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October 17, 2023

A Road Trip of a Lifetime: Kootenay Rockies Hot Springs

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embark on a scenic road trip through the breathtaking Kootenay Rockies. Explore our authentic mountain communities, experience our vast winter wonderland and satisfy your craving for the freedom of the open road. Get ready for an unforgettable ‘road trip of a lifetime’ with a Kootenay Hot Springs Road Trip.

Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort; photo by Mitch Winton

There are few better sensations than being inspired by our epic snowy peaks, the vast frozen river valleys, and the wondrous winter experiences. Perhaps the only thing that comes close to that feeling is relaxing in the soothing waters of mineral hot springs.

Why not combine both of these experiences with a road trip through six of the most iconic hot springs in the Kootenay Rockies this winter.  Take the circle tour and hit up a new hot springs resort each evening. 

AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS RESORT

Start your trip heading north from Nelson, BC along the shore of Kootenay Lake, and you’ll soon be at your destination of Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort.  Take a plunge in their horseshoe-shaped cave, lined with stalactites and stalagmites, then relax in the pool and take in the views of Kootenay Lake.  When you’re not enjoying the pools, take a caving tour of the nearby Cody Caves.  Luxury resort accommodations and fine dining fare in the Ktunaxa Grill complete the experience.

**Note: The Resort is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Reservations are recommended.

Horse-shoe shaped Cave at Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort; photo by Don Weixl

NAKUSP HOT SPRINGS, CHALETS & CAMPGROUND

Cross over the Selkirk Mountains via Highway 31A and head north to Nakusp Hot Springs.  Their two pools are fed by natural hot springs found deep in the forest surrounding the grounds.  Stay in their private cedar chalets, during the winter months, located mere steps from the hot spring pools.

Nakusp Hot Springs; photo by Kari Medig

HALCYON HOT SPRINGS RESORT

Enjoy a luxury experience at the Halcyon Hot Springs Resort (35-km north of Nakusp; 71-km south of Revelstoke & the Trans-Canada Highway). Located on the shores of Arrow Lake, Halcyon Hot Springs Resort has four pools for your healing pleasure.  Visit The Spa at Halcyon to get a soothing massage from one of their expert practitioners.  Enhance your spa experience with a soak in the mineral rich waters of Halcyon.

Halcyon Hot Springs Resort; photo by Mitch Winton

CANYON HOT SPRINGS RESORT

Tucked within Albert Canyon between Glacier and Mount Revelstoke National Parks, Canyon Hot Springs has two natural mineral hot pools available for your use.  For a romantic stay, book a night or two in their Honeymoon Chalet, an exquisite log cabin complete with Jacuzzi Tub.  If you prefer more rustic accommodations, book one of their campsites and pitch your own tent.
(These hot springs are open from May to September.)

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS

Enjoy the scenic the drive over the Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park, to Golden and then south down the Columbia River Valley to Radium Hot Springs. And, just inside the boundaries of Kootenay National Park are the hot springs.

Located in the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site and open year-round, the spacious family-friendly facility welcomes visitors from around the world. The naturally heated mineral water is usually 39°C (102F) and contain a variety of soothing minerals.

Radium Hot Springs Pools; photo by Mitch Winton

FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT

Finish off your road trip in fashion at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.  Their natural mineral soaking pool is kept at an average of 39C, with their swimming pool and dive pool slightly cooler to the touch.  Accommodation offerings include rooms in the resort, family villas, and an RV Resort.  Between soaks in the springs, take in a few runs at the Resort, go ice-stating on The Whiteway (the world’s longest skating path) on Lake Windermere, trek/snowshoe to the top of the Hoodoos. The pools will be waiting for you when you return!

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort; photo by Kari Medig

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