Nestled on the edge of Upper Arrow Lake between the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges, the sleepy town is known for its vibrant arts community and access to natural hot springs. This little town just finished 1500 The population is known asAn oasis of arts, culture and relaxation”, where visitors can enjoy the best the West Kootenays has to offer.
Art galleries and public artwork are scattered throughout this non-stop lakeside town that was once a hidden secret in British Columbia’s unique inland temperate rainforest. These days, the secret is out with people from nearby areas like Castlegar, Revelstoke and Kaslo, Canada’s charming “Little Switzerland”.Enjoy the cool atmosphere and healing properties of the many hot springs in the surrounding area, overlooking the crystal waters and dramatic mountain peaks.
While the Sinixt people have inhabited this picturesque valley for 10,000 years, the town of Nakusp has not even appeared 1892 As part of the fur trade route and mining boom that began around that time. The mining boom ended, but the town held on, and today, you can see remnants of its past in early 20th-century buildings highlighted by beautiful landscaping.
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Hot springs near Nakusp
Hot springs surrounded by snowy trees at Halcyon Resort – MatthewRoberge/Shutterstock
While hot springs are usually found in volcanic areas, Southeastern British Columbia is not a volcanic hotspot. The thermal waters around Nakusp are formed from rainwater and snowmelt that travels deep into the ground, where it is heated before flowing back to the surface, emerging in cracks and crevices. The valley is a particularly good area for the formation of hot springs like this, which is why Nakusp is known as “Valley of hot springs“.
Less than 20 minutes drive from town Nakusp Hot Springsa community-owned site with beautiful views of the Kuskanaks Valley. These hot springs are open all year round, except for a few weeks in the spring and fall for routine cleaning, and are complemented by a campsite open during the summer and chalets throughout the year. If you are looking for a A luxurious destination to soak in hot springs and enjoy stunning viewsHead over to Halcyon Hot Springs Then, it’s less than 30 minutes’ drive to Nakusp. This hot springs resort features pools with sweeping views of the Monashee Mountains and Upper Arrow Lake, which are available for day use by non-hotel guests throughout the year.
If your ideal hot spring destination is surrounded by dense forest, check out Halfway there are hot springsabout a 35-minute drive outside the city. The last 7 miles (11 km) are on a poorly maintained dirt road, which means it may take longer to get there. Getting to these primitive hot springs requires a short but steep trek. You’ll find changing rooms and outbuildings (bring your own toilet paper), but no trash cans, so leave no trace. Keep in mind that despite the nudity Technically illegal In British Columbia, clothing is often optional at this particular hot spring.
Discover the art scene at scratch
Pier on Upper Arrow Lake in Nakusp surrounded by mountains – Trina Barnes/Shutterstock
Damn it’s bigger than Slocan Arrow Communities – Cities in Arrow Lakes and Slocan Valley – This is perhaps one of the reasons why this lakeside enclave has become a hub for artists and creatives. Studio Connection Gallery It is a former antique furniture store turned gallery showcasing local artists from across the region and Canada, instead Alpha Guild (Arrow Lakes Fine Arts). It hosts exhibitions and is building a community arts center in an old woodland building that is scheduled to open in the spring of 2026. One great resource is Arrow Lakes Area Arts Council Associationa volunteer-run non-profit organization that has hosted events such as concerts and connected people with local artists for more than 40 years.
Part of Nakusp’s charm is its remoteness, so although it’s not easy to get to — the nearest international airport, Kelowna International Airport, is three hours away — it makes a great day or weekend trip for those living in southeastern British Columbia. There are three direct routes to Nakusp. Visitors can make their way from Nelson or Castlegar, Vernon and Revelstoke, home to the world’s best ski resort. Nelson and Castlegar are less than 2 hours’ drive away. Vernon is 2.5 hours away, while Revelstoke is 1.5 hours away, although if you travel from either of these locations, you’ll need to take the free ferry across Upper Arrow Lake to reach Nakusp.
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