Nakusp Hot Springs in British Columbia, Canada

Nakusp Hot Springs is a small commercial hot spring located 8.7 miles (14 km) north of Nakusp. This rustic, developed, and easily accessible site is very popular among local residents.

The hot mineral water comes from several sources along Kuskanax Creek. A 20-minute hike leads to the spring source, offering a chance to explore the surrounding area and remnants of earlier developments, including older pools and structures.

All on-site facilities, including pools, buildings, and change rooms, are wheelchair accessible. The change rooms are well maintained by staff and include hot showers, soap, lockers, and blow dryers.

The water emerges at about 136°F (58°C) and is piped into holding tanks, where it is filtered, cooled, and lightly chlorinated before entering the pools. It contains minerals such as calcium, sodium, and sulfate, has a mild sulfur odor, and is otherwise colorless and tasteless.

The facility uses a flow-through system, ensuring continuous water replacement.

The circular pool is 26 feet in diameter and is divided into two sections by a cement walkway. The smaller section is hotter, kept at about 107°F (41°C) in winter and 103°F (39°C) in summer, while the larger section is cooler, averaging 100°F (38°C) in winter and 97°F (36°C) in summer.

Both sections are less than 5 feet (1.5 m) deep. The smaller pool features sitting ledges, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the hot mineral water and surrounding surroundings.

In the 1890s, Nakusp was settled by prospectors during the mining boom.

As nearby areas such as Slocan Lake gained prominence, Nakusp gradually developed into a farming, logging, and sawmilling community.

When Nakusp Hot Springs came under private ownership, residents strongly protested. It led to the establishment of Nakusp Hot Springs Park Reserve in 1925 to secure public access.

In 1928, the remaining mineral claims and surrounding land were purchased by the Leary family, who later donated the property to the park in 1955.

The current facilities were opened in 1974, replacing earlier, more primitive structures near the source.

A unique fact about Nakusp is that it is the only community-owned hot spring in British Columbia.