Morning: Arrive by car or bus in Nakusp and check into your waterfront lodge. Take a brief walk along the Nakusp Riverwalk to stretch your legs and enjoy the mountain‑lake views.
Afternoon: Explore the historic Nakusp Museum, where local heritage exhibits provide insight into the town’s mining past. Afterwards, relax at the Kootenay Lake Waterfront park with a picnic.
Evening: Dine at a lakeside restaurant featuring fresh salmon, then enjoy a quiet sunset stroll along the riverbank before turning in for the night.
Find HotelsMorning: Hike the scenic Skookumchuck River Trail, a moderate loop offering waterfalls and forest vistas. Pack a light snack to enjoy at the viewpoint.
Afternoon: Return to town for a leisurely lunch, then rent a kayak to paddle on Kootenay Lake, spotting eagles and distant peaks.
Evening: Visit the local brewery for craft beer tasting, followed by a relaxed evening at your accommodation with a board game or a good book.
Find HotelsMorning: Check out of Nakusp and drive the picturesque 45‑minute route to Nelson, stopping at a viewpoint over the lake.
Afternoon: Settle into your Nelson boutique hotel, then wander the charming Baker Street with its boutique shops and street art, ending at the historic Nelson City Hall square.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a farm‑to‑table eatery, then take a moonlit walk through Lakeside Park, listening to the gentle lapping of the lake.
Find HotelsMorning: Begin with a coffee on Baker Street followed by a visit to Touchstones Nelson, the contemporary art gallery showcasing regional artists.
Afternoon: Board the historic SS Moyie Steamship for a short cruise on Kootenay Lake, learning about the lake’s steamboat heritage.
Evening: Sample local cuisine at a downtown bistro, then experience Nelson’s vibrant music scene at a live‑music venue.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to Kokanee Creek Provincial Park for a gentle hike to the waterfall and a chance to spot wildlife.
Afternoon: Head to Ainsworth Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the mineral‑rich pools and a walk along the historic wooden boardwalk.
Evening: Return to Nelson for a casual dinner and a nightcap at the historic Old Town Hall Pub.
Find HotelsMorning: Grab a quick breakfast at a local café, then visit the Great Northern Museum to see railway artifacts before you leave.
Afternoon: Pack up and enjoy a final lakeside lunch, then begin your journey home with memories of the Kootenays.
Evening: (Optional) If your travel schedule allows, stay an extra night to catch a sunrise over the mountains.
Find HotelsTo extend the trip, add an extra night in Nelson to explore nearby gold‑rush towns like Kaslo or take a day‑trip to the scenic Silverton Mountain. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine Day 4 and Day 5 by skipping the SS Moyie cruise and focusing on one outdoor activity, allowing you to depart on Day 5 instead of Day 6.