title: "Top 4 Bars & Entertainment Spots in Nelson, Canada" description: "Discover the best bars, live music, and entertainment spots in Nelson, Canada. 1. Cantina del Centro 2. Mike's Place Pub 3. Backroads Brewing Company 4. Broken Hill" slug: "bars-and-entertainment" content_type: html show_affiliate_disclaimer: true authors: [{"image": "/static/images/authors/Alexander Kopp.jpg", "name": "Alexander Kopp"}, {"image": "/static/images/authors/Hannah McKinsey.jpg", "name": "Hannah McKinsey"}, {"image": "/static/images/authors/Jake Evans.jpg", "name": "Jake Evans"}] parts: ["north-america", "canada", "british-columbia---interior", "nelson"] publication_date: "2025-08-01T11:40:04.264735" og_image: "https://images.tfaworldguide.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1024,format=auto,height=1024,fit=cover,gravity=auto/image_library/pexels/nelson/nelson_18204073.jpeg"

Top 4 Bars & Entertainment Spots in Nelson

A picturesque waterfall flowing over moss-covered rocks in Nelson, BC, Canada.
Spencer Shellborn, Pexels

Nelson, British Columbia, offers a vibrant and diverse bar and drinking scene, surprisingly rich for its size. Visitors can explore everything from classic pubs and lively cocktail bars to a thriving craft brewery culture, with many venues located conveniently along Baker Street and within the historic downtown core.

  <p><strong>Entertainment and Music:</strong></p>
  <p>Nelson's music and entertainment scene offers a diverse range of options, from intimate live performances to energetic nightlife, reflecting the city's vibrant arts and culture.</p>
  <p>Live music can be found frequently at various venues. Spiritbar at the Hume Hotel is a prominent spot for local, national, and international acts, featuring acoustic sets, rock bands, and DJs.  The Royal also hosts a variety of live bands and music.  For a more casual setting, Finley's Bar & Grill provides live music and karaoke.  Those interested in electronic music can visit Bloom Nightclub.  Additionally, the Library Lounge at the Hume Hotel offers a sophisticated ambiance with live jazz on select nights.  The region also hosts notable music festivals, including the Shambhala Music Festival near Salmo and the Kaslo Jazz Etc Festival. </p>

                                        
         

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          <h3>1. Cantina del Centro</h3>
          <p><strong>Type:</strong> Cocktail Bar / Restaurant</p>
          <p>Stepping into Cantina del Centro, I was immediately greeted by a lively atmosphere with intimate lighting and eclectic decor, creating a truly vibrant setting. It is renowned for its legendary margaritas, which are made from scratch and come in a wide array of unique flavors. Beyond margaritas, they also offer other Mexican-inspired cocktails and a selection of rotating taps, perfect for a dynamic night out.</p>
          <p><strong>Getting There:</strong> Cantina del Centro is located on Baker Street, in the heart of downtown Nelson, making it easily accessible on foot from most central accommodations.</p>
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          <h3>2. Mike's Place Pub</h3>
          <p><strong>Type:</strong> Classic Pub / Sports Bar</p>
          <p>Mike's Place Pub, nestled within the historic Hume Hotel, feels like a timeless institution. It exudes a warm, classic English pub vibe with its hardwood accents and vintage carpet. Across its split levels, you'll find a festive atmosphere complete with pool tables, darts, shuffleboard, and big screen TVs, making it an ideal spot for catching a game or simply enjoying a laid-back evening. They offer a large selection of local and BC craft beers, classic cocktails, and BC wines, alongside satisfying pub fare.</p>
          <p><strong>Getting There:</strong> Located on Vernon Street as part of the Hume Hotel, Mike's Place Pub is centrally situated downtown and is easily walkable from the main areas of Nelson.</p>
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          <h3>3. Backroads Brewing Company</h3>
          <p><strong>Type:</strong> Microbrewery / Taproom</p>
          <p>Backroads Brewing Company, right on Baker Street, has a wonderfully cozy and chill atmosphere. The rustic decor and long wooden bench tables encourage easy conversation, a welcome change as they intentionally do not offer Wi-Fi, fostering genuine interaction. Their spacious sidewalk patio is perfect for people-watching while enjoying their excellent, onsite-brewed craft beers. Expect a diverse selection, often including popular Pale Ales and unique seasonal offerings.</p>
          <p><strong>Getting There:</strong> Situated on Baker Street, Backroads Brewing Company is in the core of Nelson's downtown, making it conveniently reachable by walking.</p>
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          <h3>4. Broken Hill</h3>
          <p><strong>Type:</strong> Taphouse / Whiskey Bar</p>
          <p>Broken Hill offers a distinct experience with its antique modern funk aesthetic, focusing heavily on craft beer, whiskey, and smoked dishes. They boast an impressive selection of 24 rotating craft beer and cider taps, highlighting the best of the Kootenays and British Columbia. For whiskey enthusiasts, their extensive library features over 100 bottles from around the world, including their signature smoked Old Fashioned cocktails. It's a place where you can explore unique flavors in a stylish setting.</p>
          <p><strong>Getting There:</strong> Broken Hill is located at 479 Baker Street, placing it within easy walking distance of other downtown attractions and accommodations in Nelson.</p>
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