fbpx
Cotton Wood Falls

THE BEAR

N

estled in the heart of Nelson’s historic city centre, The Dancing Bear Inn is the perfect ‘home base’ for travellers in search of backcountry adventures & authentic mountain culture.  Our refurbished character estate is warm, charming, friendly — and has everything you need to feel at home.

As the West Kootenay’s longest running HI Hostel, the Bear hosts thousands of travellers, explorers and backcountry enthusiast year-round. We strive to help guests find the right information and key businesses to facilitate a sustainable & authentic Kootenay experience.

Book Now

THE BEAR AMENITIES

STAY

Fully sanitized facility
Large kitchen
Limited On-site Parking
Central Location
Sundries Available
Recycling Centre

RELAX

High Speed Wifi (Free)
Outdoor Patio
Fire Place
Barbecue Grill
Board Games
Book Library

PLAY

Secure Bike Room
Ski Lockers
Boot Dryers
Maps & Trail Guides
Extensive Back Country Resources
Sage Staff Wisdom

ROOMS & RATES

Private Queen Plus

Private Queen Plus

Simple, but extremely comfortable room with a Queen bed and an additional twin bunk bed (sleeps 4), cozy duvets and quality bed linens. Rooms are ‘retreat style,’ free of telephones and televisions.

Guests share clean, well appointed washrooms and showers.

Availability & Rates
Private Double Rooms

Private Double Rooms

Simple, but extremely comfortable rooms with a double bed and a twin bunk bed (sleeps 3), cozy duvets and quality bed linens. Rooms are ‘retreat style,’ free of telephones and televisions.

Each room features an attractive washbasin/vanity, hardwood floors, hand crafted desks and secure storage. Guests share clean, well appointed washrooms and showers.

Availability & Rates
Private Twin Rooms

Private Twin Rooms

Simple, but extremely comfortable rooms with two twin beds in a ‘bunk’ configuration, cozy duvets and quality bed linens. Rooms are ‘retreat style,’ free of telephones and televisions.

Each room features an attractive washbasin/vanity, hardwood floors, hand crafted desks and secure storage. Guests share clean, well appointed washrooms and showers.

Availability & Rates
Co-ed Dorm Beds

Co-ed Dorm Beds

Dancing Bear dormitories are ideal for single travellers on a budget who don’t mind sharing a room with others. Each dorm accommodates 8 guests.

All rooms feature extremely comfortable ‘bunk-style’ beds, each with it’s own cozy duvet, quality bed linens and secure storage locker. Guests share clean, well appointed washrooms and showers.

Availability & Rates
Group Rooms

Group Rooms

Dancing Bear Inn offers 4 and 8 bed room options, ideal for families and small groups. Larger groups can rent our entire facility on a space available basis.

All rooms feature extremely comfortable ‘bunk-style’ beds, each with it’s own cozy duvet, quality bed linens and secure storage locker. Guests share clean, well appointed washrooms and showers.

Availability & Rates
Facility Booking

Facility Booking Contact for Pricing

If you’re looking for a private group rental (just like Air BnB), you can rent our entire hostel for between 10-43 people.

Enjoy our full kitchen with double gas range stoves, large living room, laundry facilities and equipment room. All rooms feature extremely comfortable ‘bunk-style’ beds and shared washrooms.

CONTACT US

THE BEAR FACTS

Do you have a place where I can store my belongings?

Yes. We provide storage lockers free of charge for all guests, and we have padlocks available for purchase.  In addition, if you arrive before check-in and your room or bed is not available, we can store your luggage in our office so you can see the sights unencumbered.

Do you have a kitchen? Will I be able to store my food?

Yes and yes. We have a fully stocked kitchen with a fridge and other appliances, and we provide storage space for dry foods.

I will be arriving in town very late (after reception is closed). Can I arrange a late check in?

Of course. Just be sure to contact reception during office hours to let them know you will be late.

Do I need to bring my own bedding?

No. The Dancing Bear In will provide bedding (sheets, blankets, and pillows) for all guests. In fact, like most HI hostels, we ask that you please refrain from bringing your own bedding (e.g., pillows, blankets, sleeping bags) for reasons of hygiene (we like to keep unseemly critters out of the hostel).

Will the staff be able to help me arrange activities & provide recommendations?

Of course. Our friendly all-star staff is here to assist you. We provide full concierge services free of charge for all our guests, including onward booking to other HI Hostels.

Do you have an age limit?

No. Our hostel is open to travellers of all ages. We have had guests from newborn to age 93, and everywhere in between. Please note that guests under 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult. Further, guests under 13 may only stay in private rooms, not in our dormitories. Guests from 13-18 may stay in dormitories when accompanied by a parent or guardian staying in the same dormitory.

Do I have to be a Hostelling International Member to stay at the Bear?

No. We are open to all travellers. However, HI members will receive significantly discounted rates, as well as a number of other benefits. HI memberships can be purchased at the hostel upon arrival.

How do I make a reservation?

Reservations can be made at the Dancing Bear Inn by telephone (1-877-352-7573), or online.  To make an online reservation or check availability for your desired dates, please complete the reservation form on the “book now” page. Online reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. Reservations may be booked up to a year in advance via telephone (a 50% deposit will be required for all reservations beyond 6 months for large groups ).

Do I need to make a reservation in advance?

It depends. We always accept walk-in guests on a space-available basis. During shoulder seasons (spring and fall), you may be able to stay without a reservation, but during our high season (summer and winter), and always on weekends, we are usually booked well in advance. Please call or check our online booking form for up-to-the-minute availability.

What are your payment options?

The Dancing Bear Inn accepts MasterCard, Visa, and Interac Debit cards. Please note that a valid credit card is required to book advanced reservations. We unfortunately do not accept cash or cheques (checks). For more information, see our terms and conditions.

Ready To Book Your Stay?

We can’t wait to meet you!