If there’s one attraction Interior B.C. is famous for, it’s snow. Nelson has more of it than almost anywhere in Canada, supporting a world-famous ski area—Whitewater Mountain Resort—along with the highest concentration of heli- and cat-skiing operations in the world. But if skiing’s not your thing, there’s no reason to stay home while your partner ticks off their bucket list. 

Nelson is also a storybook confluence of cosmopolitan amenities and homegrown culture. A walking tour showcases centennial Victorian architecture dating back to 1897, alongside dozens of new murals. Getting around by foot is quick and quaint, offering time to escape into one of many independent bookstores, or dozens of cafés, many of which roast their own award-winning beans. You’ll also discover a culinary scene foodies around the world flock to, crammed into four ornate city blocks. There are more restaurants per capita than in Vancouver, San Francisco and even Manhattan, and three breweries downtown. 

Art’s on tap all winter long at the Oxygen Art Centre, as well as a plethora of galleries and artisan studios. The Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery will take you back to the frontier years, while the Capitol Theatre features theatre, musicals, and dance performances. A sleeper hub for electronic artists the world over, music also pulses winterlong at venues like Bloom Nightclub and Spiritbar.  

Or peel back your big-city stresses at Ainsworth Hot Springs, a natural delight whose rejuvenating waters are said to add years back onto your life. At the end of the day, isn’t that what any getaway is about? 

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