Jasmin Caton

Where was this video filmed?
This video was filmed in the Nelson area of southeast British Columbia, part of the Birthplace of Adventure. Nelson is a quintessential mountain town located on the shores of Kootenay Lake, close to Whitewater Mountain Resort. The area is home to four mountain ranges: the Selkirk Mountains, Monashee Mountains, Purcell Mountains, and the Canadian Rockies. Nelson is a well-placed gateway to the many backcountry adventures found nearby.

How do I visit this area?
Ways to get to the Birthplace of Adventure include the following:

• By car: A road trip through southeast BC serves up stunning viewpoints along the way. There are several roads that lead to Nelson, including the Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3), which connects to Highway 6. Always check drivebc.ca for road conditions before setting out.
• By air: The Castlegar and Trail regional airports, the Nelson and Kaslo municipal airports, and the Canadian Rockies International Airport are just a few of the options in the area. Car rentals, taxis, and airport shuttles are available to and from Nelson.
• By water: Your road trip to Nelson might include inland ferries, such as the Kootenay Lake Ferry via Highway 3A and the Upper Arrow Lake Ferry that connects Highway 23 with Highway 31. Space is limited on the ferries and it is not possible to reserve in advance, so leave plenty of time.

When is the best time to go?
The Birthplace of Adventure offers nature and outdoor activities year-round, with every season offering unique nature experiences. The spring run-off is an ideal time to kayak or raft the rushing rivers, and rock slabs begin to dry out for climbing. The shoulder seasons—spring and fall—are quieter times to hit the trailheads, and to bring equipment for multi-sport days, as conditions transition between snow and dirt. Summer welcomes more visitors to the area, and more daylight means your adventures can continue longer into the evening. Snow-filled winters are a great time to hit the slopes and experience the heart of mountain culture. If you’re driving to southeast BC, you’re less likely to encounter snowy roads during the summer and early fall months.

What can I do nearby?
Nature-based activities are abundant in the Birthplace of Adventure, particularly in and around Nelson. During the spring and summer months, the warm weather brings adventures from peak to valley, including paddling, whitewater rafting, hiking, and mountain biking. In the drier weather, good quality granite and steep rock pitches create the perfect conditions for world-class mountaineering, scrambling, and rock climbing. When fall descends, don’t miss the salmon run and the transition of the famous golden larches. Colder temperatures in winter bring feather-light snow, perfect for winter sports like resort skiing and snowshoeing. Nelson is also a launchpad to backcountry excursions like cat-skiing, ski touring, and splitboarding. For those interested in getting out on the town, this small mountain community also punches above its weight when it comes to dining, live music, and the local art scene.

Where can I stay?
As one of the more populated communities in the Birthplace of Adventure, Nelson offers a range of accommodations, from hotels to cozy cabins and backcountry lodges. Stay at Ainsworth Hot Springs, kick back at a mountain chalet, or relax at a rustic campsite with views of the lake.