Last updated on October 17th, 2023 at 10:22 pm
When you are visiting the Nakusp area, there are three incredible hot springs nearby to visit. Each of these Nakusp hot springs offers something a little bit different, I’d recommend visiting all three but if you don’t have time to visit all three hot springs, here is a run down of the three different options to help you decide which one you have to visit!
Nakusp itself is a pretty town, home to a store and a great coffee shop as well as an array of other small stores and restaurants. It is worth a stop here and a stroll along the lakeside trail which offers stunning views of Arrow Lakes. While all three of the Nakusp hot springs offer some form of accommodation, a short drive south from Nakusp there is the McDonald Creek Provincial Park with its numerous lakeside camping spots, if you find yourself in the area, this can make a great basecamp!
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission on any purchase made, at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the blog running, so thank you for your support!
The Three Nakusp Hot Springs
Nakusp Hot Springs
The Nakusp Hot Springs are located closest to the town of Nakusp. The pools here aren’t overly large, so pick a quieter time of the day to visit, or get a day pass so you can come and go. The round pool is split into two sections, a warm pool which is the larger side of the circle and then the hot pool, the smaller side of the pool area.
During the summer months the hot pool at the Naksup hot springs is kept at a toasty 38°C and if I’m honest, I couldn’t stay in here too long on a hot sunny day when we visited. Instead we chose to spend most of our time relaxing in the warm pool which is kept at 36°C. Both pools are heated to about 2°C more during the winter months to make them extra toasty during a cold day.
The Nakusp hot springs are set in a gorgeous location, right in a valley, while you soak you get views of mountains and incredible green forests. Could there be a more relaxing spot?
If you wish to spend more time here, there is a campground onsite, although there isn’t much privacy between sites, there are options for RV and tent campers and all the sites are just a two minute walk from the hot springs! Along with the campground there are also a few chalets you can rent right across from the pool building, offering a bit more luxury for your hot springs stay.
Halfway Hot Springs
The Halfway hot springs offer the most rustic experience out of the Nakusp hot springs options, just getting to them is an adventure. Follow a rough forest road for 11 kilometres and then park your vehicle high above the river. A steep descent, which can often be slippery in wet weather, then takes you down to the river and the hot springs.
Outhouses and a change shelter are available but no running water, so make sure to bring a bottle of water down with you, along with anything you might need for a few hours of exploring soaking.
The Halfway hot springs do get very busy during the day, we found earlier in the morning proved to be the quietest time to visit. There are three different main pools which get cooler the closer to the river you get. There is also a cool pool a short walk from the main three by the river, this one isn’t accessible during times of high water.
A ten minute walk from the hot springs is a campground, its a tight spot and likely you’ll struggle to get up the road with anything but a tent packed in a rugged car, the campground is clean and tidy and a perfect spot to spend a night and explore the hot springs. Bring cash as there are no other forms of payment accepted. Note this campground offers the basic essentials so also bring everything you need to be self sufficient including your own drinking water.
Halcyon Hot Springs
The Halcyon hot springs wins hands down for gorgeous views direct from the pool, located right next to the Arrow Lakes and looking out on the mountains on the other side of the lake, this spot truly offers a scenic backdrop for relaxing.
There are four main pools at the Halcyon hot springs. A hot and a warm pool, along with a cold plunge pool and in summer a mineral swimming pool. Lots of great options to rotate through, and then of course there is the lake, a great spot for a refreshing dip and a long hot soak.
The accommodation options at these hot springs are on the higher end of the scale, making the Halcyon hot springs a perfect spot for a relaxing break, with chalets and suites spread out through the forest, they can sleep anywhere from singles to groups of six. There is also an onsite restaurant and spa and they offer stand up paddleboard tours and yoga classes for the full relaxation experience.
What You Might Need To Explore The Three Nakusp Hot Springs
You’ll obviously need the essentials, like a swimsuit, towel and flip flops around the pool and soaking in the beautiful warm waters.
If you plan on camping near Nakusp, you’ll want to make sure you have the gear to do so, so don’t leave home without your tent, air mattress, sleeping bag and of course something to cook on. Although there is no shortage of great spots to eat in and around Nakusp.
A backroads mapbook is a must have, to fully explore the area and not just the hot springs, having points of interest marked, as well as campgrounds and any towns.
This is bear country so if you plan on hiking or camping, make sure to carry bear spray. The bugs can get pretty bad in some areas too, so some good bug spray is a must.