Planning to drive?
Refer to our chart below for driving distances to Nelson. Check Google Maps for additional mapping and drive time information.
| City | Driving Distance | |
| Castlegar | 41 km | 25 miles |
| Creston | 114 km | 68 miles |
| Spokane, WA | 237 km | 142 miles |
| Osoyoos | 261 km | 157 miles |
| Penticton | 321 km | 193 miles |
| Kelowna | 338 km | 203 miles |
| Kamloops | 454 km | 272 miles |
| Banff, Alberta | 496 km | 298 miles |
| Calgary, Alberta | 624 km | 374 miles |
| Vancouver | 657 km | 394 miles |
Getting to Whitewater from Nelson
Head south out of Nelson along highway 6 (towards Salmo). Travel for approx. 12 km until you see the sign for Whitewater. Turn left and head up the mountain for another 6 km. Park and enjoy!
Traveller's FAQ
How big is a km (kilometer)? Travellers heading north from the US will notice our traffic signs are in kms and km/h. To convert kilometres to miles, multiply by .6 (eg. 10 km = 6 miles) For speed limits: 100 km/h = 60 mph. 80 km/h = 50 mph and 50 km/h = 30 mph.
- When travelling to Nelson via Creston, you may want to head north to Crawford Bay where you can take a free ride on the Osprey 2000. This stylin' ferry was built in Nelson and is worth the trip!
- Cranbrook airport is gearing up to offer international flights providing a new portal into the Kootenay region. We'll keep you posted as events unfold.
- If you are travelling during the winter, be sure to check road conditions for your route. Road closures are common on mountain passes due to SO MUCH SNOW!
- Please watch for wildlife on our roads. It is not uncommon to see herds of deer, elk or the odd bear on the roads after dark.
- Enjoy your trip and we look forward to seeing you on the slopes!
A daily shuttle service between Nelson and Whitewater and an assortment of friendly shuttle services from nearby cities and airports are available.
If you have a question about travelling in the West Kootenay region please contact us!