Swimming, scenery and summer fun

Nakusp in the West Kootenay has an abundance of fun water activities to help beat the heat

Downtown Nakusp is just a few steps away from a beautiful sand beach on Upper Arrow Lake, an excellent place to relax and soak in the summer sun. Bring a book and enjoy some downtime—crowds are rare, so you can just sit and listen to the sounds of nature. If it gets too hot out in the sun, there is a grass area just above the beach where you can escape into some shade. Don’t worry if your kids are still down playing in the water—the shore is still very visible from the grass, so you can keep an eye on them.

Up for some fun-filled exercise? Check out the beach volleyball court, the floating-dock waterslide or the roped-off swimming area. Powerboats and canoes can be rented if you’re interested in visiting Fosthall Falls on the opposite side of the lake—a popular destination amongst the locals. The water is plenty warm, so don’t be afraid to get wet!

Another wonderful place to hit the beach this summer is Summit Lake, just outside Nakusp. It is a pebble and shale beach with warm waters and a beautiful view of the Selkirk Mountains. Situated on a point of land mostly surrounded by water, this beach offers the illusion of being on an island.

If the beach just isn’t your idea of a good time, Nakusp has other places where you can still enjoy the water in the summer. The Nakusp Hot Springs have two natural mineral pools, warm or hot, available for relaxing in or for some rejuvenating swimming. The resort offers chalets for rent, as well as campsites for either tenting or RVing—be sure to reserve your spot early as this is a real hot spot of the West Kootenay. Other mineral springs in the area include Halcyon Hot Springs and Halfway Hot Springs—both have great service and facilities.