Castlegar and Trail Regional Airports

West Kootenay Regional Airport, 30 minutes from Nelson, has regular scheduled service daily through Air Canada to both Calgary and Vancouver.

Trail Regional Airport, about an hour from Nelson, is another great option for travel to and from Vancouver. Pacific Coastal Airlines has two trips daily, and there are also charter options available.

3 hours from Nelson is Canadian Rockies International in Cranbrook, flying to Calgary and Vancouver with Air Canada and Westjet. 

Kootenay Gateway or Taxis can be hired to transport you to or from either of these airports. 

International Airports

There are several major international airports within reasonable driving distance of the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region, so a rental car from these airports can be a viable travel option.

• Spokane International Airport — 3 hours from Nelson (in Washington state, USA)
• Penticton — 4 hours from Nelson
• Kelowna International — 4 hours from Nelson.

Nelson and Kaslo municipal airports

The Nelson Municipal Airport is located in Nelson, on the shore of Kootenay Lake. This is a convenient airport for charter flights, and the meeting place for regular scheduled helicopter flights to and from local Heli and Cat Ski lodges, primarily Baldface Lodge.

The Kaslo Airport is on a beautiful elevated piece of land, just outside of the village. The airfield is for charter flights only.

Airport Shuttles

Spokane: Throughout the winter daily shuttles run from Nelson to the Spokane Airport through Kootenay Gateway. Details of departure and arrival times, and costs are on our Shuttle page. Private charters can also be arranged for groups and functions.

Kelowna: Silver City Stage Lines runs shuttles from Nelson to Kelowna, departing 6:30am from the A&W 512 Railway Street, Sunday to Friday. 

Taxis

Glacier Cab Company shuttles people around Nelson and up and down Kootenay Lake. They can be reached at 250-354-1111.