About 5–10 minutes
Kokanee Creek spawning channel
Watch the run from the park’s viewing platform along the spawning channel. The season runs roughly August to October, usually peaking in mid-September.
Fall at The Nest Estate
The quiet season
on Kootenay Lake.
Crimson salmon in the creeks, colour on the mountainsides, hot springs weather and empty trails—the Kootenays’ best-kept season, with a hot tub waiting at home.
- 5–10 min
- To the kokanee spawning channel at Kokanee Creek
- Mid-Sept
- The usual peak of the kokanee salmon run
- 15–20 min
- To Ainsworth Hot Springs
- 2
- Private hot tubs on the estate
The kokanee run
Rivers of red.
Each late summer and fall, thousands of kokanee salmon turn brilliant red and return to spawn in the creeks around Kokanee Creek Provincial Park—just minutes from the estate.
Kokanee Creek Park
Redfish Creek
The quieter west end of the park, named for the red fish that crowd its mouth before heading upstream.
Crisp days outside
Colour, trails and empty fairways.
About 10 minutes
Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park
Alpine lakes and trails for every level, at their quietest after the summer crowds.
Nelson
Pulpit Rock & Flagpole
Nelson’s favourite hike to a view over town and the lake, framed in fall colour.
Nelson
Great Northern Rail Trail
A gentle former rail line for walking and biking through the woods.
About 5 minutes
Balfour Golf Course
Late-season rounds with lake and mountain views, and a clubhouse kitchen worth the trip on its own.
Cozy season
Hot springs, hot tubs and long dinners.
About 15–20 minutes
Ainsworth Hot Springs
Mineral pools and a steaming horseshoe cave—perfect on a cool fall day, with dinner at the Ktunaxa Grill.
About 20–25 minutes
Nelson’s Baker Street
Heritage storefronts, galleries, cafés and some of the best restaurants in British Columbia.
Eagles Nest & Ravens Nest
Private hot tubs & fireplaces
Come home to your own hot tub under the stars and a gas fireplace at Eagles Nest.
Midweek escapes
When the lake is yours.
Fast Wi-Fi + backup power
Work from the mountains
Very fast Wi-Fi and a Generac backup generator mean no downtime—take the meeting, then take the hot tub.
Robins & Ravens Nest
Couples’ getaway
A king bed and private hot tub at Ravens, or sweeping lake views at Robins.
The whole estate
Small retreats
Three private chalets for up to 16—room for a team offsite or family reunion without the summer rush.
Good to know
Questions, answered.
When is the best time to see the kokanee salmon run?
The run at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park typically spans August to October, with mid-September usually the peak. Numbers vary year to year.
Are the hot tubs open in fall and winter?
Yes. The private hot tubs at Eagles Nest and Ravens Nest are available year-round.
Can we book the chalets for a midweek work trip?
Absolutely. The estate has very fast Wi-Fi and a Generac backup generator, so power and internet stay on.
The Nest Estate
Fall now.
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Planning a ski or sled trip? Lock in your winter weekends early.
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when dates open.
Powder weekends, fall midweeks and last-minute openings—straight to your inbox a few times a season. No spam.
Three private chaletsCheck availability