A town that earns
the drive.
Most people have never heard of Nakusp. The ones who find it tend to come back.
Nakusp sits on Arrow Lake and doesn't try too hard.
It has hot springs, mountains, old-growth forest, a winery, a chocolatier, a ski hill, and a waterfront walkway. It also has about 1,500 people in it, which means no lineups, no parking problems, and no attitude.
For people who choose to live and travel in an RV or tiny home, Nakusp is exactly the kind of place you're looking for — beautiful enough to justify staying, functional enough to actually live in year-round.
Opal Ridge Resort is 5 minutes north of town on Highway 23.
Three hot springs.
Within 30 minutes.
Nakusp Hot Springs
20 minutes · 12 km NEVillage-operated outdoor pools nestled in the Kuskanax Valley. Two pools at different temperatures, mountain views, and a scenic unpaved road to get there. 4.5 stars on Google with nearly 900 reviews. The most popular day trip from Opal Ridge.
Halcyon Hot Springs
30 minutes · North on Hwy 23Full resort on the shores of Arrow Lake with geothermal pools, a spa, and a restaurant. A more polished experience with the same Monashee Mountain backdrop. Worth the extra 10 minutes.
St. Leon Hot Springs
Within 30 minutesA more rustic and remote experience. The kind of hot spring that requires a bit of effort to reach and rewards you for it. For guests who want to get off the beaten path.
There's always something to do.
Old Growth & Mountain Lakes
The Nakusp and Area Community Trails Society maintains 10 classic trail systems ranging from easy waterfront walks to challenging mountain hikes. Multi-use trails accommodate hikers, snowshoers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The Kuskanax Creek trail runs 20 km through old-growth cedar to the hot springs — dogs welcome.
Arrow Lake — Fishing & Boating
Nakusp sits on Upper Arrow Lake with a public boat launch minutes away. Rainbow trout, bull trout, and kokanee fishing year-round. Sandy municipal beach in town. The waterfront walkway rated 4.9 stars on Google — paved, lit at night, dog friendly, with mountain and lake views the whole way.
Ski, Snowshoe & Powder Days
Summit Lake Ski & Snowboard Area is 16 km east — a small community hill with a genuine local character. Snowshoe trails run all winter. And when Revelstoke drops a metre of powder, you're 90 minutes from one of the top ski destinations in North America.
Three Courses Within 45 Minutes
Nakusp Centennial Golf Club is right in town — nine holes, par 34, friendly and affordable. Fauquier & District Golf Club is 45 minutes southwest on the shores of Arrow Lake. Slocan Lake Golf Club is known as the Jewel of the Kootenays — narrow fairways, enormous evergreens, and a nine-hole course above pristine water.
A main street worth stopping for.
Nakusp has the kinds of businesses that show up when people actually care about where they live. Worth knowing about before you arrive.
Jennifer Chocolates
Artisan gourmet chocolate made on-site. Watch the chocolatier work. The salted caramels are mandatory. 4.8 stars, 98 reviews.
Valley of the Springs Winery
Family-owned winery above Nakusp producing wines that rival the Okanagan at a fraction of the attitude. Charcuterie and tastings on-site.
Nakusp Waterfront Walk
Paved, lit at night, dog-friendly stroll along Arrow Lake. Gardens in bloom through summer. Mountain views the entire way. 4.9 stars on Google.
Nakusp Municipal Beach
Sandy beach on Upper Arrow Lake. Swimming, picnic area, and enough space that it never feels crowded even on the busiest summer days.
Nakusp Rail Society
Three restored pieces of Canadian Pacific Railway rolling stock including a 1921 snowplow and 1913 Jordan Spreader. Small, free, genuinely interesting.
Nakusp & District Museum
Community-run local history museum. Diverse exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and a good introduction to the area's history along the Arrow Lakes.
Ready to make Nakusp home?
Long-term RV and tiny home sites from $1,200/month. Year-round, all-inclusive, truly pet friendly.
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