Basecamp in the Kootenays
We're your basecamp located in the heart of the West Kootenays. Explore heritage towns, hike or ski alpine peaks, bike rail trails, swim in fresh water lakes and rivers, attend a concert, book a tour, or visit a gallery - all just minutes from our glamping retreat. The possibilities are endless.
Favourite places to Swim
Shoreacres (Top Pick)
Shoreacres (Top Pick)
Shoreacres (Top Pick)
Float the river, try the rope swing or play on the soft, sandy beach. It's perfect for sandcastles, sun tanning, and general beach lounging too.
11 kms from Bear Spring Eco Retreat
Cottonwood Lake
Shoreacres (Top Pick)
Shoreacres (Top Pick)
Located south of the City of Nelson along Highway 6 and along the rail trail. The park includes a swimming beach, picnic area, walking trails and rest rooms.
21 kms from Bear Spring Eco Retreat
The Pier in Nelson
Shoreacres (Top Pick)
The Pier in Nelson
Located in Nelson beside the Prestige Lakeside Resort, enjoy a sand-free swimming experience right on Nelson's waterfront.
14 kms from Bear Spring Eco Retreat
Favourite places to EAT
Sprout (Top Pick)
The Dam Restaurant & Bar
The Dam Restaurant & Bar
The vegan offerings here are so good even meat eaters will love it. Our fav is the Crispy Cauliflower Wrap with maple sriracha sauce. So good!
14 kms from Bear Spring Eco Retreat
The Dam Restaurant & Bar
The Dam Restaurant & Bar
The Dam Restaurant & Bar
One of the longest standing rural pubs in all of BC, serving the community since 1978. Enjoy the covered patio outside or live music inside. Located in South Slocan.
9 kms from Bear Spring Eco Retreat
Frog Peak Café
The Dam Restaurant & Bar
Frog Peak Café
Happily serving hungry customers beautiful food with ingredients sourced close to home. The Café sits comfortably on an acre full of gardens and beautiful trees.
14 kms from Bear Spring Eco Retreat
Favourite OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Smallwood Lookout (Top Pick)
Smallwood Lookout (Top Pick)
Smallwood Lookout (Top Pick)
Hike the Smallwood Trail network to the stunning lookout. This hike is 10 kms round trip from your tent door at our retreat.
3 kms from Bear Spring Eco Retreat
Slocan Rail Trail
Smallwood Lookout (Top Pick)
Smallwood Lookout (Top Pick)
Bike from the junction to Slocan City along the beautiful Slocan River. The trail is approximately 50 kms long. Find the trail head in South Slocan.
9 kms from Bear Spring Eco Retreat
Pulpit Rock
Smallwood Lookout (Top Pick)
Pulpit Rock
The well-maintained packed trail is easy to follow through a gorgeous pine tree forest featuring beautiful panoramic views of Nelson.
16 kms from Bear Spring Eco Retreat
Other things to see and do
The Trading Post
Ainsworth Hot Springs
Himalaya Salt Cave
Peruse our camp store and gift shop chalked full of eco-friendly, Canadian made arts and crafts.
Himalaya Salt Cave
Ainsworth Hot Springs
Himalaya Salt Cave
A cave made of 12,000 pounds of salt in Nelson, BC. Relax, breathe, detox through salt, sound and massage theraphy.
Ainsworth Hot Springs
Ainsworth Hot Springs
Ainsworth Hot Springs
These hot springs have been healing visitors for hundreds of years. The springs consist of warm mineral waters in a natural cave and pool with stunning views of the lake.