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.
gravity adventures Ski shuttle
Leave the driving to Gravity Adventures Ski Shuttle! Save your vehicle, gas and our planet. Operating daily for the season;
Departure Schedule (in time for the first chair)
- 8:25am - Safeway
- 8:27am - Whitehouse Backpackers Lodge
- 8:28am - Hume Hotel
- 8:32am - Dancing Bear Inn (Corner of Falls St)
- 8:35am - Gravity Climbing Centre
- 8:40am - Alpine Motel
- 3:30pm - Departs Whitewater
Rates: $9 one way $15 return (passengers must carry exact fare as driver does not carry change)
Annual Pass: $295
Phone 250.505.4921
If you have a question about travelling in the West Kootenay region please contact us!
footsteps eco adventures
Will be running a ski shuttle from Slocan to Whitewater, with pick-ups along the way on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and upon request. Stay tuned for the schedule or visit footstepsecoadventures.com