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The Nakusp Hot Springs, nestled deep inside the natural scenery of the Kuskanax Valley, offers over 200 acres of year-round outdoor entertainment opportunities. The Hot Springs are located 12 kilometers northeast of Nakusp, nestled amid nature’s splendor along the Kuskanax Creek.
The History:
Hot Springs can be found in a variety of locations around the world, most of which have a fascinating history. This includes three springs in the Nakusp region. The Halcyon, St. Leon, and Nakusp springs all went through different periods of development and regression, with both Halcyon and Nakusp recently reaching commercial status.
The Nakusp Hot Springs, nine miles up the Kuskanax valley, were to be staked by Darragh and Lester Messrs in 1894, despite the fact that the town of Nakusp was founded in 1892. Even back then, this primitive thermal wonder was recognised as a God-given gift that should be freely and unobstructedly accessible to the public. The government eventually gave up and cancelled the application, reimbursing the guys for their deposit.
In 1897, Mrs. Ellen McDougald, proprietor of the Leland Hotel in Nakusp, took a different approach to acquiring the land. She staked the lot, 8514, in the name of the Virginia mineral claim, as a prospector would. Despite her efforts to demonstrate ownership of the land, no construction was carried out. This, combined with its isolation from Nakusp, allowed the general population to use it as they pleased, despite the fact that no private entity should have control over the water. In 1912, a decent trail from town was built, allowing for easier access. Two years later, a public outcry resulted in the government declaring the place a reserve by council order.
Mrs. Gayford (Mrs. McDougald had remarried) contested the case once more and was successful in obtaining surface rights to her mineral claim. Ellen, buoyed by her win, established a camp and sought to charge for the use of the water. But this necessitated considerable administration, which made the venture unprofitable.
When the Nakusp Board of Trade initiated action against Gayford, the government conducted a survey to create a Class C park and a road through the springs site. We now had a jumbled-up tract of merchantable timber, a surveyed road, and a park. The saving grace was that no major development occurred until 1928, when a West Kootenay fundraising effort raised enough money to build a concrete pool, a community kitchen, and some cabins. All of the materials and equipment had to be transported by horseback or on foot. For $300, a caretaker was hired for the summer, and many young people offered a horse-packing service to the rising number of guests arriving from far locations.
A renowned family by the name of Leary took over the mining claim in 1939, despite the fact that it was dormant due to Mrs. Gayford’s failure to pay taxes.
Mrs. Leary, who took over when her husband died, never interfered with the hot springs, but she did the right thing when she offered the spa to the Parks Branch to be added to the Class C park on the condition that it be designated as a Class A park. In Nakusp, a committee was formed to look into the possibilities of piping hot water to a better camping site and developing a proposal for a real pool complex.
The mayor of Nakusp was urged to have the town accept the governance of such a complex through a board, while all levels of government were sought for funding for the spa’s construction.
When money from various government grants arrived, a decent logging road had been built through to near the springs, so access was made available without too much more expenditure. Dave Barrett, the Premier, finally opened the present complex in 1974. It had only taken eighty years, but Nakusp now had a world-class spa that residents could not only enjoy, but also proudly promote to the rest of the globe.
Reflecting on the springs’ historical history, one could bemoan its slow development, but it was seen as a poor man’s spa during those early years, when money was scarce and leisure time was scarce. Hiking the route on a weekend with their lard pail lunch, willow stick fishing pole, and best of all, independence from supervision was a trip into paradise for eight to twelve year old children. It was growing up alone in a world that is difficult to comprehend. There are a thousand tales to tell about this playground tucked away in one of Selkirk’s most beautiful valleys, yet the beauty of the water and its soothing effect on the body never changes.
After a hike on one of the many trails in the area, come for a pleasant soak in the mineral pools. Stay in one of the comfortable Chalets or in their Campground for the whole experience. Just a short stroll from the Hotsprings is our marvelous Kuskanax Creek Footbridge. Hiking trails lead to the source of our mineral water and the initial location of the Hotsprings. Try a day hike to the breathtaking Kimbol Lake for the more daring.
CEDAR CHALETS
If you like the conveniences of cottage living, you’ll appreciate our comfortable chalets, which are full of beauty and just a few feet from the hot springs. Perfect as a base camp for all of your outdoor experiences, but book ahead of time as they are popular with our repeat customers, skiers in the winter, and hikers in the summer.
ABOUT THE CHALETS
One of The Chalets has a more extensive front suite and a smaller back suite adjacent to it. They may be leased independently or in conjunction with larger groups. Satellite television is available in all of our Chalet Units for your convenience. Both of our Front Suites are built on double occupancy, Chalets 2, 3, and 4 can accommodate up to four people, and Chalet #1 can accommodate up to six people. Extra people over double occupancy are paid $15.00 per individual. The Bach Suites in each Chalet will sleep a maximum of two people.
Featured photo by @jodimcdonald
Mountain air & fresh Mountain water⛰
Perfectly located on the edge of the water, this cozy cabin features 180-degree views of the surrounding mountains and Arrow Lakes. The property offers the privacy you want from a cabin experience while being only 5 minutes from Nakusp.
A little bit Tarzan. A little bit Paul Bunyan. 🪵⛰🌲
A little place of magic in the Winter🤍
Moister than an oyster. 🌧🌙
A view frm the bottom pools, behind me is the river where the brave will take a COOL dip.
The water is getting higher and I can almost taste summer!! Also how cool is this drone shot of McDonald Creek?!?
How grateful are you that parks and camping are opening up?! I am so itching for a camping weekend 🏕
#imaginelifehere. Nestled on the shore of Upper Arrow Lake, beautiful Nakusp, B.C. is the Kootenay’s hidden gem. This vibrant community of 1,500 is the bustling hub that also serves the 1,700 people living in the surrounding communities of Edgewood, Fauquier, Burton, West and East Arrow Park, and Summit Lake.
Wandering in a #winterwonderland ❄️ #nakusp #nakusphotsprings #coveredbridge #winterbeauty #snow #kootenays #kootenaylife
Check out the four best reasons to ski and ride the Powder Highway this winter. From customized guided excursions to remote backcountry powder adventures to rejuvenating in natural hot springs to family Nordic fun to epic steep & deep terrain.
Trying out my new set up for sketching. This is the Leland Hotel in Nakusp. The oldest hotel in BC, in continuous operation since 1892. Lots going on here. #lelandhotelnakusp #oldesthotelinbc #urbansketching #ruralsketching #nakuspbc #nakusphotsprings #solovacay #madeinbc #discovernelson #cowansofficesupplies #pleinair #kootenaypleinair
Growing up in Nakusp means being blessed by regular soaks in healing natural hotsprings. Every week, at least twice a week, I go to the beautiful Nakusp hotsprings. I have been lucky enough to enjoy the many in the area surrounding my home town, as well as on Vancouver Island, New Zealand, in the US, in France and now in this glorious place! #hotsprings #healingwaters #naturelover #naturetherapy #naturalhotsprings #costarica #mothersanddaughters #girlstrip #healthyliving #imbetteroutside #roadtrip #adventuretime #soakitin #ivegotthis #nakusphotsprings #kootenaygirls #iamblessed #luckyme #hotspringslover #naturelover #canadianmountaingirls
There is an infection of travel, which is virtually incurable.
#nakusp you have not disappointed us, Golf, Hot Springs, relaxing and lots of hikes. The dog is exhausted!!! Scott, thank you for every morning coffee, for finding my golf balls where ever they may land…for always willing to take the “short cuts” on the trails even though they weren’t really short cuts 🙄. I love ya tons Babe. #holidays #8days #nakuspgolf #nakusphotsprings #beautifulbc
#nakusp #nakusphotsprings #vanlifecamper #eurovan #cultivateroutes #overlander #canada #bc #bc #nature #naturephotography #photography #scenery #hotsprings
What do you do to “unplug” ? I’m taking a self love day and a late birthday weekend (I’m a Christmas Eve baby) and hiking into the Nakusp natural hot springs!!!f Out of cell phone service is a bonus 👌🏼 not to fret!!! My Phone will be forwarded 😁. #lovewhereyoulive #nakusp #rebeccaaprilrealty #remaxkelowna #kootneys #nakusphotsprings
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#explorebc #nakusp #nakusphotsprings #nakuspwaterfall #oldenglishsheepdogpuppy #oespuppy #oes #oldenglishsheepdog #oldenglishsheepdoggram #oldenglishsheepdogsofinstagram #sheepdogpuppy #puppiesofinstagram #puppylife #travellingpuppy #beautifulbritishcolumbia
Wake up to views of the lake or go to bed looking at the stars through rooftop skylights from the comfy king-size bed. Enjoy a bath looking up at Saddleback Mountain or have a drink nestled up by the fire. After a day of mountain biking, hiking, paddle boarding, fishing, skiing, or visiting hot springs (and more), soak in the views from one of the four covered decks as the sun sets.
🏠 4 Guests | 2 Beds | 1 Bath
⚠️ To book this property, use the link in our bio.
📍 #nakusp #britishcolumbia
⭐ kootenay_adventures
📷 Jake Goranson
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#nakusp #nakusphotsprings #dogswhohike #hikingbc #beautifulbc #explorebc #adventuresinmullet #oldenglishsheepdogpuppy #oespuppy #oes #oldenglishsheepdog #instapuppy #puppiesofinstagram #sheepdogpuppy #puppylife #puppyoftheday #puppyfun #oldenglishsheepdogsofinstagram #oldenglishsheepdogofficial #forestphotography #foresthike #hotsprings #mountains
The 3k hike up hill in the snow was challenging but try the 3k hike back cold and wet. We spent most the time asking eachother if we were warm and doing okay. Pretty proud of ourselves for that one seeing as we had the hot springs all to ourselves on this cold snowy day💙
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#hotsprings #nakusp #nakusphotsprings #stleonhotsprings #beautifulbc #winterwonderland #nature #girlstrip #snowshoeing #snow #explorebc
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#rainydays #nakusp #nakusphotsprings #explorebc #trekkingtheglobe #hotsprings #beautifulbc #girlswhotravel #wanderlust #pnw #pnwonderland #kuskanax
With the springs nestled along the mountain and shaded in... you really couldn't feel the +24/26 temps over the weekend
There's an out house at the top of the trail and one located around the change rooms.
Great convos had with ppl from all over sharing interesting adventures.
Also a good time to hear about other springs and points of interest in areas and what an individual could expect.
Remember to take the time and breathe
🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼❤❤❤
#hellobc #explorebc #kootenaylife #kootrocks
#nakusphotsprings #nakuspbc #hotsprings
#wanderlust #seekthesimplicity
#exploretocreate #moutainlove #mountains #choosemountains #themountainsarecalling #canadianrockies #theoutbound #ourdailyplanet #travelbritishcolumbia #westcoast #westcoastisthebestcoast #roadtrippin #lifeoutside #getoutside #adventure #nature
#findyourbackcountry #wildernessculture
#adventureawaits #adventuretime
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#nakusp #nakuspbc #nakusphotsprings #kootrocks #kootenaylife #airbnbcanada #airbnbsuperhost
Here’s a little throwback to my last adventure at Halfway Hot Springs near Nakusp! 🌲 You’ll be able to hike, bike, quad into this one now.
It’s about 10km in but worthhhh it! 🙌🏻
They’ve even got girls and guys change rooms! There are 4 different pools and I believe you can camp there. It’s a bubbly good time ✨
Historically a mining and forestry industry town, Nakusp has also developed into a destination. Locals enjoy the commercial and natural hot springs, the hockey arena, local golf courses, skiing, hiking, and swimming and boating on Upper Arrow Lake. For information about living in Nakusp visit: https://bit.ly/3Y9VbGI Photo by: kari_medig hellobc #imaginelifehere #imaginelivinghere #imaginekootenay #kootenays #investbc #bcbiz #imaginecanada #nakusp #nakuspbc #nakusphotsprings #koots4life #kootrocks
✔️ We have you covered ❄️ 🏂 ⛷️
📷 Doug LePage | Whitewater Ski Resort
📷 Matt Kuhn | Island Lake Lodge Catskiing
📷 Mitch Winton | Kimberley Nordic Ski Club
📷 Kari Medig | Nakusp Hot Springs
Click on the bio link to read "4 Reasons to Ski-Ride the Powder Highway this Winter"
#iheartwh2o #islandlakelodge #kimberleynoridc #nakusphotsprings #powderhighway #kootrocks #explorebc
As I always say, I'm very greatly for what I do for a living.... it gives me the freedom to ignite my soul even more with every adventure .
Those who are close to me know that I've been seriously thinking about making a massive change in my life.
When I think about it as much as I have been, looks like I know what the answer will be.
“I love places that make you realize how tiny you and your problems are.” Unknown
Peace & Love, Be kind
Thank you for traveling along 🙏🏽
Remember to take the time and breathe 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼❤❤❤
#hellobc #explorebc #kootenaylife #kootrocks #nakusphotsprings #nakuspbc #hotsprings
#wanderlust #seekthesimplicity
#exploretocreate #moutainlove #mountains #choosemountains #themountainsarecalling #canadianrockies #theoutbound #ourdailyplanet #travelbritishcolumbia #westcoast #westcoastisthebestcoast #roadtrippin #lifeoutside #getoutside #adventure #nature
#findyourbackcountry #wildernessculture
#adventureawaits #adventuretime
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