My first paddle trip in Nelson took me back 300 years. A buddy and I had launched a canoe from Lakeside Park and paddled 10 minutes across the West Arm of Kootenay Lake to a cliff band where multiple indigenous pictographs can be found. The artwork depicts various humanoid forms, circles, and other shapes and archaeologists surmise they’ve been there at least two to three centuries.
That’s just one of the wonders waiting for those looking to paddle around the Queen City of the Kootenays. From peaceful lakes to sprawling waterways surrounded by rugged peaks, the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region offers some of the most spectacular paddling in British Columbia. This may come as a surprise for some because Nelson is so famous for its skiing and mountain biking, but it also boasts everything from small, sheltered lakes perfect for first-time paddlers to expansive stretches of Kootenay Lake where secluded beaches invite you to linger a little longer.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely afternoon float, a family-friendly outing, or a multi-day adventure, here are five of the best places to dip your paddle in the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region.
Cottonwood Lake: A Little Lake with a Lot to Love
If you’re new to paddling, travelling with kids, or simply want to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water without worrying about waves and boat traffic, Cottonwood Lake is the place to start.
Located about 15 minutes south of downtown Nelson, this picturesque little lake is tucked into the forest just off Highway 6. Surrounded by evergreen trees and mountain scenery, it’s a peaceful spot where the biggest decision of the day might be whether to paddle another lap or pull ashore for a picnic.
The lake’s modest size and generally sheltered waters make it particularly appealing for beginners learning to balance on a stand-up paddleboard or getting comfortable manoeuvring a kayak. Experienced paddlers will appreciate the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
There’s a day-use area with picnic facilities and a small beach, so bring lunch and make an afternoon of it. And keep an eye out for wildlife along the shoreline.
Best for: Beginners, families, SUP enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a relaxing paddle.
Plan your paddle: Cottonwood Lake itinerary
Nelson’s Waterfront: Paddle from Downtown to Troup or Taghum
How many mountain towns can boast a waterfront paddling playground just steps from their downtown core? Nelson can, and it’s one of the reasons the community is such a fantastic destination for a paddling getaway.
The West Arm of Kootenay Lake stretches past Nelson’s historic downtown, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Selkirk Mountains, forested shorelines, and the iconic orange Big Orange Bridge (BOB, as locals affectionately call it).
Launch from Lakeside Park and you’ve got two excellent options, depending on your appetite for adventure. Head northeast toward Troup Beach: Paddle beneath the Big Orange Bridge and follow the shoreline toward the Five Mile area and Troup Beach. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfront homes, wooded stretches, and impressive mountain scenery. Troup Beach is a lovely destination for a break before turning around and paddling back to Nelson.
Head southwest toward Taghum Beach: For a longer adventure, paddle in the opposite direction along the West Arm toward Taghum Beach Regional Park. The journey takes you past Nelson’s waterfront and into a landscape where the shoreline becomes increasingly wooded and the bustle of town feels a world away. Pack a picnic, take your time, and enjoy the changing scenery.
Both routes offer beautiful perspectives on Nelson and its surroundings. Keep in mind that the West Arm is a large, active waterway, with motorboat traffic, currents, and winds that can make conditions challenging. Longer trips are best suited to paddlers with the appropriate experience and equipment.
Best for: Intermediate paddlers, scenic shoreline adventures, and exploring Nelson from a different perspective.
Plan your paddle: Nelson to Five Mile Point itinerary and Nelson to Taghum Beach itinerary
Kokanee Creek Provincial Park: Sandy Beaches and Mountain Views
About a 20-minute drive northeast of Nelson, Kokanee Creek Provincial Park is one of the most popular summer destinations in the West Kootenays. And for good reason. Its long sandy beaches, beautiful mountain views, and inviting waters make it an excellent place to spend a day, whether you’re paddling, swimming, or simply working on your tan.
The park sits along the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, where Kokanee Creek meets the lake. Launch from the beach and follow the shoreline in either direction, enjoying views of forested mountains and the broad expanse of water.
On calm mornings, the lake can be wonderfully smooth, making for memorable stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. The sandy shoreline also makes launching and landing relatively straightforward.
Kokanee Creek is famous for its annual kokanee salmon spawning run, which typically occurs in late summer. During this time, visitors can watch thousands of bright red fish return to the creek to spawn. It’s one of the region’s most remarkable natural spectacles and an excellent reason to combine a paddle with a walk along the park’s interpretive trails.
If you have extra time, consider exploring more of the North Shore, including the nearby community of Balfour. And if you’re feeling hungry after all that paddling, there are lakeside dining options in the area.
Best for: Families, recreational kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Plan your paddle: Three-day Nelson and Kootenay Lake itinerary
Kaslo: Big Lake Paddling with Big Mountain Scenery
If you’re looking for the kind of paddling scenery that makes you stop mid-stroke and stare, head to Kaslo.
Located about an hour north of Nelson, this charming heritage village sits on the western shore of Kootenay Lake’s main body, where the lake opens into an enormous stretch of water framed by the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges.
And when we say enormous, we mean it. Kootenay Lake stretches more than 100 kilometres from north to south, and in places it’s several kilometres wide. From a kayak, the mountains rising above the water feel particularly impressive.
Kaslo is a fantastic base for exploring this dramatic landscape. Launch from the waterfront near Kaslo Bay Park and follow the shoreline, taking in views of the village, nearby beaches, and the mountains across the lake. Paddlers can choose a short outing close to town or a longer shoreline adventure, depending on conditions and experience.
The lake is also a popular destination for kayak fishing, with opportunities to catch rainbow trout and other species.
After your paddle, spend some time exploring Kaslo itself. The village is home to beautifully preserved heritage buildings, independent shops, cafés, and the historic SS Moyie sternwheeler, which now serves as a museum. There’s also something particularly satisfying about finishing a day on the water with dinner on a patio overlooking the very lake you’ve just explored.
One important consideration: the main body of Kootenay Lake is considerably more exposed than the sheltered waterways around Nelson. Winds can build quickly, creating substantial waves, so check the forecast and stick close to shore unless you’re properly equipped and experienced.
Best for: Intermediate and experienced paddlers, touring kayakers, kayak anglers, and lovers of spectacular mountain scenery.
Plan your paddle: Three-day Nelson and Kootenay Lake road trip
Pilot Bay and Crawford Bay: Paddle the Quiet Side of Kootenay Lake
There’s a reason locals refer to the eastern shore of Kootenay Lake as the quieter side. With small communities, forested mountains, secluded bays, and a slower pace of life, it’s the kind of place that encourages you to put your phone away and enjoy the moment.
Getting there is part of the adventure. From Balfour, board the free Kootenay Lake ferry for the scenic crossing to Kootenay Bay. The ride offers expansive views of the surrounding mountains and is a memorable experience in its own right.
Once on the East Shore, two areas stand out for paddlers.
Pilot Bay is a beautiful, sheltered inlet on the peninsula just south of the ferry landing. The bay’s forested shoreline and relatively protected waters make it a rewarding place to explore by kayak or canoe when conditions are favourable. It’s also home to the historic Pilot Bay Lighthouse, which dates back to the early 1900s and can be reached by a short hike. Combining a paddle with a visit to the lighthouse makes for a particularly enjoyable outing.
Crawford Bay, a short drive south of the ferry landing, offers another opportunity to explore the eastern shoreline of Kootenay Lake. The surrounding mountains provide a stunning backdrop, and paddlers can follow the shoreline while enjoying views across the lake toward the West Kootenay mountains.
What makes this part of the region particularly special is how easily a paddling trip can turn into a full day of exploration. Crawford Bay is known for its community of artisans, including craftspeople working with pottery, weaving, and other traditional trades. There are also cafés, restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to explore the area’s beaches and trails.
Although Pilot Bay offers some protection from the wind, paddlers should remember that both locations connect to the much larger Kootenay Lake. Conditions can change quickly, especially near exposed points and open crossings.
Best for: Touring kayakers, canoeists, nature lovers, and paddlers seeking a quieter experience away from the crowds.
Plan your paddle: Nelson and Kootenay Lake road trip itinerary
