Nakusp

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

  phone: +1 250-265-4234
  address: 92 6th Ave. NW

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.

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.

Nakusp is small enough to be easily walkable.
BC Transit operates local bus services around Nakusp and Kaslo.

• 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

  phone: +1 250-265-4528
  address: 8500 Hot Springs Road
  Two pools fed by water from natural mineral springs set in the forest a ways from the pools. The Hot Pool is kept at in the winter and in the summer. The Warm Pool is kept at in the winter and in the summer.
• Play a round of golf at the Nakusp Golf Course.
• Back country skiing: there are back country ski lodges around Nakusp.

• Jennifer Chocolates

  phone: +1 250-265-1799
  address: 91 4th Ave. NW
  Ice cream, handmade chocolates.

• Kingfisher Restaurant

  phone: +1 250-265-3554
  address: 5655 Highway 23 North
  Fresh, local food, and farm-raised meats, seafood, vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free options.

• Gabi's Fairytale Cafe

  phone: +1 250-265-0089
  address: 211 6th St NW
  Breakfasts, bakery, sandwiches.

• Karl's Woodfire Pizza

  phone: +1 250-265-0060
  address: 312 Broadway
  Pizza, German food, gluten-free options.

• Three Lions Pub and Chumley's Restaurant

  phone: +1 250-265-4944
  address: 401 Broadway
  Great fish and chips, burgers, nice patio.

• Halcyon Hot Springs

  phone: +1 250-265-3554
  address: on BC 23
  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.)

• The Lodge at Arrow Lakes

  address: 515 Broadway St W
  Hotel and restaurant.

• Canyon Court Motel

  phone: +1 250-265-3737
  address: 937 Highway 23 North
  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.