Johnstone Road Mama Earth Spring, Nelson, BC, Canada

## Overview The Johnstone Road Mama Earth Spring is a beloved roadside spring located just minutes from downtown Nelson, British Columbia — a vibrant mountain town nestled in the heart of the West Kootenay region. Known locally as a reliable year-round water source, this spring flows strong and continuously from a natural opening in the rock face along Johnstone Road. Nelson sits within the Selkirk Mountains, an area rich in natural springs fed by snowmelt and deep groundwater moving through ancient metamorphic and granitic rock formations. The Mama Earth Spring is one of several natural water sources in the region that locals have relied on for years. Visitors have reported that the water has historically been used as a primary drinking water source, with some noting it sustained them for months at a time. The spring occasionally produces water with a slight greenish tint and some floating particles, though users have reported no adverse effects. As with any untreated natural water source, conditions can vary seasonally. The spring's name — Mama Earth — reflects the deep gratitude that the local community feels toward this natural gift, a sentiment common among Nelson's environmentally conscious residents. ## Directions 1. From downtown Nelson, head toward **Johnstone Road**. The drive takes approximately **5 minutes**. 2. Follow Johnstone Road from its beginning (where it branches off) for **1.2 km** (about 0.75 miles). 3. Watch for **address 384 Johnstone Road** on the right-hand side. 4. Continue approximately **100 feet (30 meters) past 384 Johnstone**. 5. The spring will be visible on the **right-hand side of the road**, flowing out of a hole in the rock face. 6. Park in the **small pullover area** directly beside the spring. **GPS Coordinates:** 49.506733, -117.296889 The spring is right at roadside level, so no hiking or climbing is required. ## What to Expect This is an easy-access, roadside spring — you can pull over and fill containers without leaving the pavement. The water emerges from a natural opening in the rock, flowing at a strong, continuous rate that makes filling jugs quick and convenient. The surrounding area is typical of the lush Kootenay landscape, with dense forest and mountain views along Johnstone Road. The pullover is small, so during busy times you may need to wait briefly for another visitor to finish. Some visitors have noted that the water can occasionally appear slightly greenish with minor floating particles, particularly during wetter seasons when surface runoff may influence the spring. The water has not been officially tested or treated, so its quality may fluctuate. Many locals have reported using it as their sole water source without issue, but as with all wild springs, the water is untreated and consumed at your own discretion. The spring flows year-round, though flow rates may increase during spring snowmelt and decrease slightly in late summer. Nelson's winters can be cold, so be aware that ice may form around the spring outlet during freezing temperatures. With its proximity to downtown Nelson — a town famous for its arts scene, heritage architecture, and outdoor recreation — the Mama Earth Spring makes a convenient stop whether you're passing through or settling in for a longer Kootenay adventure.