Nakusp
Nakusp is a village of about 1,600 people (2011) in the West Kootenays of southeastern British Columbia.
Understand
Nakusp is known primarily for its nearby hot springs, which are a popular destination for tourists, as well as its picturesque mountain lakeside setting.
- Nakusp Visitor Centre, 92 6th Ave. NW, ☏ +1 250-265-4234, toll-free: +1-800-909-8819, nakusp@telus.net.
History
The area around Nakusp was occupied by Aboriginal peoples from the Secwepemc, Sinixt and Ktunaxa peoples. In 1811, the first reported European explorer on the Arrow Lakes was Finan McDonald, an associate of David Thompson.
European settlers arrived in 1890, and the settlement took shape in 1892 with opening of the first post office, the first store and the first sawmill. The nearest train link was the Canadian Pacific Railway at Revelstoke, so all goods were shipped to the fledgling port of Nakusp.
The construction of the Keenleyside Dam north of Castlegar in 1968 and the resulting rise of the lake level caused the rearrangement of the village and its waterfront.
Mining used to be the most important industry in the area, but it was eclipsed by forestry which is today the major economic base of the village.
Get in
Nakusp is on the east side of Arrow Lake (Columbia River) about an hour drive and a 20-minute ferry ride south of Revelstoke on the Trans-Canada Highway.
By bus
On Tuesdays and Thursdays there is a BC Transit bus that travels between Nelson and Nakusp.
By plane
The nearest commercial airports are Castlegar Airport and Kelowna International Airport. Both have car rental services available.
Nakusp also has an air strip available, and there is a weather cam at the airport.
Get around
Nakusp is small enough to be easily walkable.
BC Transit operates local bus services around Nakusp and Kaslo.
See and do
- Go for a walk along the waterfront overlooking the Nakusp harbour. The town has done an excellent job of making the promenade attractive with benches, flower and shrub gardens and pleasant shade trees.
- Nakusp Hot Springs, 8500 Hot Springs Road (a few kilometers along the Hot Springs Road on the north side of Nakusp), ☏ +1 250-265-4528. Two pools fed by water from natural mineral springs set in the forest a ways from the pools. The Hot Pool is kept at 41 °C (106 °F) in the winter and 38 °C (100 °F) in the summer. The Warm Pool is kept at 38 °C (100 °F) in the winter and 36 °C (97 °F) in the summer. Per dip/all day: adult $10.50/$16.50 all day, seniors (60+) $9.50/$13.50 all day, student/disability $9.50/$13.50 all day, youth(6-17) $9.50/$13.50 all day, children (5 & under) free, family (2 adults/2 youth) $34.00/$48.00.
- Play a round of golf at the Nakusp Golf Course.
- Back country skiing: there are back country ski lodges around Nakusp.
Buy
- Jennifer Chocolates, 91 4th Ave. NW, ☏ +1 250-265-1799. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 10AM-4PM. Ice cream, handmade chocolates.
Eat
- Kingfisher Restaurant, 5655 Highway 23 North, ☏ +1 250-265-3554, toll-free: +1-888-689-4699 (ext. 113). F Sa 8AM-9PM, Su-Th 8AM-8PM. Fresh, local food, and farm-raised meats, seafood, vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free options. Mains $16-39.
- Gabi's Fairytale Cafe, 211 6th St NW, ☏ +1 250-265-0089. Breakfasts, bakery, sandwiches.
- Karl's Woodfire Pizza, 312 Broadway, ☏ +1 250-265-0060. M 4PM-8:30PM, Tu-Sa 11PM-8:30PM. Pizza, German food, gluten-free options.
Drink
- Three Lions Pub and Chumley's Restaurant, 401 Broadway, ☏ +1 250-265-4944. Great fish and chips, burgers, nice patio.
Sleep
- Halcyon Hot Springs, on BC 23, ☏ +1 250-265-3554, toll-free: +1-888-689-4699. Spa, hot pool, warm pool, seasonal mineral water pool, cold plunger. A variety of accommodations, from cottages to cabins & luxurious chalets. (The camping and RV site has been closed.) From $150.
- The Lodge at Arrow Lakes, 515 Broadway St W. Hotel and restaurant. From $93.
- Canyon Court Motel, 937 Highway 23 North, ☏ +1 250-265-3737, toll-free: +1-888-509-4499, ccmbc@telus.net. Cable television, fridge, microwave and coffee maker in all rooms, larger units with full kitchen and separate bedroom, free wireless Internet connection, air conditioning in all rooms, free parking, 9 rooms, German spoken. Nov 1 - Apr 30: $67-87.00; May 1 - Oct 31: $72-92.
Go next
| Routes through Nakusp |
| Vernon ← Lumby ← ferry ← | W  E |
→ New Denver → Nelson |
| Revelstoke ← ferry ← | N  S |
→ END |