Quick FactsOverview
About Nakusp Hot Springs
Nakusp Hot Springs, Canada is a community-owned mineral pool facility nestled in the Kuskanax Valley of the Selkirk Mountains in British Columbia's West Kootenay region, 14 kilometres northeast of the village of Nakusp via a fully paved road. The spring has been a gathering place for over a century, with the first recorded development dating to 1894 and the community acquiring the site in the early twentieth century. Nakusp Hot Springs is the only community-owned hot spring in British Columbia.
Two outdoor pools are fed by mineral water piped approximately one kilometre from natural sources along Kuskanax Creek. The source water emerges at approximately 58 degrees Celsius and is filtered, cooled, and lightly chlorinated before entering the pools. The facility uses a continuous flow-through system that fully recycles the hot pool every 30 minutes and the larger warm pool every two hours, delivering 200,000 litres of fresh mineral water per pool per day. The hot pool is maintained at 41 degrees Celsius in winter and 38 degrees Celsius in summer. The warm pool is kept at 38 degrees Celsius in winter and 36 degrees Celsius in summer. The mineral water contains calcium, sodium, and sulphate, and carries a mild sulphur scent. Accessible hot springs near Nakusp of this quality and community ownership are rare in the Kootenay region.
Location & Access
Getting to Nakusp Hot Springs
Nakusp Hot Springs is located at 8500 Hot Springs Road, Nakusp, BC, approximately 14 kilometres northeast of the village of Nakusp. From Nakusp's main intersection, take Highway 23 north for approximately 2.5 kilometres, then turn right onto Hot Springs Road and follow the paved road for approximately 12 kilometres to the facility. The drive takes approximately 20 minutes from the village centre. Any standard vehicle can make the trip year-round.
Nakusp itself is reached via Highway 23, which connects to the Trans-Canada Highway at Revelstoke approximately 145 kilometres to the north, and to the Kootenay region communities to the south. Nakusp is approximately 100 kilometres northwest of Nelson, approximately 145 kilometres south of Revelstoke, and approximately 370 kilometres from Kelowna. The BC Ferries route between Galena Bay and Shelter Bay on Highway 23 is part of the route from Revelstoke and operates year-round.
The hot springs are open year-round, Sunday to Thursday from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Friday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM. No reservations are required for day use. Ample parking is available at the facility. Hot springs near Nakusp are well-served by this central location within the village's outdoor recreation corridor.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Nakusp Hot Springs
Nakusp Hot Springs suits a wide range of visitors, from families with children and couples to seniors and solo travellers looking for a comfortable, accessible mineral pool experience in a forest and mountain setting. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, with all pools, change rooms, and buildings designed for accessibility. Accessible campsites with power and water are available closer to the hot springs building for guests with mobility requirements.
The pools are open to all ages with no restrictions documented. Both pools are less than 1.5 metres deep with sitting ledges in the hot pool section, making the experience comfortable for soakers of all abilities. Clothing is required. The facility includes clean change rooms with hot showers, lockers, and hair dryers. A gift shop and small grill are on site.
For those seeking an overnight stay, six cedar chalets are available steps from the pools, and a seasonal creekside campground with RV power sites and tenting opens from May to mid-October. The chalets accommodate two to eight guests depending on the unit and include kitchens, satellite television, and a non-smoking policy. Pets are welcome in some chalet units. The surrounding Kuskanax Valley has over 15 kilometres of hiking and mountain biking trails, and the Kuskanax Creek Footbridge is a short walk from the pools. Hot springs near Nakusp in this family-friendly, accessible setting make the facility a popular base camp for Kootenay adventures year-round.
Safety & Etiquette
Nakusp Hot Springs Safety Tips
Nakusp Hot Springs is a well-managed community facility, but visitors should observe standard hot spring safety practices. The hot pool is maintained at 41 degrees Celsius in winter, which can cause overheating if you soak for extended periods. Limit sessions to 15 to 20 minutes and exit to cool down if you feel lightheaded or short of breath. Young children, pregnant visitors, and those with cardiovascular conditions should consult a healthcare provider before soaking and monitor their time in the hot pool carefully.
The pool water has a mild sulphur odour from its natural mineral content, which is normal. The water is lightly chlorinated and filtered. Those with sensitivities to sulphur or chlorine should be aware. Alcohol is not permitted in the pool area. Both pools are less than 1.5 metres deep, but visitors should exercise care around the water's edge, particularly with children.
The pool deck and access walkways can be slippery in wet or cold weather. Footwear is advisable when moving between the change rooms and pools. The facility is open year-round including in winter; check road conditions before travelling as Hot Springs Road may be snow-covered.
The surrounding Kuskanax Valley has bear activity. If hiking the trail to the spring source or other nearby trails, carry bear spray, make noise, and follow BC Parks bear safety guidelines. Emergency services are available in Nakusp village, approximately 14 kilometres away. Staff are on-site during all operating hours.
