The Best Hot Springs in the Kootenay Rockies
It’s no secret that British Columbia is home to many amazing natural hot springs. From spectacular resorts to breathtaking natural pools in the wilderness, each one offers a unique adventure.
Explore them all to find your favourite, and in the meantime here is our list of some of the best hot springs in the Kootenay Rockies.
Radium Hot Springs
Photo by: Kari Medig; Radium Hot Springs
These historic hot springs are located in Kootenay National Park, just an hour’s drive south from Golden, BC on Highway 95.
Natural rock walls surround the hot pool and swimming pool for cooling off. You may even catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep on the towering cliffs while you soak. The pools are spacious with all the amenities you could ask for including large change rooms with showers and lockers, as well as a day spa on site.
With many options for dining, accommodations, and activities nearby, the springs are popular with families, tourists, and travellers.
Fairmont Hot Springs
Photo by: Kari Medig; Fairmont Hot Springs
Just a short drive down the road from Radium, you will find Fairmont Hot Springs.
Overlooking the Columbia Valley, the springs are popular with visitors for the impressive views. The springs offer three soaking temperatures in three separate pools.
Relax in the hot pool maintained at 39°C, or go for a float in the warm swimming pool. Cool off with a plunge in the dive pool complete with low and high diving boards.
With skiing in the winter and golfing in the summer, the hot springs are the heart of this four season family resort which welcomes thousands of visitors each season.
Lussier Hot Springs
A hidden gem that's a bit off the beaten path, Lussier Hot Springs offers a truly natural experience. Accessible year round, the journey is definitely worth it once you're soaking in one of the natural rock pools - they are one of our favourites!
Located near the entrance of Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, you'll find the springs 17.5 km down Whiteswan Forest Service Road. Two small change rooms and toilets are located at the parking lot.
The hot springs are accessed from the road by taking a short hike down to the Lussier River. The trail leading down to the hot pools can become very slippery during the winter, so be careful if you're visiting when it's snowy.
There are 3 small pools of varying temperatures to enjoy, however, in the spring when the river level is higher the bottom two pools can become flooded leaving just the upper pool.
A beautiful spot to soak and relax in the serenity of the wilderness, travellers from everywhere have found the trek to Lussier Hot Springs well worth it all year round.
Ainsworth Hot Springs
Photo by: Matt Brown; Ainsworth Hot Springs
The Ktunaxa First Nations peoples were the first to visit these hot springs, valuing them for the restorative properties. Welcoming guests since the 1930’s, Ainsworth Hot Springs is now owned by Yaqan Nukiy, the Lower Kootenay Band of Creston, BC. It's located 45 minutes north of Nelson.
The springs offer an exclusive experience to visitors as the natural waters flow down through fractures in the rock before entering the 150 foot horseshoe caves, which then flow into the warm pool.
Lounge in the large pool overlooking Kootenay Lake, or wade through the even warmer waters of the unique caves as water falls from above creating a natural steam bath.
Halcyon Hot Springs
Photo by: Adrian Wagner; Halcyon Hot Springs
On the eastern shore of Upper Arrow Lake north of Nakusp is where Halcyon Hot Springs can be found.
Built as a village and spa, the pools are situated in a beautiful outdoor setting on 2 decks overlooking the Monashee Mountains. Soak in the hot or warm pools, take a plunge in the cold pool, or go for a swim in the seasonal mineral pool on the lower deck, complete with a spray park for kids.
On a summer’s day, don’t forget to take a refreshing dip in Arrow Lake before you leave.
Halfway Hot Springs
Located approximately halfway between Revelstoke and Nakusp, these springs are another escape into nature, away from civilization.
The drive requires paying special attention to directions, and a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. The most popular dates to visit are from mid-April to mid-October as the road is often snow covered until mid-April.
The springs are accessible in the winter however you will have to earn your soak by snowshoeing 11 km down the snowed in forest service road. The springs bubble right out of the hillside along a river and feed into a series of makeshift hot tubs and rock lined mud-bottomed hot pools.
The hike down to the springs is less than one kilometer but it is very steep so use caution. An hour from the nearest town and without cell service, this trek into the outdoors is the perfect way to disconnect and recharge.
Regardless of where you go, a soak in some hot springs is always good for the soul!
Enjoy and cheers from all of us here at Glacier
We'd love to hear your thoughts, well. Did we miss any hot springs you'd recommend? Let us know in the comments below.
Golden, B.C. is a renowned snowmobile destination - and for good reason! Huge snowfalls of light and dry snow, endless terrain choices and spectacular scenery have thousands of sledders flocking to the area each winter.