Dancing Bear Inn

Conveniently situated in Nelson's historic downtown, the HI-Nelson, Dancing Bear Inn is the perfect home base for travellers in search of the "Kootenay experience". Whether you are travelling alone or in a group, with your partner or your family, we offer a variety of flexible accommodation options that combine the ambiance of a bed & breakfast with simplicity and affordability.
With the traveller's budget, comfort and experience in mind, HI-Nelson offers a wide range of amenities.

We offer a fully provisioned guest kitchen/dining area where you can prepare your own meals, a guest laundry facility, a cosy common room with internet access and a library of books, and games. You'll also find secure storage, bike racks, ski lockers and on-site parking.

Frequently, the Dancing Bear Inn will host special events such as movie nights and potluck dinners, art openings and lectures. We are connected with a number of highly qualified experienced tour providers offering everything from scenic hiking and bicycle trips, to explorations of Kootenay Lake by kayak and sailboat. We facilitate connections between our guests and local residents who may speak the same languages, or share similar interests. We create community.

Accommodation Information

Unlike hotels, the Dancing Bear rents beds as well as rooms, and offers facilities which are common, rather than private. This means that most of the time, you're having an experience which is directly shared with other guests.
Our accommodation is simple, but extremely comfortable. We provide linens and duvets, but you make your own bed. Rooms are ‘retreat style’ without telephone or television. All of our beds are "bunk style."
We offer private twin rooms (2 single beds bunk style), private double rooms (1 double bed, 1 twin bed), dormitory beds and larger group rooms.
Many of our rooms feature an attractive washbasin/vanity, hardwood floors, hand crafted desks. All rooms offer secure storage. None of our rooms offer private bathrooms — Guests share clean, well appointed washrooms and showers.

Location Information

Conveniently situated in Nelson's historic downtown, Dancing Bear Inn is the perfect 'home base' for travellers in search of the 'Kootenay experience'.