industries

Block Party: Proving that Downtown Nelson’s Baker Street is more than just ski gear shops

Stroll along for kidswear, home goods, great reads and souvenirs

By Stacey McLachlan /

Village Ski Hut

This small-but-mighty ski shop features both impeccable service and all the outerwear brands you need to keep warm on the slopes: think Mons Royale, North Face and Tecnica. 367 Baker St., villageskihut.com

Mountain Baby

Even the most indoors-y of parents can find something cute here at this Nelson kidswear shop. The hand-knit moccasins are a fave, but colourful Smartwool socks keep tiny toes warm, too. 636 Baker St., mountainbaby.com

Coffee from Oso Negro Café on Baker Street, Nelson
Oso Negro Café

Oso Negro Café

Though it’s 20 years old, this wood-lined, art-filled space still feels like the freshest place in town to grab a cup of coffee—the gleaming Probat roaster is what the owners call “the metronomic heartbeat” of the café. 604 Ward St., osonegrocoffee.com

Snowpack Outdoor Experience

There are plenty of camp-chic packs, boots, hats and cozy coats to please the fashion-forward outdoors-person, but schlep down the stairs to discover the real athleisure treasure trove: a Patagonia outlet, jam-packed with fleece and deals. 333 Baker St., snowpack.ca

Otter Books

Need something to read by the fire in the lodge while all your friends head up the gondola? This charming indie bookstore has you covered, with an ample selection of local authors and Canadian fiction offered alongside #BookTok blockbusters. 398 Baker St., otterbooksinc.ca

Nelson’s local artists and makers sell their wares at Craft Connection
Craft Connection

Craft Connection

Nelson’s local artists and makers sell their wares at Craft Connection; the cozy shop is the perfect place to stock up on authentic souvenirs. Find earrings from local silversmiths, handmade leather bags, pottery galore and more. 378 Baker St., craftconnection.org

Maison

Chic home goods for the mountain cabin and city home alike. Source artisanal candles, trendy woven baskets, minimalist dishware and more essentials here. 446 Baker St., maison-decor.ca

Moon Monster’s Secret Cave

Even if you don’t buy anything at this delightfully quirky boutique, it’s easy to spend an afternoon here, lost among the retro curios and eye-popping vintage fashion. Troll dolls, zebra-print overalls, creepy dog statues: it’s a grandma’s attic, turned up to 11. 448 Baker St., moonmonster.ca

Backroads, an award-winning small-batch brewery with a warm, woodsy taproom filled with lively locals
Backroads Brewing

Backroads Brewing

Find the ideal après at Backroads, an award-winning small-batch brewery with a warm, woodsy taproom filled with lively locals. Try the Big Smokin’ Joe Smoked Baltic Porter or the Freshly Squeezed Juicy IPA. 460 Baker St., backroadsbrewing.com