The mountains, the lake, the lovely community...there is no better place to relax and rejuvenate than in Nakusp. If you take a stroll along the paved path hugging the shoreline of upper Arrow Lake, you will understand why the locals love where they live. This unique little village is embraced by both the Monashee and Selkirk mountains. The name of the town derives from the native word for “bay of quiet waters,” Neqpo’sp.

Nakusp settlement history began in 1892. It became part of the fur trade route as well as the jumping off point for some of the early silver, lead and zinc mining in the Slocan Valley. Since there were no roads or railways between the Kootenay mining areas and Vancouver, goods had to be shipped via waterways from Nakusp, all the way up the Arrow Lakes to Revelstoke where the main CPR line was located.

For a time, Nakusp became a thriving community on this shipping route. The first post office opened in 1892, as well as the first store and sawmill. In 1893, the budding community of Nakusp even had a newspaper, The Nakusp Ledge. Telephone service reached the village in 1905, and the first hospital opened in 1908. Of the early buildings in Nakusp, only a few remain. Of these, the Leland Hotel on the waterfront, which was built in the 1890s, has been in operation ever since, although it has changed hands many times.

Today, Nakusp offers visitors a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for a vacation. There is a large variety of outdoor recreation opportunities to enjoy. In the summer there is fishing, boating, houseboating, swimming, snorkelling, walking, hiking, biking, camping and golfing. For a more leisurely adventure, check out the many downtown shops and restaurants, or bask on the warm sand at the public beach.

For more information about all things Nakusp, please contact the Nakusp & District Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre, 1-800-909-8819 or visit www.nakusparrowlakes.com