Family-friendly hikes from creekside strolls to alpine summits
Cover photo by Kari Medig and courtesy of Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism
The mountains are calling, and I must go. But with a family? You bet. Whether you’ve got tots or teens, the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region has a hiking trail for you.
Located naturally off the beaten path between the Rockies and the Coast, the hiking is just as impressive as in Banff or Whistler, but without the crowds. Most visitors use Nelson as their base to explore the region. Multiple lodging options suit every budget and taste, ranging from waterfront resorts to family-friendly campgrounds.
Stroll along historic Baker Street and go beyond window shopping for your recreation needs. Local shops offer a curated selection of top brands and the latest gear. If your hiking objectives are toddler-sized, grabbing a few treats can help keep the kids motivated on the trail. For the grown-ups, stock up on local produce, organic goodies and in-house meals at the Kootenay Co-Op, the largest independent cooperative grocery store in Canada.
For those with wee ones, micro adventures can be the way to go. Hiking close to town has the advantage of being “out there” while still being able to easily pull the chute if things go sideways. The network of trails immediately above Nelson feature fun little bridges and water features with just enough elevation gain for a kiddo-sized challenge.
Sproule Creek is a popular family-friendly hike just 10 minutes from Nelson. Offering one of the few genuinely flat trails in the area, it follows a gentle stream under a lush canopy. It’s an ideal hike for hot days, shoulder seasons and during the autumn when the leaves perform their colorful ritual. The out and back is up to 9k (5.5 miles) with 200m of elevation gain.
Mention hiking in Nelson, and you’re sure to hear about Pulpit Rock and Lions Bluff, the most popular trails in town. Located a short drive over the iconic Big Orange Bridge, it’s common to find children (and parents) huffing up these steep trails. A sense of accomplishment and great views are guaranteed, and it’s a quick trip back to town to celebrate. Both trails are about 3.5k (2 miles) round trip with over 300m of climbing.
The Kaslo River Trail is another great family option, weaving through the shady forest with hidden sculpture surprises to keep kids curious. The twin crimson covered bridges add to the appeal, creating a 3.5k (2 mile) fairy-tale-like kids’ loop with the trailhead only a block from downtown. Or, connect with the scenic waterfront trail, passing the skate park and playground to add another kilometer and link with the main street. The trail is snow free for most of the year, but is particularly scenic in October, when the charming town of Kaslo becomes radiantly beautiful.
If you’re looking for a day trip that isn’t all about hiking, head across Kootenay Lake on the free ferry to discover the Pilot Bay Provincial Park trails. Watch for osprey and admire the fjord-like views between Balfour and Kootenay Bay on the boat. Choose from the super-short hike to the lighthouse or explore the easy low-elevation trails from early spring to late fall. And don’t miss a stop in Crawford Bay, a small community with a variety of unique artisans (the kids will feel like they’ve stepped into a Harry Potter set at North Woven Brooms).
From the lakeshore to the alpine, Kokanee Glacier/Creek Provincial Parks have trails for everyone. Nearly 10k (6.2 miles) of mellow pathways meander through the peninsula at the region’s most popular family campground. Feel the intensity of the spring runoff from the Canyon Trail, head to the beach via the Grassland Trail, or count the spawning salmon from the main trails near the visitor center in the fall.
Drive up the forestry road for some of the best hikes around, including Kokanee Old Growth Cedars. The trail may be short (1.5k and 100m of elevation) but the trees are enormous. See if your family can bear hug one of these ancient giants (probably not!).
Continue to the end of the road for 15 minutes to the main trailhead toward the alpine. Gibson Lake Loop Trail is an easy 1.5k circuit, or, lace up your hiking boots and head towards Kokanee Lake and beyond. Patience and snacks are your best friends; the trail climbs 400m over 5k (one way), passing through dense forest before offering sweeping views of the mountainous terrain as you approach the lake. From there, it’s a cruisy 3.5k (2 miles) to Kaslo Lake campground, or the Kokanee Glacier Cabin. Maintained by the Alpine Club of Canada, it’s regarded as the most luxurious (and affordable!) public hut in the country, complete with showers, flush toilets and power. It’s the perfect base for exploring alpine trails or just relaxing in the comfort of the hut with kids.
Renowned for its deep powder in the winter, Whitewater Mountain Resort continues to open its terrain to summer activities. Ascend the summit face for panoramic views towards Valhalla Provincial Park, or head up the Silver King side below the iconic Ymir Peak. Families with older kids can continue on, following the ridgeline and connecting to White Queen, then looping back to the start for a full-day adventure. Fuel up at Hummingbird Lodge, serving some of Whitewater’s famous pow chow from Thursday through Monday through the end of the summer season.
For the more dedicated adventurers, Monica Meadows offers a true wilderness experience. The long forestry road near Meadow Creek takes you way up to the trailhead at 1,800m (6,000 feet), letting you spend more time hiking in the glorious alpine plateau. Lakes, wildflowers, waterfalls and glaciers provide plenty for the kids to see. Head there in the early fall for golden larches and a chance to witness the first dusting of snow. The 10k (6 mile) out-and-back hike climbs over 650m and is a two-hour drive from Nelson.
From towering cedars to quiet creeks, serious summits to backcountry huts, the hiking trails in the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region offer a memorable outdoor experience for any family.
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