Not so long ago getting to Nakusp involved either a train or a steam-powered sternwheeler.
Today's visitors can choose car travel, public transportation, or air travel. And Nakusp is featured along a number of scenic driving routes in the Kootenay Rockies region.
Car Travel
Nakusp sits at the intersection of Highways 6 and 23. Highway 23 connects with Revelstoke and the Trans-Canada Highway, 105km/65mi to the north, via the free Galena Bay/Shelter Bay ferry.
South of town, Highway 6 travels the length of the Slocan Valley, connecting with Nelson and Castlegar (both 146km/91mi), and the Canada/US boundary at Nelway (203km/126mi). The airport at Spokane, Washington is another 188km/117mi south of the border. The city of Vernon is 239km/149mi west on Highway 6, via the Fauquier/Needles ferry and the Monashee Pass.
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Travel time from Vancouver is approximately eight hours, and from Calgary, Alberta, approximately seven hours – both cases via Revelstoke and the Trans-Canada Highway.
Car Rentals are available in Nakusp from Kim's Kustom Body Shop, on Highway 6, just south of downtown. Snow tires are necessary in winter.
Public Transportation
Greyhound Canada services Revelstoke and Nelson from both Vancouver and Calgary, Alberta. BC Transit offers bus service from Nelson to Nakusp, stopping in Silverton and New Denver. The service runs Tuesdays and Thursdays only. Twice on Wednesdays, a bus connects Nakusp with New Denver and Silverton, and a separate service goes to Nakusp Hot Springs. On Fridays, a single run is offered to Edgewood. Reservations are recommended for all bus routes.
Air Travel
Air Canada Jazz has two daily flights from Vancouver and Calgary, Alberta to the West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar, 143km/89mi from Nakusp. Car rentals are available at the airport.
Visitors from the United States may prefer to fly into Spokane International Airport, 417km/259mi south of Nakusp, and rent a car to complete the journey.
Ask for more information on transportation options and pick up area maps at the Nakusp Visitor Centre.
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Transportation Service Providers