Jum Singh Spring, Nelson, British Columbia, Canada

## Overview Jum Singh Spring is a natural mountain spring located high above the city of Nelson in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada. Nestled along a popular hiking trail system near the Nelson-Salmo Trail (Mountain Station), this spring feeds a small creek that flows down the mountainside through lush forest. The spring sits at an elevation that rewards visitors with a scenic uphill trek through one of the Kootenays' most beloved trail networks. Nelson is well known for its vibrant arts community, heritage architecture, and deep connection to the surrounding wilderness. The trail to Jum Singh Spring passes along the shore of Kootenay Lake before climbing into the mountains, offering a rewarding outing for hikers and water enthusiasts alike. The water from this spring has historically been used by local hikers and trail users, though as with any wild water source, visitors should assess conditions for themselves before consuming. ## Directions The trailhead is accessible from downtown Nelson. Follow these steps: 1. **Head east on Baker Street** through downtown Nelson. 2. **Continue to the top of Josephine Street.** 3. **Turn left onto Gore Street** and follow it all the way to the end. 4. **Park at the Gore Street parking lot** — the trailhead runs straight through the lot. 5. **Walk east along the lake** for approximately 15–20 minutes until you reach a **large rock wheel** (a distinctive landmark — you can't miss it). 6. **Look slightly to your left** — the creek flowing from Jum Singh Spring should be visible. 7. **Choose one of two trails** heading uphill: - **Trail 1** begins right next to the rock wheel. - **Trail 2** starts slightly further down the path. 8. If this is your first visit, the **left trail is generally easier to follow**. 9. As you ascend, the trail will split — the left fork becomes a mountain bike trail. **Stay on the main hiking path** to continue toward the spring. After a short but steady uphill walk, you will arrive at the spring. The GPS coordinates for the spring are approximately **49.488338, -117.279694**, near 1105 Mountain Road, Nelson, BC. ## What to Expect The hike to Jum Singh Spring is a moderately easy trek that begins with a pleasant lakeside walk before ascending into the forested mountainside. The trail is well-used by both hikers and mountain bikers, so expect some shared traffic, especially on weekends and during summer months. The spring itself feeds a small creek, and the surrounding area is shaded by dense Kootenay forest — a cool and refreshing spot even on warm days. The large rock wheel near the trailhead serves as a helpful landmark for navigation. The trail is not heavily signed, so first-time visitors should pay close attention to the directions above and consider downloading an offline trail map. The spring is accessible year-round in theory, though winter conditions may make the trail icy or snow-covered. Spring and summer offer the best conditions, with the creek running at its fullest during snowmelt season. There are no posted hours or fees associated with visiting the spring. Visitors have noted that the water from Jum Singh Spring appears clean and clear, and it has been used as a drinking water source by locals and hikers over the years. However, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions, so visitors should use their own discretion.