The rumours are true

Discovering the cultural scene around Kootenay Lake, like through the Nelson Mural festival, is a fun and immersive experience. Enjoy a blend of history, heritage, arts, boutique shopping, live music and community spirit. Celebrate the past, present, and future of the region while exploring the vibrant communities that surround Kootenay Lake, you are bound to be left feeling inspired and enchanted.

Art & Heritage 

A walk through Crawford Bay, Nelson or Kaslo offer a unique mix of old and new where character heritage buildings rub shoulders with colourful murals and public art pieces and an old sternwheeler from days gone by. Impressive museums, artistic studios, craft cooperatives, and independent bookstores contribute to the region’s passion for culture. The arts venues host a wide range of performances, while many cafes and restaurants support local artists with changing walls of art.

Nelson's Sports Museum, managed by the  Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, is located in the oldest arena in BC, at the Nelson & District Community Complex concourse area and Civic Arena. This exhibit houses memorabilia from our beloved local past times - hockey, figure skating, lacrosse, baseball, curling and soccer. It's definitely worth a visit.

Nelson Mural Festival

Experience your own personal tour of Nelson's incredible murals! In partnership with the Nelson International Mural Festival we have created a self-guided mural tour with over 50 captivating murals tucked into alleys and side streets around Nelson. The Mural Tours are available in both French and English. To choose which language, to go Settings at the bottom of the App and choose your language of choice.

Music

Acclaimed live music venues and outdoor concerts feature award-winning performers and up-and-coming acts. Choose from lively and intimate indoor shows, the family-friendly Starbelly Jam in Crawford Bay, the world-renowned Shambhala Music Festival, the one-of-a-kind floating stage at the Kaslo Jazz Festival, and more.

Artisans

All kinds of artisans dot the scenic drive along the shores of Kootenay Lake. Artisan communities in Balfour and Crawford Bay bookend the Kootenay Lake ferry, inviting visitors to discover a variety of handcrafted creations. 

Indigenous Culture

Our region acknowledges that the land on which we gather is the traditional territories of the Sinixt, the Syilx, and the Ktunaxa peoples, and is home to many diverse indigenous persons including the Metis. To discover more read our Indigenous Culture page.

AFKO

The Association des francophones des Kootenays Ouest (or AFKO, translated as the Francophone Association of West Kootenays) promotes French language and its cultures throughout the region.