Nakusp Hot Springs celebrates a milestone anniversary

As Nakusp Hot Springs approaches its 50th anniversary, the community is gearing up for a celebration that honours its rich history and enduring appeal. Nestled in the Kuskanax Valley at the foothills of the Selkirk Mountains, the Nakusp Hot Springs has been a beloved retreat for locals and visitors alike, offering healing waters, rustic charm, and a deep connection to nature.

In a recent conversation, recreation clerk Ava Nelson gave us some insight into the milestones and exciting plans for the future of Nakusp Hot Springs. Her reflections reveal how this natural treasure has contributed to the local economy, drawn visitors from around the world, and maintained its unique character over the decades.

- Photo courtesy the Nakusp Hot Springs

Can you share some notable milestones or events from the past 50 years at the Nakusp Hot Springs?

In 2014, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the hot springs. At this event, we had a contest where we encouraged attendees to wear their best 1974 outfit to be entered to win free passes. There was also a contest at the same time to win some nifty hot springs swag by posting a photo online with a hot springs-specific hashtag. We also had cake, balloons, a fact hunt, and more.

What special celebrations or events are planned for the 50th anniversary?

Visitors and residents alike will need to keep their eyes on our social media and Village newsletters in the coming months, but currently we have a full-day event planned, with things like a pancake breakfast, 1974 admission prices, speeches from dignitaries, and more. It is shaping up to be a very exciting event, and one that shouldn't be missed!

How has the Nakusp Hot Springs contributed to the local economy over the years?

The Nakusp Hot Springs has contributed a lot to the local economy over the years. Not only does it attract thousands of visitors yearly, but it also employs local residents.

- Photo courtesy the Nakusp Hot Springs

What are the unique features of the Nakusp Hot Springs that draw visitors from around the world?

A pretty significant portion of what makes the Nakusp Hot Springs so unique (and amazing!) has to do with the water itself. We have some of the highest flow rates in North America, which allows our hot pool to completely recycle its water every 30 minutes, and our larger warm pool to recycle every 2 hours.

We also have lots of various minerals in our water (11 of which we like to highlight for their balneotherapeutic benefits), which can provide a multitude of benefits to our visitors.

We can also proudly say that there is something for everyone at the Nakusp Hot Springs, as we offer a myriad of outdoor recreational experiences.

How has the facility evolved or changed over the past five decades?

Over the last 50 years, the Nakusp Hot Springs facility has mostly stayed the same, and we still proudly wear most of our original fit and finish. The 'retro' look we still have for the hot springs is the look people know and love for it; when you get something right, there's no need to change it!

We have also always strived to keep our Kootenay charm—through our quaint chalets and on-site campground and RV site, and stunning natural scenery—and passion for providing the ultimate relaxation experience at the forefront of all upgrades and changes. Upgraded showers and new bathing suit spinners are just a couple of the latest upgrades for the hot springs, and we are excited to continue to upgrade the experience for our visitors.

It is also important to note that every spring and autumn, we shut the hot springs down for a period of time to have regular maintenance and upgrades. This allows us to keep the hot springs in tip-top shape, and to have designated time periods to get necessary work completed.

- Photo courtesy the Nakusp Hot Springs

Can you share any interesting facts or statistics about the hot springs?

The Village of Nakusp purchased the 77.2-acre parcel of land upon with the hot springs is situated in 2003. Previously, the Village had been leasing the hot springs from the province for about $11,000 a year (or about $950 a month).

The following stats provided by Nakusp Hot Springs supervisor, Diana Goodridge:

• Elevation of hot springs: 850 Metres
• Elevation of old springs site: 894 Metres
• New hot springs site built: October 1974  

- Photo courtesy the Nakusp Hot Springs

How can the community get involved or support the 50th anniversary celebrations?

The best way for the community to support the 50th anniversary of the Nakusp Hot Springs is to come to the celebration on October 19th, 2024! There will be more information to follow, but it will be an exciting all-day event (and will feature the rates from when the hot springs opened in 1974; it'll be the most affordable place to soak in Canada that day!).

We will also most likely be looking for volunteers for the event, so anyone interested should keep an eye out for the announcement for that.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I did want to mention that the current Mayor, Mayor Tom Zeleznik, was employed up at the hot springs in 1973 for the construction of it.