The city of Nelson is located in the province of British Columbia in southwest Canada, not far from the border with the United States. Attractively situated on the West Arm of the Kootenay Bay and surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains, Nelson makes a great base for exploring the area’s significant natural beauty. Don’t miss the Ainsworth Hot Springs or the sandy beach at Lakeside Park, while boat tours of Kootenay Lake are also popular. There are numerous hiking trails leaving from Nelson; rock climbers will find plenty of challenging crags in the surrounding region; and – in winter – there are plenty of cold-weather sports available, including skiing and snowboarding. Nelson itself is home to a good Museum of Art and History and the Nelson Mining Museum, which exhibits thousands of gemstones and fossils.