The small lakeside village of Nakusp punches above its weight in culture, heritage, arts and outdoor adventure.
The inviting Village of Nakusp is nestled on the shores of Upper Arrow Lake between the magnificent Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges. The largest of the Arrow Slocan communities, Nakusp is an oasis of arts, culture and relaxation with two hot spring resorts and inspiring natural vistas around every corner.
Nakusp is a stunning 146 km drive from Nelson through the Slocan Valley or 105 km from Revelstoke, a route that includes a free ride on the Arrow Lakes Ferry.
With Nakusp Hot Springs just a 15 minute drive away from the town center and Halcyon Hot Springs a 25 minute drive away, relaxation is easy to come by! Both offer a range of accommodations, from camping to cozy full amenity chalets. Don’t miss out on the Kuskanax Creek footbridge and the hiking options adjacent to the Nakusp Hot Springs, or the restaurant at spa at Halcyon.
Characterized by mountains stretching up from a long lakeshore, Highway 23 between Nakusp and Galena Bay is dotted with housing, accommodation and hot springs. The area feels exotic, remote and ready for diving into world-class fishing, biking and hiking. Stop in at Ione Falls on your way up the lake.
Mt Abriel is the local meca for mountain biking just outside Nakusp. Stay and play with a night at the adjacent recreation site.
Downtown Nakusp is a cornucopia of Arrow Slocan culture with independently owned coffee shops, eateries and boutiques lining the main street. To get a taste of some local favourites, check out Broadway Deli Bistro, Jennifer Chocolates, Arrow and Anchor Pizza, Arrow Lake tavern, Mountain Top Coffee Company and the 1950’s style drive in restaurant The Hut.
Nakusp is home to many local artists. Studio Connexion Gallery and Arrow Lakes Fine Arts Guild showcase local talent. In the culinary arts, Valley of the Springs Winery offers a tasting room and retail store for their wine aged from locally grown grapes.
Be sure to explore off the main drag and tuck into the alleys and side streets leading down the waterfront as many unexpected treasures await!
The waterfront walkway of Nakusp is a level, paved pathway that winds through a beautiful Japanese Garden and past the Nakusp Public Marina. With benches, shade trees and swimming area, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy Arrow Lakes and mountain views.
Nakusp’s rich history began thousands of years ago with the Indigenous peoples who inhabited the area. The first white settlers arrived in the early 1890’s. Prior to the railway, Nakusp became a thriving shipping town with goods arriving by paddle-wheeler en route from Castlegar to Revelstoke. In the late 1800’s the railway connected Nakusp to the south. Quickly, the community became an economic centre, first driven by mining, then forestry.
To catch the feeling of old Nakusp, it’s worth exploring the historic Leland Hotel. This is British Columbia’s oldest continuously operating hotel, first opening its doors in 1892.
