Nelson Electric Tramway Society

The Nelson Electric Tramway is a beloved heritage attraction in the mountain city of Nelson, British Columbia, operated by the Kootenay Lake Historical Society. The tramway runs restored vintage electric streetcar No. 23, a beautifully preserved 1906 Brill car that was originally operated by the City of Nelson’s municipal electric railway system — one of the last remaining examples of an early 20th-century small-city electric streetcar in Canada. The car makes a scenic run along Nelson’s lakefront on a restored section of the original streetcar track, offering passengers a delightful glimpse of early urban transit in a picturesque mountain setting. Nelson, renowned for its exceptional collection of Victorian and Edwardian heritage architecture, provides a perfect backdrop for the heritage streetcar experience. The tramway operates seasonally during the summer months and is a popular attraction for both residents and the many visitors who come to explore Nelson’s vibrant arts community and stunning natural surroundings. This charming piece of living history celebrates the important role electric streetcars played in the development of BC’s mountain communities during the early years of the 20th century.