Arts & Heritage
Embracing the arts, heritage & people of Kootenay Lake
With more heritage buildings per capita than anywhere else in British Columbia, Nelson’s and Kaslo's culture can be seen in our historic and gorgeously-restored homes, shops and buildings. Crawford Bay is full of unique artisans that are internationally renowned. Throughout the year our communities come alive with bustling markets that are a feast for the eyes. You'll be sure to fill the car with local treasures as you travel around and discover the region.
To see a list of artists, from musicians to sculptors, scroll down the page.
Touring App
Experience the incredible Nelson BC heritage buildings and art in our region, at your pace, with your very own personal tour guide. The Kootenay Lake Road Trip App includes fun and informative self-guided audio tours:
- The Driving Tour will guide you throughout the region as you learn many fun facts about the communities surrounding Kootenay Lake and much more.
- The Mural Tour, in partnership with the Nelson International Mural Festival, gives you an insight into over 50 captivating murals tucked away into alleys and side streets around Nelson.
- The Kaslo River Trail Tour, our newest addition, will guide you on a forest bathing journey. This incredible trail will take you through the Hike & Seek sculptures... can you spot them all?
Events Calendar
You won't want to miss out on any of the amazing arts events happening across the region. From festivals to workshops to film screenings, check out our Events Calendar to see what's happening daily.
Nelson's Vibrancy
Known as “The Queen City”, Nelson was, from the start, a centre for culture. It is highlighted as the "Number One Small Town Arts Community in Canada" by author John Villani, and is home to a large and diverse artisan community. The icing on the cake of creativity is the addition of the Artisans At Work program through Economusee.
Explore the diverse world of art and creativity
- The two larger theatres, the Capitol Theatre and The Civic Theatre, are both testaments to the long standing richness of our cultural heritage.
- The Oxygen Arts Centre, a modern artist collective, hosts an artist-in-residence series as well as presentations series and book launches.
- Nelson's vibrant local artist co-op, Craft Connection, is housed in a downtown heritage building.
- The state-of-the-art Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery is located in our original 1912 post office building—a gorgeous turreted stone structure, designed by the same architect who designed the parliament buildings in Victoria.
- Nelson's International Mural Festival showcases amazing murals all around Nelson, primarily in back alleys, which gives the experience a certain Kootenay "je ne sais quoi". New murals are put up annually.
Kaslo's Rich History
The quaint community of Kaslo is full of art, heritage and history.
- Kaslo's Langham Cultural Centre is a remarkable building, not only in its structure but its generous hosting of literary, visual and performing arts events throughout the year. Its recent restoration won acknowledgement as one of British Columbia’s Best Buildings.
- Kaslo also has a collection of art throughout the village, with new stores and artisan shops displaying their wares.
- Many downtown heritage buildings have been lovingly restored.
- The SS Moyie, the oldest preserved sternwheeler in the world. It was restored to give visitors a feel for real life in the 1800s along the Kootenay and Columbia rivers.
Balfour and Ainsworth Hot Springs Gems
Along Highway 3A, near Balfour, there are local artisans and galleries that showcase what the region has to offer.
- JB Fletcher Store Museum in Ainsworth Hot Springs is most definitely worth a visit. You'll journey back in time and be in awe of the artifacts and new wares for sale.
- Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort has an incredible mural painted by local Ktunaxa artist, Patricia Gilhuly.
Crawford Bay and East Shore Artisans
It's quite magical exploring the artisans of Crawford Bay. The community is full of internationally renowned artists and hands on facilities where you can watch the products being crafted right in front of your eyes. Discover a wide range of artisan stores including:
- Broom shops
- Weaving
- Metal works
- Pottery
- Jewellery
- Flower shops, and more.
Along the East Shore there are many other artisans to keep a look out for, and ensure you have extra room in your car or suitcase to take home the wares.
Artisans at Work - Économusée
Artisans at Work is a network of artists from around the world using traditional techniques or know-how to make products. Nelson has three unique businesses showcasing their intricate products and how they are created:
- Bread-maker Kootenay Bakery Café Cooperative
- Hatter Lillie & Cohoe
- Potter eARTh Studios
Public Art
There's also a large inventory of public art throughout Nelson. Here you can experience:
- Incredible sculptures.
- Murals and art infrastructure created by both local and international artists.
- The self-guided Heritage Walking Tour.
- Artwalk an event where you can discover the wonderful work of local visual artists.
- A mural tour of new artwork from the Nelson International Mural Festival.
- An original streetcar, restored to its original glory, that runs spring, summer and fall along Nelson's waterfront.
There are many more arts-related organizations and artists in the region. Come explore our attractions!
Nelson is supported by the Nelson and District Arts Council, and the entire region is supported by the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council.
Local Artists
The Region
TRAVEL BOOK
Read our visitors guide online or order a copy of the official visitor's guide and map for our region.