A Historic Natural Hot Springs
Our History
1908
2020
1890
Halcyon's Beginnings
1890
Halcyon's Beginnings
Nakusp’s Halcyon Hot Springs has a long, curious, and compelling history which precedes the resort standing there today.
The First Nations people in the Arrow Lakes area, predominantly Sinixt First Nations, were aware of the lithium-laden waters and its benefits for centuries before Europeans came to the area.
It was the local First Nations who helped Captain Robert Sanderson, an engineer who operated a steamship on the Arrow Lakes, locate the source of the springs.
In 1890, Sanderson staked his future on the hot springs when he bought 400 acres of crown land and built a hotel equipped with a series of wooden “plunges” that let guests soak in the superheated mineral water, which was believed even then to aid in a variety of illnesses – from rheumatism to strokes.
The healing water of the natural hot springs, combined with the incredible mountains and scenery in the area inspired Sanderson to call his resort “Halcyon,” an indication of the calm and serene nature of the place. The name is a reference to a Greek myth about the goddess Alcyone, daughter of Aeolus, the ruler of the winds. After her husband Ceyx drowned in the sea, Alcyone was stricken with grief and tried to drown herself – but was instead transformed into a bird and carried to her husband by the wind.
She became a bird known as halcyon, or the European Kingfisher in more modern times. The bird was believed to have the power to calm the oceans to protect its eggs while nesting, a period that lasts for two weeks around the winter solstice in December. This extended period of good weather became known as the “Halcyon days” – a term which has seen broad usage throughout history as a reference to times of peace and calm.
1897
A Growing Attraction
1897
A Growing Attraction
The hotel officially opened in 1894. And in 1897, Sanderson and his partner Nathan Lay sold Halcyon to Robert Brett and David McPherson for just over $20,000.
Brett and McPherson formed the Halcyon Hot Springs Sanitarium Co. Ltd. and proceeded to expand the facilities. The hotel was more than doubled in size, and cottages added behind it. A bottling works began shipping water to far destinations. The immediate frontage of the sanitarium lawn was also built up and buttressed with log walls. At this time, an appeal was made to the provincial government for a wharf, which was readily assented to and Halcyon was on the map being a twice-daily port of call for the CPR lake steamships, which continued to call there regularly, as long as it operated.
While always recognized for its health-promoting water, under the new owners the resort also became known as a place where one could drink, gamble and party. Offering all the latest conveniences of the time, Halcyon often hosted extravagant balls and attracted people of all kinds –from the very wealthy to the working class.
1924
From Raucous to Restorative
1924
From Raucous to Restorative
The spirit of Halcyon changed significantly when Brigadier General Frederick Burnham purchased the resort in 1924. He brought an end to the drinking and partying, in favour of an emphasis on healing and restoration. He shut down the bar, banning smoking and drinking, and worked tirelessly as an onsite doctor to make health and wellness accessible to everyone.
As a result, Halcyon gained international recognition as a place of healing, with a particular emphasis on the high levels of lithium in the natural hot springs water. Believed at the time to be a natural relaxant that purified the blood, recent research has revealed that lithium is a powerful antioxidant that promotes the healing of neural pathways in the brain – with the ability to treat or prevent a variety of neurological diseases.
Over the years, quite a variety of animals were to be found at Halcyon, including caribou, monkeys, canaries, peacocks, chickens, goats, a pet bear, goldfish and a donkey. The pet bear cub, Joe, was the bear used on the bottled water label. There was a thriving poultry business for a while as well, supplying Halcyon and the CPR steamers. The goats were milked, the donkey pulled a cart from the dock to the hotel, and the goldfish added lively colour to the ponds. Besides the hotel, cottages, general store, and bottling works, there was also a staff and laundry house, a boiler house, lawn tennis grounds and many trails.
The hotel changed little from 1924 to 1954 when his beloved wife, Anna, passed on. After Anna’s death, the general built a small shrine beside her grave, his private chapel to rest and reflect in. This chapel can still be visited today on our majestic property.
1955
The End of an Era
1955
The End of an Era
Burnham, for whom the prominent peak across from the resort is named, operated his spa until a fire destroyed the main hotel on February 19, 1955. With this destruction General Fredrick Burnham was taken from this world as well. Like a captain going down with his ship, Burnham moved on from the Earth as flames consumed the Halcyon Sanitarium, ending an era of healing and wellness for the next 40 years.
Most of the other buildings survived, until the raising of the lakes in the 1960s. All that survived into the 1980s and 90s was the little chapel and the graves beside it.
The magic of Halcyon’s mineral water continued to make it a gathering place to soak away tension and aches and pains, even after the hotel was gone. Outdoor tubs were placed together by many different users.
Halcyon has inspired many poems, including these lines written by Frances A. Gage:
“Midst towering trees of lofty green, Halcyon Hot Springs stands serene. The song of birds, the roar of waterfalls, Halcyon beckons, Halcyon calls.”
1998
Rebirth and Rejuvenation
1998
Rebirth and Rejuvenation
Rebuilding of the current Halcyon began in 1998. Concrete foundations were made to contain the healing, mineral waters and provide the hot springs experience we have for you now. Our great lodge and separate cottages offered a comfortable stay for guests, who still travel from all over to experience the healing mineral hot springs.
We are continually growing and improving Halcyon Hot Springs Resort. From new accommodations to event spaces for every occasion, there is a fantastic experience to be had for everyone.
A focus on wellness also remains, with an on-site spa, wellness lounge, yoga retreats, leisure activities, plenty of access to nature and more. In addition, you can feel free to treat yourself to a nice glass of wine or cocktail while enjoying amazing food and views at Alcédo Kitchen and Bar.
Halcyon Hot Springs welcomes you to rest, relax and rejuvenate in our centuries-old, healing, mineral waters. Take the chance to visit us and immerse yourself into the “Slow Life”. We promise you will not be disappointed.
