A charming lakeside spot with rainforest trails was named among BC's 'prettiest small towns'

Nestled on the shore of a sparkling lake sits this charming small town. With picturesque streets, a lively community, and breathtaking nature surrounding it, this place is hard not to love.

It makes sense how it landed a spot among the "prettiest small towns in B.C.," on a Narcity Facebook poll.

Visiting Nelson kind of feels like stepping into a postcard. You've got heritage buildings lining the streets, mountains wrapping around the idyllic lake, and a lush rainforest nearby.

Nelson is in the Kootenay Lake region of the province, a place full of natural beauty. It's technically a city, so you have access to tons of restaurants, shops, and cafes, as well as a bustling vibe — but it maintains a small-town atmosphere.

According to the tourism website, it has been dubbed "Canada's best small arts and culture town," boasting a slew of local artists and galleries to explore.

Wandering town means stopping in at the charming stores and exploring the local offerings.

The downtown area is vibrant, with over 350 heritage buildings preserved here that contribute to its charming atmosphere.

The local businesses here are booming, with "more restaurants per capita than Manhattan or San Francisco," a bunch of cute coffee shops to choose from, specialty stores, and fun summer markets to visit. After spending a good chunk of your day wandering around Baker Street, you can explore the nature surrounding the town.

A visit here has to include a hike into the lush forest, which is actually the "last-remaining Inland Temperate Rainforest on Earth." Within it, you'll find massive old-growth trees, vibrant greenery, and beautiful wildlife.

Twenty minutes away from Nelson, you'll find the Kokanee Old Growth Forest Trail, which leads you to century-old cedar trees.

You can't forget about the fun out on the water, though, with Nelson being alongside "one of the largest lakes in British Columbia," according to the website.

Summers here mean kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing – you name it. It's the time of year to get out onto the water and enjoy.

From cute downtown strolls to sparkling lake views and misty rainforest treks, this place is all kinds of pretty.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.