The hot springs are calling
Take a dip in Nakusp, B.C.
When asked to describe Nakusp, serene and tranquil come to mind. Slightly off the beaten path, it’s the perfect town to escape to when other destinations become a bit crowded in the summer. The town is in the Kuskanax Valley surrounded by the foothills of the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains. The town’s population is small, but travellers love to stretch their legs on the trails and lounge on the beach along the shore of Arrow Lake.
It’s an outdoorperson’s paradise with plenty of places to explore the outdoors: hiking and biking through trees or swimming and kayaking on blue lakes. Here are a few water attractions to add to your Nakusp must-see list.
Gardener Creek Falls
When heading to the hot springs, travellers drive in the direction of Gardener Creek Falls. Along the way, there is a space to pull over on the side of the road. This is not a developed park site, but plenty of people stop here to walk the path to the falls. Wander around the area or pack a picnic to enjoy near the falls. Snap a few photos while you relax and refuel before heading onto the next destination: the Nakusp Hot Springs.
Nakusp Hot Springs
If Nakusp is known for anything, it’s for relaxation. There are several spas in the area, but the Nakusp Hot Springs should be on your list to try. Take a dip in the natural pools after hiking and biking around the hot springs during the day. Because the town is a bit quieter, you might get the hot springs to yourself if the time is right!
The Kuskanax footbridge crosses Kuskanax Creek near the hot springs. The covered bridge is a beautiful viewpoint (and photo opportunity). Cross the bridge and choose one of two directions—either to Kuskanax Falls or to Kimbol Lake, which is the hot spring source.
Visitors like to stay in the Nakusp Hot Springs Campground located just next to Kuskanax Creek.
Arrow Lake
Hang out on the beach at Arrow Lake if relaxing in the sun is your perfect afternoon. Near the beach you will find the Waterfront Walkway. This path winds through the Marina Garden, Spicer Garden and Japanese Garden from the beach. There is also a refurbished CP Rail caboose nearby worth checking out for another photo opportunity near the lake.
A local favourite on the lake only comes around at just the right tide. Hop in a boat, head into the middle of the lake directly out from McDonald Creek Provincial Park. When the water level is low, there is a sandbar island that locals call The Bahamas. People anchor on the makeshift island and hang out in the water for the day. Now doesn’t that sound dreamy?
These are just a few of the water activities in Nakusp. There are also wild hot springs off the trails, fishing, boating, canoeing and kayaking. Which will you add to your Nakusp bucket list?
