Nakusp, BC

Population: 1750

Highlights:
Surrounded by beautiful lakes, glaciated mountains, crystal clear rivers and streams, 100 year old Halcyon Hot Springs resort is just to the north.

The vibrant community of about 1750 people is also home to the largest classic rock festival in the interior of BC.

History:
Situated on the Arrow Lakes, which form a nearly 200 km widening of the Columbia River before it crosses the border into the United States, Nakusp has a long history, first with the mining industry in the mid to late 19th century (the railway arrived there in 1893), and later as a forestry centre. Even before the Keenleyside Dam widened the lakes (and submerged several towns), they were used by paddle wheelers, which navigated north to Revelstoke and further on the Columbia River, and served the Big Bend Gold rush of the mid 19th century. It thrived as a shipping community until paddle wheelers were replaced by road transport in the 1950’s.