<div class="" data-article-body="true"><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Perched on the edge of Upper Arrow Lake between the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges is a quiet town known for its vibrant art community and access to natural hot springs. This small town of just over <a href="https://www.bcmag.ca/naturally-nakusp/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:1,500;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">1,500</a> residents is known as "<a href="https://arrowslocan.com/communities/nakusp/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:an oasis of arts, culture, and relaxation;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">an oasis of arts, culture, and relaxation</a>," where visitors can enjoy the best that the West Kootenays has to offer. </p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Galleries and public artworks are scattered throughout this no-stoplight lakeside town that was once a secret tucked away in British Columbia's unique inland temperate rainforest. These days, the secret is out as folks from nearby areas like Castlegar, Revelstoke, and <a href="https://www.islands.com/1976932/little-switzerland-canada-charming-lakeside-village-kaslo-beaches-parks-shops/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk='slk:Kaslo, the charming "little Switzerland" of Canada;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas' class="link ">Kaslo, the charming "little Switzerland" of Canada</a>, have caught on to the chill vibes and healing properties of the several hot springs in the surrounding area, looking out onto crystal waters and dramatic mountain peaks.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">While the Sinixt people inhabited this picturesque valley for 10,000 years, the town of Nakusp didn't emerge until <a href="https://www.travel-british-columbia.com/kootenay-rockies/arrow-lakes-and-slocan-valley/nakusp/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:1892;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">1892</a> as part of the fur trade route and mining boom that began around that time. The mining boom ended, but the town held on, and today, you can see remnants of its past in early 20th-century buildings accentuated by lovely landscaping.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Read more: <a href="https://www.islands.com/1833514/america-best-mountain-town-scenic-beauty-fresh-air-trails/?zsource=yahoo" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Most Breathtaking And Lively Mountain Towns Across America, According To Reddit;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Most Breathtaking And Lively Mountain Towns Across America, According To Reddit</a></p><h2 class="mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl">Hot Springs near Nakusp</h2><figure class="relative mb-4"><div class="relative"><img alt="Hot springs surrounded by snowy trees at the Halcyon Resort" loading="lazy" width="780" height="438" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="rounded-lg" style="color:transparent" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/FuGIS9B78AlMWo9LybN01A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTUzOTtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/islands_423/fad06842c2f5c1ba758dbe6641491a94"><button aria-label="View larger image" class="group absolute bottom-0 size-full" data-ylk="elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;"><span class="absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none"><svg viewbox="0 0 22 22" aria-hidden="true" class="size-4 lg:size-6" width="22" height="22"><path d="M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z"></path></svg></span></button><dialog aria-label="Modal Dialog" aria-modal="true" class="fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden"></dialog></div><figcaption class="relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5"><div style="max-height:none;overflow:visible">Hot springs surrounded by snowy trees at the Halcyon Resort - MatthewRoberge/Shutterstock</div></figcaption></figure><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">While hot springs are typically found in volcanic areas, <a href="https://landscapes-revealed.net/why-are-there-so-many-hot-springs-in-southeastern-british-columbia/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:southeastern British Columbia isn't a volcanic hot spot;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">southeastern British Columbia isn't a volcanic hot spot</a>. The thermal waters around Nakusp are formed by rainwater and snow melt that travels deep into the earth, where it's heated before flowing back to the surface, emerging in fractures and fissures. A valley is a particularly good area for hot springs like this to form, which is why Nakusp is known as the "<a href="https://www.kootenayrockies.com/nakusp-valley-of-the-hot-springs/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Valley of the Hot Springs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Valley of the Hot Springs</a>."</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Less than a 20-minute drive from the town are the <a href="https://nakusphotsprings.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Nakusp Hot Springs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Nakusp Hot Springs</a>, a community-owned site with beautiful views in the Kuskanax Valley. These hot springs are open all year, aside from a few weeks in the spring and fall for routine cleaning, and complemented by both a campground that's open during the summer and year-round chalets. If you're searching for a <a href="https://www.islands.com/1598622/most-luxurious-destinations-soak-hot-springs-best-views/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:luxurious destination to soak in hot springs and enjoy epic views;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">luxurious destination to soak in hot springs and enjoy epic views</a>, head to the <a href="https://halcyon-hotsprings.com/accommodations/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Halcyon Hot Springs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Halcyon Hot Springs</a> next, less than a 30-minute drive from Nakusp. This hot springs resort has pools with sweeping views of the Monashee Mountains and Upper Arrow Lake, which are available for day use by non-guests of the hotel year-round.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">If your ideal hot spring destination is surrounded by dense forest, check out the <a href="https://www.halfwayhotsprings.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Halfway Hot Springs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Halfway Hot Springs</a>, about a 35-minute drive outside of town. The last 7 miles (11 km) are on a poorly maintained dirt road, which means that it may take longer to get there. Access to these primitive hot springs requires a short but steep hike. You'll find changing rooms and outhouses (bring your own toilet paper), but no trash cans, so leave no trace. Keep in mind that, although nudity is <a href="https://www.hotspringsofbc.com/springs/?s=halfway-river-hot-springs" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:technically illegal;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">technically illegal</a> in British Columbia, clothing is often optional at this particular hot spring.</p><h2 class="mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl">Discover the art scene in Nakusp</h2><figure class="relative mb-4"><div class="relative"><img alt="A dock on Upper Arrow Lake in Nakusp surrounded by mountains" loading="lazy" width="780" height="438" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="rounded-lg" style="color:transparent" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1fNHc3wpQoAjljdnVnzyLg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTUzOTtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/islands_423/8e55b6d500813437f842cd01dac4f6fe"><button aria-label="View larger image" class="group absolute bottom-0 size-full" data-ylk="elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;"><span class="absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none"><svg viewbox="0 0 22 22" aria-hidden="true" class="size-4 lg:size-6" width="22" height="22"><path d="M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z"></path></svg></span></button><dialog aria-label="Modal Dialog" aria-modal="true" class="fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden"></dialog></div><figcaption class="relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5"><div style="max-height:none;overflow:visible">A dock on Upper Arrow Lake in Nakusp surrounded by mountains - Trina Barnes/Shutterstock</div></figcaption></figure><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Nakusp is the largest of the 20 <a href="https://arrowslocan.com/communities/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Arrow Slocan communities;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Arrow Slocan communities</a> — towns in Arrow Lakes and Slocan Valley — which is perhaps one reason why this lakeside enclave has become a hub for artists and creative folks. <a href="https://www.studioconnexiongallery.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Studio Connexion Gallery;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Studio Connexion Gallery</a> is a former antique furniture store that has turned into a gallery showcasing local artists from around the area and Canada, while the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AlfaArtsNakusp/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:ALFA (Arrow Lakes Fine Arts) Guild;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">ALFA (Arrow Lakes Fine Arts) Guild</a> hosts exhibitions and is building a community arts center in an old forestry building that's intended to open in the Spring of 2026. A great resource is the <a href="https://www.arrowlakesdistrictartscouncilsociety.ca/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Arrow Lakes District Arts Council Society;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Arrow Lakes District Arts Council Society</a>, a volunteer-run non-profit organization that has hosted events like concerts and connected folks with local artists for over 40 years.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Part of Nakusp's charm is its remoteness, so while it's not exactly easy to reach — the closest international airport, Kelowna International Airport, is three hours away — it makes for a great day or weekend trip for those in southeastern British Columbia. There are three direct routes to Nakusp. Visitors can make their way from Nelson or Castlegar, Vernon, and <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/worlds-best-powder-ski-resort-101500699.html" data-ylk="slk:Revelstoke, home of the world's best powder ski resort;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link  yahoo-link">Revelstoke, home of the world's best powder ski resort</a>. Nelson and Castlegar are less than two hours away by car. Vernon is 2.5 hours away, while Revelstoke is 1.5 hours away, although if you travel from either of these locations, you'll need to take the free ferry across Upper Arrow Lake to reach Nakusp.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? <a href="https://subscribe.islands.com/newsletter-syndicated?utm_source=yahoo&amp;utm_medium=islands-NL-feed" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Subscribe to our free newsletter;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Subscribe to our free newsletter</a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=islands.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:add us as a preferred search source;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">add us as a preferred search source</a> for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Read the <a href="https://www.islands.com/2069253/nakusp-british-columbia-secret-lakeside-town-oasis-arts-culture-relaxation-hot-springs-resorts/?zsource=yahoo" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:original article on Islands;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">original article on Islands</a>.</p></div>

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