but there are some intermediate trails for those wishing to finish in one piece. Check with the excellent local bike shops for more details. Gerick Cycle & Sports rents road and mountain bikes. The shops sells Your Ticket to Ride, an extensive trail map.
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Touchstones Nelson
Once a baronial old city hall (1902), an enormous renovation transformed it into Touchstones Nelson, a museum of local history and art. Every month there are new exhibitions, many of which celebrate local artists. The history displays are engaging and interactive, banishing images of musty piles of poorly labeled old junk.
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Redfish Grill
Redfish serves excellent cuisine throughout the day. The around C$5 breakfast special groans with eggs, bacon and more. By lunchtime things are more stylish, with a mix of sandwiches and salads. At night there's tapas-style small plates and a range of global cuisine made with local produce. And there are sidewalk tables.
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Burns Building
You can easily cover all 26 buildings on the walking tour in a couple of hours. Highlights include the 1899 Burns Building, which has a carved cow head over the door courtesy of its cattle-baron builder. And note that you'll be passing by some of the town's most refreshing cafés and bars…
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Outer Clove
Dishes at this funky joint are redolent with the namesake garlic. Burgers are spiked with cloves, while the pasta emits fragrant joy. Vegetarian choices abound - and for once they are not your bland ho-hum pap. Try to snare one of the tables on the sidewalk.
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Nelson Brewing Company
Beer lovers will want to check out the Nelson Brewing Company, which is housed in the town's original brewery. Call to find out about the Friday tours and tastings. The company's many top-notch brews are served all over town; the Wild Honey Ale is a treat.
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Main Street Diner
This classic diner has a dash of panache and is always busy. People queue for the covered sidewalk tables. The menu runs through the classics with color and flair. The burgers are tasty, the steaks tender.
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Finley's Irish Bar & Grill
The only thing Irish about this place is the name. It's a big, modern pub with a back deck that has sweeping lake views. Inside, there's live rock many nights, backed up by the beat of pool cues.
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Vienna Café
Part of Packrat Annie's bookstore, this place has a tie-dyed vibe and a long menu of healthy foods, many both organic and vegetarian. Enjoy the rich coffee at one of the many sidewalk tables.
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Library Lounge
This refined space in a renovated hotel has some good sidewalk tables where you can ponder the passing parade. Inside it's all very dark wood and leaded glass, with live jazz some nights.
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Streetcar No 23
You can walk one way to Lakeside park and ride Streetcar No 23 the other way. One of the town's originals, it follows a 2km track from Lakeside Park to the wharf at the foot of Hall St.
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ROAM
Kootenay Lake is prime kayak country. ROAM is a gear store dedicated to kayaking and canoeing locally. Rental kayaks and the shop can arrange tours of the region.
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Royal
A huge rollicking bar right on Baker St. There are tables out front and many more in the high-ceilinged space that sees many bands.
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Max & Irma's Kitchen
The creative sandwiches here are best enjoyed on the sunny patio. At dinner there's Mediterranean dishes and excellent pizza.
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Bogustown Neighbourhood Pub
Featuring a fun, relaxed atmosphere, pub food, pool tables and a good patio, this bar has eschewed pretension for decades.
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Au Soleil Levant
This tiny European-style back-alley bakery makes an exquisite range of French baked goods and baguette sandwiches.
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Sacred Ride
Sacred Ride is a good choice. The shops sells Your Ticket to Ride, an extensive trail map.
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Capitol Theatre
This restored 1927 theater has offbeat films, performance art and live drama.
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