Spring Fling: 10 Great Kootenay Experiences

Mar 31, 2010 by Chelsea Sweeney

1. Breakfast: Full Circle Cafe in Nelson

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of classics such as Eggs Benedict served on English muffins or French toast coated in cornflakes, graham crackers and toasted pecans served with a sweet fruit compote. Feeling adventurous? Try their grilled grapefruit. The Full Circle Cafe supports local farmers and businesses by buying local eggs, bread and meat. Breakfast prices range from $4 – $13.

2. Window Shopping: Baker Street, Nelson

After breakfast, take a stroll along the quaint downtown core streets of Nelson in the early morning light. Notice some of the years on the buildings? Most of these heritage buildings are around a century old. Take a peek into their windows. There is something for everyone here from locally-made crafts (Kootenay Craft Connection) to clothing (Bia Boro) and check out Still Eagle, the store with two prices on every item. If you come out in the afternoon, buskers emerge on each side of Baker Street playing a variety of diverse music such as folk and reggae on their guitars.

3. “Streetcar 23” Rides: Lakeside Park, Nelson

This is a must-ride. You cannot leave the Kootenays without riding this charming trolley from Lakeside Park down to the Prestige Hotel. A 10 to 15-minute ride, this heritage trolley is over a century old and costs around $3 for an adult and less for children and seniors.

4. Scenic Bicycle Route: Ymir to Nelson

In good shape? If not, you might hurt a few days after trying this little excursion. Try cycling from fascinating Ymir to Nelson along the old train trestle tracks. Do not go alone however, in case you get lost or run into some unfriendly wild animals. This scenic route in pristine backcountry could take up to four hours one way to complete, but the views from above Nelson make it totally worth the ride.

5. Lunch: Frog Peak Cafe in Crescent Valley

Halfway between Nelson and Castlegar, in the tiny community of Crescent Valley, is a hidden secret jewel of a cafe that serves mouth-watering grilled Paninis filled with your choice of items like chicken teriyaki or brie cheese. Their house salads are a work of art with grated beet, carrots, and sunflower seeds combined with healthy greens. Try the Green Goddess dressing, a creamy green garlicky dressing, with one of their salads. After devouring your meal, enjoy a cappuccino or a light beer such as Stella Artois or Okanagan cider to wash down your meal. Prices range from $6 – $14 for lunch.

6. Museum: Le Roi Mine in Rossland

A little bit out of your way? You will forget that as soon as you step into the opening of the historic Rossland gold mine. Mined a century ago, this tour is fascinating if you love history and geology. The museum has interesting displays on life in early 19^th century Rossland and tidbits on the mine’s operation. Dress warmly for the tour, since it becomes very chilly underground. Call ahead to check when tours are available.

7. Picnicking Spots: Lakeside Park in Nelson, Pass Creek Park in Pass Creek and Zuckerburg Island in Castlegar

Spend the afternoon lounging around one of these parks with a hamper full of food, a Frisbee and a towel to tan on or to use after a refreshing swim. Both Lakeside Park and Pass Creek Park have concession stands, and Pass Creek Park and Zuckerburg Island have beautiful short hiking trails. Zuckerburg Island also has a suspension bridge and don’t forget to check out the heritage home of Alexander Zuckerburg on the island, open weekdays through the summer. All three are dog and children friendly.

8. Local Youth Music: Corazon Vocal Ensemble in Nelson, and Vision of Peace Youth Choir in Castlegar.

Come support your fellow Selkirk students who sing in these local youth choirs. Corazon features world repertoire music in several languages with piano and string accompaniment. Most of their concerts are held in Nelson and area. Vision of Peace is a traditional Russian-based choir that focuses on preserving Doukhobor culture in the Kootenay area through their beautiful music. Songs are mostly sung in Russian. Check local media for upcoming performance schedules.

9. Live Music: the Old Castle Theatre in Castlegar

Check out local bands and musicians featured weekly at the quaint Castle Theatre in downtown Castlegar. Or bring some friends down for the open mic and jam session on Thursday nights. The Castle Theatre also features an eclectic vintage cafe offering a full coffee bar and creative light lunches such as butter chicken pizza and miniature apple pies. Café open 9am to 6pm, later on jam nights.

10. Theatre: Charles Bailey in Trail and Capitol Theatre in Nelson

These two theatres host weekly local and international bands, plays, ballets, orchestras, operas and concerts that appeal to all ages. Prices range from $8 and up, per ticket. Previous events have included plays such as Grease, choirs such as Corazon and Shenango, bands such as Hedley and Marianna’s Trench, jazz concerts, Canadian ballet companies…the list is endless! So if you are looking for a great performance, head over to Nelson or Trail and sit down for an evening of fun.