What to do in Nelson, BC

Nelson is located on the shores of Kootenay Lake's West Arm, centrally located between Vancouver, B.C., Calgary, AB and Spokane, WA. Nelson has a growing population of 10,600; with Greater Nelson encompassing 18,000 and a trading area near 70,000 the duly-named Heritage City features a heritage downtown and 300-plus restored heritage homes, businesses and churches.
Nelson residents boast of the 50 restaurants and cafes, in fact more per capita than San Francisco, many with outdoor seasonal patios adding to that cosmopolitan feel.
You will feel the funky vibe and authenticity and entrepreneurial spirit following a quick stroll down historic Baker Street, a vibrant main street that is a true adventure in itself.
We encourage visiting The Vienna Café- it has a beautiful patio outside and inside dining area is combined with a book store. The food is home made, prepared fresh for you and it tastes amazing. They pay great attention to detail, making their own jams and using 100% natural vanilla for drinks.
We ordered Minerva Spatzle, Eggs Benny-Meat Lovers, Chai Tea and Nelson Fog. Everything was authentically delicious.

Another great place to visit in Nelson is The Outer Clove restaurant, specializing in modern European comfort food. We tried Hungarian Cabbage Rolls, Haluski,  Schnitzel, Perogies. Everything is home made and so delicious!
Just a quick warning about the Schnitzel size- it is large enough for three people. So good though!

Nelson has a beautiful park downtown -Nelson Rotary Park. This beautiful green space runs along Nelson’s waterfront. Located at the foot of the landmark orange bridge, its features include a long, sandy beach and change rooms, wide promenade, shade trees, an adventure playground, bocce and tennis courts, and boat launch. A full-service concession runs in summer. The city’s much-envied soccer fields and baseball diamond are located further along the waterfront.
The park is also the home of Nelson’s restored electric streetcar, which takes passengers along a portion of the waterfront during the summer months.

Ainsworth Hot Springs is located about 40 minutes drive from Nelson. It is open to public by reservation only from 10 AM to 5:30 PM and for hotel guest without limitations. The hot springs originate around the Cody Caves, above and to the east of the resort. The water flows down through fractures in the rock, increasing in temperature at a rate of 40°C per kilometer until it hits a lakeshore fault – a rock layer on a 45 ° angle. Hydraulic pressure forces the water up along the fault until it emerges at the resort. The water at Ainsworth Hot Springs offers a high mineral content, without the odor associated with some natural hot springs. 
The resort features nice rooms with bathrobes and all the amenities needed for a relaxing stay.