With two must-visit hot springs destinations, the Nakusp region is a hot spot for wellness in the Kootenays.
Perched on a rise overlooking Upper Arrow Lake, a half-hour drive north of Nakusp, Halcyon Hot Springs is a stunning spot to soak in the famous pools, as well as the local history.
The resort has a colourful past dating back to the late 1800s, and regional Indigenous peoples had been enjoying the lithia-rich mineral waters (lithium is said to be beneficial in curing arthritis) long before hotel accommodations were erected. While the “Sanitarium,” as it was previously known, burned to the ground in 1955, Halcyon was rebuilt as a contemporary resort in 1998 and changed ownership most recently in 2017. The main facility features cold plunges, a mildly heated swimming pool, contemporary restaurant and lodge accommodations, while the grounds have additional chalets and basic cottages.
There’s also a small spa, independently owned and operated, offering a range of scrubs, muds and massage treatments.
5655 Hwy. 23 North, Nakusp, 1-888-689-4699, halcyon-hotsprings.com
Nakusp Hot Springs
Nakusp Hot Springs is about a 20-minute drive east from the Village of Nakusp.
Tucked into a verdant area next to a rushing mountain stream, the community-owned-and-operated pools are fed from natural mineral springs in the surrounding forest and are renowned for their clarity. Nakusp Hot Springs also has camping – RV drive-in sites and a walk-in tenting area — as well as chalet-style cabins.
8500 Hot Springs Rd., Nakusp, 1-250-265-4528, nakusphotsprings.com
[Note: This story originally featured a photo that indicated it showed the Nakusp Hot Springs, but it actually depicted the Halcyon Hot Springs. The photo has been removed.]
