THE KOOTENAYS - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 421

the artists themselves, who are on hand to discuss their work. A brochure available at the
information center and motels and galleries around town contains biographies of each fea-
tured artist, tells where his or her work is displayed, and provides a map showing you the
easiest way to get from one venue to the next.
RECREATION
In summer, the focus is on Lakeside Park, by the Orange Bridge (known locally as BOB,
an acronym for Big Orange Bridge). It has a sandy beach, tennis courts, and a picnic area.
Another pleasant spot to escape suburbia is Cottonwood Falls, which tumble from below
a highway overpass off Baker Street. The surrounding area has been nicely landscaped and
is well worth a visit, especially when spring runoff creates a massive flow of water.
The best nearby hiking is in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, but the bed of the
Burlington Northern Railway, built in 1893, provides an interesting 9-kilometer (5.5-mile)
trek right on Nelson's back doorstep. Access the railway from the top end of South Cherry
Street. The many old logging and mining roads surrounding the city are great for moun-
tain biking; one favorite is the Svoboda Bike Trail, accessed along Elwyn Street beyond
the college. For bike rentals and a trail map, head to Gerick Cycle and Sports (702 Baker
St., 250/354-4622, 9am-5:30pm Mon.-Thurs., 9am-7pm Fri., 9am-5:30pm Sat., 11am-5pm
Sun.).
Legendary powder and an off-the-beaten-path location make Whitewater Ski Resort
(250/354-4944 or 800/666-9420, www.skiwhitewater.com , adult $68, senior $54, child $34)
a hidden gem. The small resort 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Nelson sits beneath a
string of 2,400-meter (7,900-foot) peaks that catch an amazing amount of snow. Three
double chairlifts access 18 marked trails (the Summit Chair opens up the best powder-
packed slopes). The area's abundant snowfall makes for a long season, but conditions are
best in February and March. Whitewater has no on-mountain accommodations—just the
lifts and a day lodge with a cafeteria, rental shop, and ski/snowboard school.
ENTERTAINMENT
The Hume Hotel (422 Vernon St., 250/352-5331) is the center of Nelson's after-dark scene.
This old hotel contains Mike's Place, a bar that comes alive on weekends; Spiritbar, a
live music venue; and the elegant Library Lounge, with tapestried chairs by a fireplace,
books to read, and an elaborate draped ceiling—the perfect place to head to for a quiet
drink. Down on the water, the bar in the Prestige Lakeside Resort (701 Lakeside Dr., 250/
352-7222, from 11am daily) has an expansive deck that catches the afternoon sun.