Nakusp, like many other communities in the Kootenay Rockies region, is home to mineral hot springs. The science is simple. Hot springs are created when groundwater seeps through the earth's crust, coming into contact with hot rock, and is forced under pressure back to the surface. First Nations across the region have for thousands of years used these hot springs to heal and rejuvenate. There are three different hot springs locations in the Nakusp area.
Nakusp Hot Springs
Owned by the Village of Nakusp, the Nakusp Hot Springs are housed in an amphitheatre-like structure set against a backdrop of mountains that tower just above Kuskanax Creek. The hot springs pool is circular and divided into two sections. The large part is filled with mildly warm water, and the small arc contains hotter water. The spring water coming out of the ground is actually so hot that it needs to be cooled before being pumped into the pool. The hot springs are located 14km/9mi up a paved mountain road. Visit during summer or winter. In fact, winter is a great time to be here – there's something very special about lounging in hot mineral water when it's snowing.
Halcyon Hot Springs
The Halcyon's wild west past of drinking and gambling has been replaced by rejuvenation and relaxation. Halcyon Hot Springs, which opened in 1998, features a large warm pool, hot pool, and cold plunge, arranged on the terrace overlooking the lake. The pools are maintained using state-of-the-art ozonation technology, giving the water a very fresh feel to it. Spa treatments are available, and the resort's Kingfisher Restaurant serves up some of the best food in the area.
Halfway Hot Springs
Halfway Hot Springs are rustic with wooden soaking boxes located in a flat forest area. The water is fed by a hose from the spring. Buckets are provided for fetching water from a nearby river in case the spring water is too hot. Watch out for the poison ivy – the woods are full of the stuff. To reach Halfway Hot Springs take the Halfway Forest Road just south of the Halfway River and drive 11km/7mi. The pools are located near the river, down a minor spur that drops off to the left of the road.
Stop by the Nakusp Visitor Centre for more information about hot springs in the area.