Nelson is a large town that accommodates most sports in all seasons. The Kootenays are renowned for incredible powder in the winter whether you like a lift up the hill on a chairlift, sled, cat or heli style.
The summer offers rustic walks in 500 year old growths, or if you hike higher, the Kokanee Glaciers. 
With water, water everywhere, there are plenty of opportunities to swim, canoe, kayak, wake/kiteboard, lounge in hot springs or tube down the river.
Whitewater Resort, Red Mountain Resort, 5 golf courses, beaches, downhill mountain biking,
hiking, para/hang gliding, fishing, climbing and snowmobiling are all less than an hour away. Excellent small aircraft tour companies have made their home in the Kootenays for a reason!
Whitewater Resort, Nelson
Red Mountain Resort, Rossland
High Alpine Air, Nelson