Nestled in the mountains of the West Kootenay lies the quaint town of Nakusp, most famous for its three very different hot springs. Nature’s gift to this small community, these hot springs make Nakusp one of BC’s greatest natural tourist destinations. Let’s take a dip into Nakusp’s three hot springs and explore what makes each one unique.
Take a look at the end for some bonus restaurant and activity recommendations in the area to check out while you’re there.
Nakusp Hot Springs
Nakusp Hot Springs is the first stop on our list, and is a rare example of a hot springs that has remained community owned, accessible, and affordable. This hot springs is the closest in relation to downtown Nakusp at 15 minutes.
Situated amidst the soaring evergreens, these hot springs have been a sanctuary of restoration for over a century. The mineral-rich waters here flow from natural springs, believed to have healing properties that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. After a refreshing dip, head downtown and explore Nakusp’s charming shops and cafes to add a dash of local flavour to your getaway.
Selling Points:
Admission Pricing: Just $12 for adults (less if you buy multiple passes). Kids 5 and under swim for free!
Rental Pricing: They offer towel, swimsuit, and lock rentals for just a few dollars. You love to see the modest pricing and attention to every aspect of your visit.
Hours: Open 9:30am-9:30pm 7 days a week including holidays (excluding Dec. 24/25th).
Open to All, No Reservation Needed: This attraction doesn’t require an accompanying hotel stay, reservation, or any other planning. All are welcome, just come on by anytime!
Stay
Cute cedar chalets from $93.00 (2 person), and available for up to 8 people.
Camp sites (serviced and unserviced) seasonally available.
With great hours, a family-friendly feel, modest pricing, and surrounded by storybook forest landscapes, the Nakusp Hot Springs are a traditional and accessible hot springs without any corporate strings attached – for better and for worse.
Halcyon Hot Springs
Halcyon offers a much more polished hot springs experience, with a contemporary resort, spa, and restaurant. Complimentary hot spring access is provided with all rooms and spa treatments, but drop-in access is available to the public, provided the pool isn’t at capacity.
Guests can choose to stay in the resort hotel rooms, or at one of the many chalet-style cabins in the surrounding property, which range from rustic and rugged to family size units with granite counters and all the trimmings.
Selling Points:
Admission Pricing: $15 for adults. Kids 4 and under get in free.
Kid Friendly: the only hot springs with a splash park that we know of, as well as a seasonal mineral swimming pool! Your kids will thank you for taking them to a hot springs they can actually express themselves at in their normal playful fashion without side-eyed glances from the other guests.
Adult-only Hour: 9-10pm. Looking for a quiet spa experience? There’s plenty of spaces for that during the day away from the splash park, but from 9-10pm all pools are available exclusively to adults. Unwind before bed in peaceful silence.
Other Amenities:
Spa: What could possibly be more relaxing than a visit to the hot springs? Make a whole day of it with a hot stone massage, facial, manicure, and a guided yoga session. If that won’t calm you down, nothing will.
Gym Access: Halcyon has an in-house gym with panoramic water views. Pair that with a soak in the rejuvenating springs to relax your tired muscles for a workout experience you’ll be wishing you can repeat every time.
Restaurant: Watch the sunset over the Arrow Lakes from Halcyon’s restaurant, Alcédo, which offers an inviting farm-to-table menu. If you’re not feeling the fine dining experience, perhaps the poolside cafe will be more your style (open 9-3).
Halfway Hot Springs
Even if you don’t consider yourself outdoorsy, you might want to make an exception for this! Experience an all natural hot springs: raw and unfiltered. These hot springs flow into different pools: some super hot, and some much cooler. The best way to find out which is just right for you is to try them all – just be careful to test the temperature first before jumping in!
Historically these hot springs were totally wild. Structures such as the lined pools and change shack were purely community led endeavours. While the springs developed a reputation as a bit of a party spot for festival goers in the 2010’s, they’ve since regained their previous status as a mellow destination for locals and tourists. Due to an increasing amount of visitor waste, the hot springs are now managed by BC Parks, with an on-site steward to keep the site clean.
Camp sites are also available on a first-come first-serve basis at a small charge, and are outfitted with BC Parks fire pits and sand-covered tent sites.
It’s about a 10-15 minute steep hike down to the hot springs from the road. The trail is in good shape, but visitors will need to traverse plenty of stairs and steep grades on the way down.
Selling Points:
Free! You can’t beat the price on this one.
Untamed: while the community has made an effort to mold the hot springs into a useable site, there’s a very wild and organic feeling to Halfway that you don’t get at developed hot springs.
Temperature: If you’ve ever felt like the pools at hot springs aren’t hot enough for your liking, you’ll likely find one here that’s up to the task.
Tips & Advice for Visiting Hot Springs
As nature’s guests, here’s a few things to keep in mind while visiting the hot springs:
Bring Your Own Towels
If you didn’t bring a towel with you on your stay, Nakusp Hot Springs will rent one to you for a fee ($3.50 + $5 refundable deposit), and Halcyon has towels for sale, and included for hotel guests. If you’re visiting Halfway without a towel though, it’ll be a cold 10 minute run back to the car!
Plan for Crowds
Hot springs can get crowded, especially during long weekends and peak hours. Call ahead to find a quiet time to visit, go early in the day, and don’t expect the pool to yourself.
Read the Room
Hot springs are shared spaces, so be considerate of others and mindful of personal space. Keep noise levels down, refrain from playing loud music, and respect that you’re not the only one in that space. This is especially true at Halfway Hot Springs, where self-regulation is essential.
Be Prepared for Wildlife
You might expect wildlife near Halfway Hot Springs, but bears can occasionally be seen right down by the lake at Halcyon too. Be bear aware, don’t keep food in your tent, and bring a friend along!
Stay Hydrated
You sweat just as much in water as you do out of it, so be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your visit to prevent dehydration. Especially if the sun is out, you might be surprised just how much dehydration creeps up on you in hot springs.
