Photo by David R. Gluns

Lakeside Park

Entering the City of Nelson from the East, you will discover Lakeside Park at the edge of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, at the foot of the famous ‘Orange Bridge’.

Lakeside Park is the pride of Nelson’s Waterfront, encompassing almost every outdoor activity that you imagine would be in a fine Park. A long, beautiful beach, wide promenade and large open green spaces highlight the area. Tennis courts, bocce ball, public wharf, boat launch, rowing club, greenhouse and a covered picnic shelter make up the main core of the Park. Visit the greenhouse to see where all the bedding plants and flowers come from for Gyro Park, the downtown heritage area and other locales.

Lakeside Park also offers a full service concession during the summer months, and adjacent to the concession is the great Rotary children's adventure playground. Bring the children down and enjoy a leisurely meal in this lovely park.

Continuing West, you’ll discover the home for Nelson’s Streetcar #23, whose tracks lead along the waterfront pathway, all the way to the loop at Hall Street, back through Lakeside Park to another loop at the East entrance of the Park. From April to October, you can board Streetcar #23 and ride the circuit for a relaxing, historical tour.

The west end of the Park accommodates the main playing fields of the City. Future fields are presently under construction to further enhance the waterfront. Follow the Centennial Pathway along the water, back to the beach to round out your visit to Lakeside.

Allow yourself lots of time to take it all in.

Lions Uphill Park

Lion’s Park is a neighbourhood park located in the ‘Uphill’ area of the City, at Kootenay and Richards Streets. Offering a baseball diamond and basketball for the summer months, and an outdoor skating rink for the winter months, Lion’s Park is a year-round center of activity. Large shade trees allow a comfortable visit to the playground for children of all ages, and if the sun gets to be too much, the wading pool is at the ready for getting cooled off.

Cottonwood Falls Park

Located on Cottonwood Creek, at the Falls which are created as the creek crosses under Highways 3A and 6. Cottonwood Falls Park is a unique setting to escape the everyday hectic routine. With the falls rumbling in the background, creating a spray and a misty atmosphere, it's easy to see why this park is the choice of many for a mid-day or weekend get-away.

Take a minute or two to walk the path leading up to the falls and see for yourself the power of Cottonwood Creek.

		Photo by David R. Gluns

Gyro Park

Gyro Park is at the very center of the City of Nelson. Nestled in a stand of evergreen trees, surrounded by deciduous trees that turn the landscape red and gold every fall. This park has a wide selection of native greenery to explore and enjoy. The sculpted flower gardens outline the main area of the park, which includes playground equipment for the young or young-at-heart, many enchanting pathways, and at the center of it all, a wading pool to enjoy on those hot summer days. A beautiful gazebo is also included which overlooks the pool.

Taking full advantage of its central location and the physical characteristics of the rocky outcrop, Gyro Park features a spectacular viewpoint formed out of the mountain that the park is built on. From this vantage point, it’s possible to see the beautiful Heritage downtown of the City of Nelson spread out at your fingertips.
All in all, a wonderful venue to spend an hour, or a whole day. Pack a lunch and enjoy the picnic area and Gyro Park.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Located in the Fairview area of the City, at Fourth and Behnsen Streets, Queen Elizabeth Park is the ‘Home of Babe Ruth Baseball’ featuring all the amenities of a modern baseball field, as well as a powerful lighting system for night games.

Come out to a game sometime.

Rosemont

Rosemont Park is one of Nelson’s ‘built-in’ green spaces. Untouched in its beauty, a great place for that nature walk through the woods, without having to leave the City. As its name implies, Rosemont Park is located in the ‘Rosemont’ area of the City, at West Richards Street and Choquette Avenue.

City Campground

The campground is located on High Street just around the corner and to the east of the downtown core of the City. Within easy walking distance from shopping, recreation and the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, this Park offers visitors a central location to camp or park their RV and explore Nelson from Spring to Fall. Laundry and all weather cooking facilities, as well as water, sanitary and electrical hookups are available on site.
For more information on the City Campground please contact the Campground Operators at (250) 352-7618

This is a good way to enjoy a visit to Nelson, with a feel of the outdoors right inside the City.