Nelson and Kootenay Lake:
A Bird Trail Outpost

This favourite community gathering spot hosts stunning gardens, wide promenades, a beautiful beach and is a great location for families to enjoy a summer afternoon. A stroll through the Lakeside Park and across the Nelson Bridge will reward birders with an array of waterfowl viewing opportunities.

This hidden gem is host to a stunning waterfall, Japanese Gardens and a seasonal Saturday farmers market. An early spring destination to catch sight of nesting American Dippers, visitors later in the year should keep an ear out for the whistling song of the Pacific-slope Flycatcher as they flit through the town’s uphill greenery.

The BirdQueen Trail at Whitewater Ski Resort offers up a challenging hike into the subalpine and rewards with a host of unique species. From the moment you arrive, keep your eyes peeled for Townsend Warbler, Gray Jay, Mountain and Boreal Chickadees, Fox Sparrows and other mountain dwellers. As you proceed up into the subalpine, more sought after species such as the Northern Hawk-Owl, Boreal Owl and raptors such as Golden Eagle become possibilities for the adventurous hiker.

Visit this community hub to enjoy a locally roasted coffee and a delicious breakfast or lunch from their seasonal menu focused on fresh ingredients.

This boutique roastery offers up flights of their signature blends alongside expertly crafted espresso beverages. A primarily sit-in establishment, be sure to bring a reusable cup if you must take your brew to go, no single-use cups to be found here.

Right in the heart of downtown Nelson, this family friendly spot serves up breakfast and lunch alongside signature coffees and teas.

Proudly serving baked goods and menu items exclusively made from scratch, this community staple has a full breakfast and lunch menu alongside coffee and tea.

A modern Italian restaurant open 7 days a week for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner offering artisan pizza, homemade pasta, forno sandwiches and creative desserts in the heart of downtown Nelson.

A plant based eatery welcoming everyone to enjoy a thoughtfully crafted meal that celebrates the abundance of flavours, colours and textures found in the garden.

A “Viet-Modern” restaurant focused on healthy choices, a diverse cocktail/wine menu and delicious locally sourced dishes.

A father-daughter owned eatery with creative ramen dishes served alongside apothecary inspired cocktails.

A unique farmer owned restaurant bringing you the freshest, seasonal, and local produce from the surrounding area alongside inspired cocktails and fine wines.

An upscale casual dining experience located inside the boutique adventure hotel serving a classic steakhouse menu with regional products and seasonal ingredients.

A community-owned grocery store committed to highlighting local producers and stocking the best of seasonal produce alongside pantry staples and supplements.

A classic french bakery selling traditional baked goods to bring with you on your adventures.

Your destination for cycling or ski equipment and rentals. Exploring the community by bicycle is a great way to see the sights, but being a mountain town, it can be a lot of work! That’s exactly why Gerick’s offers electric bikes for rent.

A full-service bike and ski shop for all your shredding needs, stop by for up to date information on nearby trails from local experts.

An independent locally owned bookstore specializing in local, Canadian, and current literature alongside journals, cards, calendars, maps and more.

Booksmyth is Nelson’s used book store. Stop in for rare or hard to find titles alongside pre-loved favourites.

This book-lovers emporium specializes in fiction and creative non-fiction for teens and adults alongside a curated collection of stationary and gifts.

Packrat Annie’s is a used book and music store with an impressive collection of new and used vinyl and cd’s.

A Canadian company offering quality gear for all your mountain adventures.

Locally owned and fiercely independent outdoor retailer committed to outfitting you for all your adventures from SUPing on the lake to ski touring glaciers. They have limited availability for SUP rentals, give them a call if you are hoping to get out on the lake for a paddle.

Local retailer offering durable clothing and footwear for your outdoor adventures from well known high quality brands.

Located in the historic train station, the Nelson Visitor centre is a must stop to chat with their local travel experts, find out about current events and a visit to the Station Gallery and Gift Shop.

A lakeside resort just a short walk from downtown Nelson, offering water and mountain views from their polished, warm rooms.

A modern, European inspired hotel located in the heart of downtown Nelson with multiple restaurants and a cafe onsite.

Built in 1898, the Hume Hotel’s blend of modern and original fixtures creates an unforgettable experience at this full service accommodation located in the heart of downtown Nelson.

A mountain eco retreat with stunning views offering year round guest rooms and seasonal glamping just 12 minutes from the community of Nelson.

Located at the Whitewater Ski Resort, the newly constructed Hummingbird Lodge and Campground offers suite accommodations in the lodge along with forested tent and RV campsites.

Famous for it’s annual run of Kokanee Salmon, visitors during August and September can catch a glimpse of these colourful fish as they spawn and the myriad bird species arriving to feast on the eggs and eventually, the fish themselves. Reported sightings include eagles, mergansers, mallards, gulls along with woodland residents such as Cassin’s Vireo, Hammond’s Flycatcher, MacGillivray’s Warbler, American Redstart, Black-headed Grosbeak and Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Offering a number of hiking trails to view some sought after birds, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is worth the challenging road access to get here. From forest dwellers such as the Pacific Wren and Varied Thrush to true-alpine species such as the American Pipit and White-tailed Ptarmigan, the many trails span a diversity of habitats that reward the adventurous, though some require fitness and preparation so be sure to plan ahead.

Make the short 3 minute crossing on the Harrop-Proctor Ferry to explore the variety of habitats at this regional park spanning 3 locations. The patchwork of fields yield species such as the Vesper Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, American Kestrel and Black-billed Magpie while scanning the exposed shoals offers ducks and gulls at lower water levels. This low-traffic hotspot is known for unique sightings, especially during spring and fall as a pinch in the valley can funnel migrants to the area.

This newly restored wetland habitat is a key habitat for blue listed species such as the Great Blue Heron, Western Toad and Painted Turtle.

The community of Balfour is a fantastic shoreline location to look for the aerial escapades of the Osprey who breed in the region. As you make your way north to the townsite of Queen’s Bay, use one of the many shoreline pullouts to set up the scope and search for grebes – especially the Horned Grebe, which winters in the area.

Located at the Balfour Ferry terminal offering a variety of baked goods, grab and go items and coffee.

Enjoy a comforting meal at this lakeside lodge offering Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week. Be sure to keep an eye out from the patio for the resident Osprey family often seen here during the summer.

Whether you are looking for fishing tackle, a local souvenir or just a refuel, Gill and Gift has got you covered. Stop in while you wait for the Balfour ferry and peruse their eclectic collection.

Cozy accommodation near Sunshine Bay and Kootenay Lake. This pet-friendly cottage is the perfect home base for adventure in the area, located just a 5-minute drive from the Harrop Wetlands, a key habitat for blue-listed bird species.

Over a kilometre of sandy beaches, 189 vehicle accessible campsites, hiking trails and access to the viewing platform for the annual Kokanee Salmon spawning await at this popular provincial campground.

Stop in at the Kokanee Creek Nature Centre to speak with the Naturalist on duty and learn about upcoming seminars and recent wildlife sightings. ( Open each year from May to September). In August and September the spawning channel comes alive with thousands of Kokanee Salmon returning to the channel each year to lay their eggs.

Offering lakeshore and riverside habitat, taking some time to explore the area rewards birders with a variety of species virtually any time of year. Take some time to wander amongst the diverse forests that teem with nesting birds during the spring and summer months, and enjoy the water-fowl that gather along the shoreline during the migration seasons.

This quaint community juts out into the north end of Kootenay Lake offering a welcome respite for birds using the lake as a throughway during migration. A number of interesting birds have popped up here over the years, and while migration may be the more prominent time to visit, it is a worthwhile stop any time of year as it provides a distinct habitat from the surrounding forests that attracts different species.

Just north of Lardeau, birders will find a thick patch of old-growth riparian forest protected by The Nature Trust where the colourful Magnolia Warbler can be found breeding. Also in these woods are Least Flycatcher, Northern Waterthrush, Great Horned Owl, Red-naped Sapsucker and Veery. Anytime you are along the shores of Kootenay lake, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the fast moving Peregrine Falcon, although the North end is primarily the best place to find them. 

Bluebelle’s serves up delicious fresh and seasonal fare alongside a full hot beverage menu in a historic building at the heart of Kaslo.

Located at the renowned Ainsworth Hotsprings, the Ktunaxa Grill uses the freshest local ingredients in their impressive cuisine served against a stunning mountain backdrop.

Located in the historic Kaslo on the shores of Kootenay Lake, the newly renovated restaurant and bar serves up regionally inspired fare in a casual setting.

Visit the Angry Hen for stunning views of the surrounding mountains, fine beers brewed on site and a menu designed to complement their craft taps.

Offering new and used books in a historic building along Kaslo’s main street.

Your one-stop shop for adventure apparel and equipment. Offering maps, gear and accessories alongside seasonal Kayak/Canoe/Sup rentals and Ski/Snowshoe rentals in the winter.

Offering repairs and service alongside sales and rentals this full service bike shop is sure to get you exploring the community of Kaslo on two-wheels in no time. If you prefer to be shown the way, the in house E-Kruise experience offers guided or self-guided tours on the latest electric bikes.

Located lakeside, this Adult-only accommodation provides thoughtfully curated cabins geared towards couples looking to immerse themselves in stunning scenery.

The Sentinel is a boutique mountain lodge offering private access to Kootenay Lake, breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a tranquil environment.

On the shores of Kootenay Lake this boutique hotel blends victorian charm and modern amenities to create a relaxing and welcoming environment after a long day of exploring.

Operated by the Lower Kootenay Band of the Ktunaxa nation, the refined accommodations offer unrivalled access to the renowned Ainsworth Hot Springs. With exclusive evening pool access and an onsite restaurant, the Ainsworth Hotsprings Resort has all you need to unwind after a long day of exploring.

Located aboard the historic SS Moyie, stop in at the Visitors centre for expert local knowledge from their friendly tourism advisors.

Be sure to drop by the Crawford Bay Visitor centre and pick up your ‘Birding in Crawford Bay’ pamphlet before heading to this birding hotspot in search of some of the over 92 species sighted here. The unique wetland habitat serves as an important stop over for migrants, but also serves as a significant breeding site for ground-nesting birds. This 62 hectare park offers a good overview of the valley-bottom species occurring in the Kootenay Lake area. Mountain Bluebird, Violet-green Swallow, Western Tanager and Yellow-headed Blackbird might be the most picturesque of the bunch, but surprises such as Lewis’ Woodpecker and Bobolink could show up at any time. For the adventurous, you can rent a canoe or kayak and take your search to the water. 

If you find yourself in search of further waterfowl sightings, this easy shoreline hike allows access to pebble beaches and the adventurous can continue on further, ensuring quiet enjoyment of the scenic surroundings.If you find yourself in search of a quick woodland stroll, a visit to the nearby Pilot Bay Lighthouse is sure to turn up some interesting sightings.

This provincial park is a great site to visit in the spring as the lakeside Douglas-fir, western red cedar and ponderosa pine forest plays host to a number of nesting migrants. Across the road is the Lockhart Beach park offering excellent vistas across the lake and the seemingly ever-present opportunity to scan for interesting waterfowl as your cruise the eastern shores of Kootenay lake.

At the southernmost portion of Kootenay Lake lies one of the top birdwatching hotspots in western Canada, Duck Lake. The shallow and productive waters of this wetland complex play host to the only significant mudflats within hundreds of kilometres, making them an exciting destination during migration season. In spring through fall the lake plays host to tens of thousands of migrant waterbirds including Canvasback, Common Goldeneye, American Avocet, Black-Necked Stilt, American White Pelican, three species of teal and one of the few nesting colonies of Western Grebe in the province. Rare grassland species such as American Bittern and Short-eared Owl are elusive but possible. The area is BC’s only nesting site for the gorgeous Forster’s Tern, but similar species including Black, Common and Caspian Tern also appear.

A carefully curated coffeehouse offering up expertly crafted espresso beverages along with freshly baked goods inspired by the principle of Swedish Fika.

A great stop on the eastern shore of Kootenay Bay offering coffee and baked goods alongside more substantial breakfast and lunch options.

This seasonal cafe (open May – November) is open for both lunch and dinner offering a Kootenay culinary experienced to be savoured with local, organic and sustainable ingredients.

The Hub is the local gathering place. Stop in for a classic meal from their globally inspired menu, or try something seasonal from their rotating weekly fresh sheet.

Open 7 days a week, this ice cream shop – located in the Crawford Bay RV Park – serves up 28 flavours of ice cream alongside hot dogs, fish hooks and clothing.

Crawford Bay Market has been a staple in the community for 40 years, offering a diverse range of products and supporting local suppliers.

Red’s Bread and Bakery is your go to spot for sourdough breads, rolls and baguettes in Crawford Bay. They make their doughs with locally sourced flours and ingredients and also have a delectable ever changing selection of sweet treats.

The Lakeview is a historic destination on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake consisting of a small lakefront RV & tent campground, marina, studio kitchenette, as well as small grocery with liquor and a gasoline pump.

This charming visitor centre is open year round, and is a great resource for area information. Although it is only staffed during the busy summer months, be sure to stop by here before making your way to the birding hotspot of Crawford Bay Wetlands to pick up the brochure containing information on the 92 species of bird spotted in the area.

The Kokanee Chalets offer rustic accommodations on a beautiful tree-lined property. It’s a 10 minute walk to the lakeshore and close to the birding hotspot of Crawford Bay Wetland. Choose from their 3 bedroom A-frame chalets, hotel style guest rooms or pitch a tent in their charming campground.

Tara Shanti is a large chateau style structure situated on 5 treed acres over-looking Kootenay Lake with stunning views of Kokanee Glacier. Guests have access to fully equipped guest kitchen, dining room, large living room with fireplace, patio and deck. On the second level, there are six guest bedrooms in total, five with private ensuite bathrooms and the sixth with access to a shared bathroom across the common area.