Nakusp Hot Springs, Chalets, & Campground

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to stay, play, and soak, the Nakusp Hot Springs of the Kuskanax Valley is the ideal getaway. Regarded as “British Columbia’s best-kept secret”, it offers impeccable views, inviting pools, and plenty of outdoor adventures for nature enthusiasts. It’s no wonder they ended up with the motto

“Relax, refresh, return”.

Although the Nakusp Hot Springs is currently known as a world-class destination, it had very humble beginnings. It was founded by Darragh and Lester Messrs in 1894 and acquired by Mrs. Ellen McDougal in 1897. However, due to failed payment of taxes, it became owned by a prominent family, the Leary’s, in 1939.

Up until 1974, the building of the area was impossibly slow. So much so that it was often referred to as the “poor man’s spa”. Yet, eight years after Premier Dave Barrett acquired the hot springs, it boomed into what is now the well-known Nakusp Hot Springs.

Natural Hot Spring Pools

Nakusp Hot Springs, Canada. Photo by: facebook.com/NakuspHotSprings

This premier destination offers two hot spring pools to enjoy.

The first pool, known as the “hot pool,” is kept at a superb 107°F(41°C) during winter months and 103°F(38°C) during the summer. The second pool called the “warm pool” stays at slightly cooler temps hovering around 100°F(38°C) to 97°F(36°), depending on the season.

While the hot spring pools may offer varying temperatures, two things remain the same. For one, each pool boasts majestic views of the Selkirk mountains, a jaw-dropping sight that instantly renders relaxation.

Secondly, both pools are referred to as the “naturally cleanest and clearest” springs in British Columbia, with 200,000 liters of fresh and filtered water entering the pools daily. The hot pool’s water is recycled every 30 minutes, while the warm pool is refreshed every two hours. That said, you know you’re getting the freshest experience in town.

Camping and Chalet Lodging

Nakusp Hot Springs is frequently referred to as a “camper’s paradise.” Their astonishing riverside campground offers lovely views and a relaxing aura as you listen to the water whirring down the Kuskanax Creek. There are eight tents and 30 RV sites for your enjoyment, each with a fire pit to sit back and unwind after a long day. The campground is open from May 1st to mid-October.

Not a fan of camping? Don’t worry – Nakusp Hot Springs has the ideal destination for your stay – The Chalets.

Their pleasant chalets are famous for their charming cabin-like aesthetic and cozy interiors. Each chalet consists of a larger front suite (maximum of four or eight persons) and an accompanying smaller suite in the back (maximum of two persons). Depending on your needs, you can rent both or a single portion of the chalet.

Other Activities

While some visitors travel to Nakusp Hot Springs to soak – and nothing else – many guests indulge in exciting outdoor adventures before traipsing back to the hot spring pools to unwind after a busy day.

Whether you want to go for a hike, take your bike for a spin, or even engage in skiing and sledding during the winter months, you can find all of this and more at Nakusp Hot Springs.

Thanks to the ideal location deep within the stunning Kaskanax Valley, the Nakusp Hot Springs are surrounded by a breathtaking, untouched wilderness ready to be explored by all ages and skill levels.