Downtown Nelson to 5 Mile Point
From the heart of Nelson, it's an easy 90-minute paddle east to 5 Mile Point where you can swim in the shallows, walk the sand, watch osprey soar overhead, and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and the city.
Oso Negro Coffee
No trip to Nelson would be complete without a visit to the vibrant local café Oso Negro. Enjoy a coffee, snack, sandwich, or bowl of home-made soup in the bustling interior featuring local artwork or on the shaded garden patio.
Lakeside Park Boat Launch
This is the main boat launch in Nelson that accesses the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. It features a dual-lane concrete ramp, loading docks, and a large paved parking area for trailers. Note that it can be very busy during the summer months.
Nelson Paddleboard & Kayak Rentals
If you need to rent a craft, start at Nelson Paddleboard and Kayak Rentals located beside the Hall Street Pier. Launch at the pier rather than at Lakeside Park.
5 Mile Point
Once you have your craft, launch from the Hall Street Pier and paddle northeast, hugging the southern shore along the way. You'll pass multiple waterfront homes and beaches until you reach a sand spit sticking out into the lake. This is 5 Mile Point. (At high water levels the sandy spit may be underwater but there are still multiple beaches around this zone to hang out on.) Explore the mouth of the creek, walk up to the old railway bed, and lounge in the sunshine.
Lakeside Park
After lounging at 5 Mile Point for an hour or two, return with the current back to Lakeside Park in the heart of Nelson where you'll find another sandy beach as well as the Rose Garden Café, which serves hamburgers and other comfort food. (It is open during the summer months.) Stock up and then continue paddling south along the West Arm.
Kootenay Lake
Stretching over 100 km between the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains, Kootenay Lake offers paddlers an endless playground of crystal-clear water, secluded beaches, and dramatic mountain…
Plan for a safe and well informed adventure
At Paddle BC, we’re as excited about your upcoming adventure as you are! Our goal is to help you experience the breathtaking beauty of British Columbia’s waterways, but we want to ensure you return home with only good memories. While we provide the gateway to these wild places, your safety is ultimately a personal commitment. We embrace a “challenge by choice” philosophy, which means you are the best judge of your own abilities. By staying within your skill set and taking personal responsibility for your journey, you ensure that your trip is as safe as it is spectacular. To help you prepare for a successful multiday adventure, we’ve outlined these six essential safety pillars:
Carry Mandatory Gear
Ensure you have all Transport Canada required equipment: a lifejacket (PFD), throw bag, whistle, bailing device, and a reflective signaling device. This gear is your first line of defense.
Plan for Conditions
River levels and weather in BC change rapidly. Check forecasts regularly, be aware that many hazards may be hidden, and always have a solid contingency plan in place.
Respect Nature
Expect to encounter wildlife in the BC wilderness. Respect their space, protect the ecosystem, and strictly follow “Leave No Trace” principles to keep our waters pristine.
Dress for Immersion
Always “dress for the swim, not the paddle.” Use appropriate thermal layers to protect against cold water shock, which can occur instantly and lead to physical incapacitation.
Know Your Limits
Practice “challenge by choice” and never attempt water that exceeds your ability. Don’t let a multiday itinerary pressure you into paddling beyond your personal skill set.
Assess and Manage Risk
River paddling carries inherent risks like injury or entrapment. Remain vigilant, scout ahead when necessary, and remember that help may be far away during your adventure.