Think You Know Responsible Travel? Think Again!
Join our quirky puppet duo, Ranger Rick, the wise and outdoorsy local, and Naughty Nick, the well-meaning but clueless visitor, as they take you through six fun and informative videos modules. Whether you're hiking, skiing, paddling, or just taking in the views, this portal has the tips and tools you need to be a respectful visitor and a good guest in our communities.
Meet Ranger Rick
Ranger Rick is your friendly Kootenay Lake Educator and Steward. As your go‑to naturalist and local eco-guide, Ranger Rick ensures that you learn all about responsible travel in a way that’s both fun and informative.
Who is Ranger Rick?
A passionate outdoor educator, Ranger Rick embodies the spirit of the Nelson Kootenay Lake region: curious, adventurous and nature-minded.
He breaks down everything visitors need to know about exploring Nelson and Kootenay Lake safely and responsibly.
Meet Naughty Nick
Meet Naughty Nick, the cheeky traveller (or cautionary tale!) who's here to show you exactly what NOT to do when exploring the Nelson Kootenay Lake region... and to make you laugh while learning.
Who is Naughty Nick?
He’s adventurous, bold and… well… not always the most responsible traveller.
Whether it’s trying to feed bears, lighting an illegal campfire, or trampling delicate plants, Nick does it all, so you don’t have to.
Think of him as the “don’t try this at home” guy of outdoor etiquette!
Why Experience Kootenay Lake 101?
Your adventure should be epic, for both you and the places you explore. Kootenay Lake 101 is more than a quick quiz, it’s your guide to exploring the region safely, respectfully and like a local.
Protect What You Love: Learn how to keep our lakes, trails and wildlife healthy for generations to come.
Travel Smarter: From fire bans to avalanche reports, get the know-how to stay safe and stress-free.
Connect Like a Local: Discover the culture, hidden gems and community values that make this region unforgettable.
Win Cool Stuff: Complete the modules, ace the questions and you could snag some amazing swag.
It only takes a few minutes and the impact lasts a lifetime!
Six Modules. 20 Questions. Unlimited Prizes.
Want to level up your Kootenay Lake know-how? Dive into six quick modules packed with tips, laughs and epic fails from Ranger Rick and Naughty Nick. Complete them all, answer 20 questions and you'll receive a fun prize (as long as your score above 90%)!
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
Ranger Rick just wants a peaceful hike. Naughty Nick brought a speaker and possibly an ATV. What could go wrong? Watch this duo bumble through the do’s and don’ts of outdoor etiquette. They scare squirrels, stomp wildflowers and learn the hard way how to treat nature with respect.
WILDLIFE SAFETY
Camping with Ranger Rick sounds peaceful until Naughty Nick tries to turn it into Sham-Bear-La. From chip explosions to bear selfies, Nick breaks every rule in the wildlife safety book. Learn how to camp smart, keep your food secure and avoid becoming a bear’s late night snack. Trust us, don’t be a Nick.
FIRE SMART
Naughty Nick’s firewood is from god-knows-where, his cigarette almost starts a forest fire and yes, he brought a flamethrower. Join Ranger Rick as he teaches Nick (and you) how to stay fire smart, follow fire bans and keep the forest from going up in flames. Ember zombies and flaming marshmallows included.
LOCAL CULTURE
Naughty Nick came for the vibes in Nelson, but Ranger Rick’s got news: There’s a whole region to explore. From hot springs and hidden gems to handcrafted brooms and farm-to-table feasts, the Kootenay Lake region is packed with culture, community and surprises around every corner. Just don’t ask for a Timmy’s.
RESPONSIBLE RECREATION
Naughty Nick's tossing chip bags in the lake, flexing his “mussels” and wearing his life jacket like a fashion accessory. Meanwhile, Ranger Rick’s trying to keep the lake clean, the gear decontaminated and Nick from sinking both the boat and the ecosystem. Respect the water, wear your life jacket properly and don’t let invasive species hitch a ride.
WINTER WISE
Naughty Nick forgot his gloves and brought oven mitts instead. He thinks solo hikes in the backcountry are a good idea and trusts his “survival instincts” over avalanche reports. Ranger Rick’s got the real talk: dress right, check conditions, don’t go it alone and pack a real survival kit. Winter backcountry isn’t the place for duck floaties or relying on TikTok to save you.
The Region
TRAVEL BOOK
Read our visitors guide online or order a copy of the official visitor's guide and map for our region.
