Take a break with us

There's a reason we have more cafes per capita than anywhere else in BC! Coffee (and tea) is taken seriously, and the great coffee shops in Nelson BC and region reflect that.

Show me cafes!

Coffee Shops in Nelson

The famous Oso Negro cafe, home to our own home-roasted coffee, is Nelson’s informal meeting house. It has an intimate cafe, and a welcoming garden to relax in during the warmer months.

Trendy Empire Coffee is located in the Adventure Hotel, and offers a lively atmosphere with fine coffee. Don't miss a visit to their sunny glassed-in patio. 

Downtown has several other options. John Ward Fine Coffee, named after historic Nelsonite John Ward, is on the corner of Ward and Baker Streets. They have a large selection of organic coffee and teas (including Josephine Teas, named after John Ward's wife), and is home to our own Lucky Cupcakes. Dominion Cafe is another one of the coffee shops in Nelson. Located in a heritage building on Baker Street, it has a classic style and it serves up delicious, fresh muffins, as well as raw sweets and teas and coffees.

Sidewinder Coffee Co is a friendly spot towards the end of Baker Street with a modern wood interior.  

Pairing organic coffees and drinks with bakery treats, the Kootenay Bakery Co-op is a co-operative bakery and cafe, all made in-house. Or visit No 6 Coffee Co and taste the fresh beans at the micro-roastery. Located in the recently restored railway station is Railtown Coffeehouse, where you can sip a hot beverage and enjoy the heritage charms of the century old building. 

Even the local grocery stores offer inviting coffee shops. The Kootenay Co-op Grocery Store has a spacious cafe with a rotating selection of local artwork, while Ellison's Market features an eatery on site with fresh local food and live music during the winter. 

The cozy How Shang Shway Tea House is open for lunch and is a quaint and low key spot to share a meal and tea with friends and family.

And for an intimate setting with an artistic vibe, Cake Betty is located off Baker Street, in a quiet space near the Civic Theatre. Located near Nelson's iconic Big Orange Bridge is L&C French Bakery, a delightful haven for lovers of all things French. Whether you're popping in for a quick breakfast, meeting friends for a leisurely lunch, or indulging in an afternoon treat, L&C French Bakery and coffee shop is one of Nelson's hidden gems.

Hummingbird Cafe, located year-round at the Hummingbird Lodge located at Whitewater Ski Resort, is the perfect spot to enjoy a delightful meal amidst beautiful surroundings. You can explore their menu here.

Cafes in Kaslo 

Kaslo also has some fine cafe experiences. Visit the Blue Belle Cafe or Treehouse Restaurant —both are community meeting places as well as great places to grab a beautifully made drink.