An incredibly scenic hike just outside Castlegar! It’s hard work stomping up that trail, but the panoramic views overlooking the Columbia River Valley are well worth it.
Moderate
The trails above Syringa Provincial Park meander through an open forest of towering ponderosa pine. This is easy, pleasant walking with excellent views of Lower Arrow Lake.
Easy
Mt. Gimli is a striking pillar of rock, towering high in the Valhalla range. This hike is tough, but rewarding. The trail leads up to the base of Gimli where it wraps around to a final ledge. Here, hikers can look down into the Mulvey Basin lakes, or just spin and spin and take in the panoramas of jagged peaks and sky.
Difficult
The Kokanee Lake Trail is the main access into beautiful Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. The trail starts in the forest at Gibson Lake and winds up to the sub-alpine realm of meadows, lakes, waterfalls and marmots. Kokanee Glacier Park is great place to spend a weekend, wandering among mountains and meadows.
Moderate
Songbirds, snakes, ducks, dragonflies! The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area offers easy walking on a network of trails around the Corn Creek Wetlands. With boardwalks, bridges, bird towers, and the Wildlife Centre, there is plenty to do! Bring your binoculars – the bird watching is excellent!
Easy
April 2023 – The Pulpit Rock Trail has a recent rockslide and a new bypass has been built 1.0km up. Please use the new route and avoid the closed area.
Pulpit Rock is the most popular Nelson hike. Locals treat the trail like an outdoor gym and sometimes it feels like half the town is out hiking! The Pulpit trail offers a solid workout over switchbacks, ending in a scenic overlook of town. Hiking further to Flagpole rewards you with an even bigger panorama of the river valley – it’s worth the extra effort when you have the time!
Easy to Pulpit Rock, Moderate to Flagpole