Nakusp
Nakusp is a village of about 1,600 people (2011) in the West Kootenays of southeastern British Columbia.
Understand
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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
[edit]The area around Nakusp was occupied by Indigenous 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
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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 plane
[edit]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.
By bus
[edit] BC Transit (West Kootenay Transit System), toll-free: +1-855-993-3100. On Wednesdays there is a bus that travels between Nakusp and Slocan City with a stop in New Denver. From Slocan City, there are several trips a day from Monday to Saturday that travel to Nelson. Also offers Health Connections trips on Tuesdays and Thursdays between Nakusp and Nelson with stops in New Denver and Slocan City. Health Connections trips are open to everyone to ride, but must be reserved in advance and trips to medical appointments receive priority. 
Get around
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Nakusp is small enough to be easily walkable.
See and do
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- 1 Waterfront Walkway. 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.
- 2 Nakusp Hot Springs, 8500 Hot Springs Road (from town, head north on Highway 23 for 2-3 km, turn right on Hot Spring Rd and continue for 12 km), ☏ +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.
- 3 Covered bridge over the Kuskanax Creek (from east side of Nakusp Hot Springs, follow the marked trail 300 m heading east). There is an attractive covered bridge over the Kuskanax Creek by the hot springs. After you cross the bridge, head right 1 km to the source of the hot springs and 4 km to Kimbol Lake, or turn left and walk 10 min to the Kuskanax Falls.
- 4 Nakusp Golf Club, 649 Hwy 6 (from Nakusp, follow Hwy 6 heading east), ☏ +1 250-265-4531. Go golfing. The golf course is about 3 km from the main part of the town near the water.
- Back country skiing: there are back country ski lodges around Nakusp.
Buy
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- 1 Jennifer Chocolates, 91 4th Ave. NW, ☏ +1 250-265-1799. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 10AM-4PM. Ice cream, handmade chocolates.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Alcédo Kitchen & Bar, 5655 Highway 23 North (at Halycon Hot Springs Resort), ☏ +1 250-265-3554, toll-free: +1-888-689-4699 (ext. 113). Fresh, local food, and farm-raised meats, seafood, vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free options.
- 2 Arrow and Anchor Pizza, 314 Broadway St W, ☏ +1 250-265-2540. M 4PM-8:30PM, Tu-Sa 11PM-8:30PM. Pizza, German food, gluten-free options.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Three Lions Pub and Chumley's Restaurant, 401 Broadway, ☏ +1 250-265-4944. Great fish and chips, burgers, nice patio.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Halcyon Hot Springs Resort, on BC 23, about 35 km north of Nakusp, ☏ +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.).
- 2 The Lodge at Arrow Lakes, 515 Broadway St W, ☏ +1 250-265-3618, toll-free: +1-800-663-0100. Hotel and restaurant. From $93.
- 3 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.
Cope
[edit]- 1 Arrow Lakes Hospital, 97 1st Avenue NE, ☏ +1 250-265-3622. Has an emergency department.
Go next
[edit]| Routes through Nakusp |
Vernon ← Lumby ←  ← |
W  E |
→ New Denver → Nelson |
| Revelstoke ← ← |
N  S |
→ ENDS at  |