How To Digital Detox This Winter

Reconnect with what really matters and take a digital detox this winter. Step away from the electronic devices that consume us more than ever and jump into planning a winter vacation in BC to the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region.

Find some balance in nature by voyaging to the East Shore on the longest free ferry in the world. Get nourished at Black Salt Cafe, an artisan bistro offering local and organic ingredients with everything from free range meats to vegan and sustainably sourced treats. Spend your day exploring the handcrafted artisans in Crawford Bay, Barefoot Handweaving and Kootenay Forge. Stay at one of the A-frame cabins of Kokanee Chalets or in the brand new Waterfall Suite at Tara Shanti . Wake up to freshly baked goods at Red's Bread & Bakery in Crawford Bay or drink your morning Ladybug Coffee on the shores of the lake at Kootenay Bay.

Looking for a true off-grid accommodation experience? Check out comfy Logden Lodge in Ymir, about 20 minutes from Nelson. Wood cabins, fireplaces and no TVs equal rustic luxury. Back on grid but equally appealing, the historic Cloudside Hotel in Nelson is a great spot to soak up heritage charm. You can also choose from all sorts of vacation rentals with varying degrees of amenities and features.

Get playful and head into the Selkirk Mountains to spend the day skiing at Whitewater Ski Resort. A family-friendly getaway that’s proudly free of WiFi and cell service, this mountain escape lets you focus on your turns and your ski buddies instead of your news feed.

This escape from the digital world may also explain the lively ambiance in the lodge, where you’re more likely to strike up a conversation with a stranger on the patio than find people nose deep in their phones. Grab some tacos, burritos, hot drinks, cold drinks, and baked goods at the outdoor Smoke ’n” Bowl & Taco Tin. Swap shredding stories in real time rather than waiting for the “likes” to roll in.

If Nordic skiing is more your thing, head to the Kaslo Nordic Ski Club or Nelson Nordic Ski Club for over 25km of beautifully groomed skate and classic trails. Cell phone service is fuzzy, but the warming shelters are downright cozy. The local rail trail in Nelson also offers great cross-country skiing, based on conditions, plus unbeatable views of Kootenay Lake and Nelson’s iconic Big Orange Bridge.

Balfour Golf Course has classic skiing tracks zig-zagging around the course offering open fairways, sunshine, views of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell mountains, and if you travel with your dog, they will be welcomed too.

Keep the digital detox going by exploring the Queen City’s heritage charms. Discover Nelson’s history and cultural spirit with a visit to The Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, explore an eclectic store or gallery, or just admire the fascinating architecture in town. Kaslo's Langham Cultural Centre hosts artists and history, with walls of pictures that tell stories of the past.

Instead of consulting TripAdvisor for dinner, let your taste buds and instinct guide you as you wander Kaslo and Nelson’s compact storybook downtowns. You’ll find over 80 restaurants and cafés in the region, and many within a ten-minute walk. Re-connect through conversation at one of the many outdoor patios in Nelson, Kootenay Bay and Kaslo. Places like Pitchfork Eatery and Main Street Diner will keep you toasty with heated patios. If good beer is your thing, create your own pub-crawl and visit Kaslo's Angry Hen, Buddy's Pizza, and the Kaslo Pub. Tap into Nelson’s four craft breweries, all within a short walk. Forget about Google Maps and do it the old-fashioned way by grabbing a map at a local business or the Visitor Centre. 

Lastly, one of the best ways to unplug and melt into the moment is with a relaxing soak at Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort. Yoga fans will also find a number of local studios to practice your downward dog. Stylish spas offer massages and all the other therapeutic services you can wish for.