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David R. Gluns photo
Nakusp Hot Springs
Annalea Thiessen enjoying a poolside shower at Nakusp Hot Springs.
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Andrew Penner photo
Radium Hot Springs
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Dave Heath photo
Halycon Hot Springs
By Shannon Harrison
Dipping into History
In the southeastern corner of British Columbia, the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains rise in parallel with those of the Purcells, Selkirk and Monashee ranges. In between are valleys, rivers and lakes that have enabled human existence for thousands of years.
With incomparable scenic beauty around every turn, this is British Columbia’s Mountain Playground and the birthplace of adventure. Picture Victorian men and women, devoid of high-tech clothing and gear, roped to Swiss mountain guides as they traverse the Icefields of Glacier National Park. In the midst of this monumental landscape, geography, geology and history have conspired to create charming, alpine mountain towns in the heart of our wilderness.
One of our most unique geological phenomenons is the abundance of hot springs. Fairmont, Lussier, Radium, Canyon, Halcyon, Nakusp and Ainsworth are the names you will remember.
Fairmont Hot Springs were discovered in the 1800s when the first explorers to the area discovered the curative powers of the sweet-smelling waters. Today, visitors can take a dip in the original ‘Indian Baths’ or the 10,000 square foot, year-round pool complex. The adjacent RV Park is surrounded by Rocky Mountain wilderness and just a short walk to the hot springs. The RV Resort includes 235 sites, 220 of which are full serviced. Get back to nature in comfort and style.
Lussier Hot Springs offers a wilderness setting of several hot pools which have been carved over time alongside Lussier Creek in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. Visitors have the option of a wonderful soak in one of the pools, or for those who dare, a dip in the chilly creek. The hot springs are a short drive to Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park and 5 campgrounds (offering 114 campsites).
Radium Hot Springs is set amidst the spectacular red rock walls of Sinclair Canyon in Kootenay National Park. Many, over time, have soaked-up the views of this beautiful scenery, from the Ktunaxa nation and earlier explorers of the 1800s to visitors today. Just a short drive away from the historic pools are two provincial campgrounds, Redstreak and Dry Gulch, private RV Parks – plus Bed & Breakfasts, motels and full-service hotels & resorts in the picturesque community of Radium Hot Springs.
Canyon Hot Springs is located at Albert Canyon, once an iconic Canadian Pacific Railway stop located between Glacier and Mt. Revelstoke National Parks. The 200-acre property is set in the mighty Selkirk Mountains, an area of great natural beauty. On-site the resort offers both cabins/chalets and a 200-site campground (including group sites). A beautiful, tranquil setting for an outdoor wedding or family reunion. Just 35 km west is the community of Revelstoke, here you have a wide-variety of RV Parks, provincial campgrounds, motels, hotels, Bed & Breakfast properties, Resorts and more.
Surrounded by the Monashee mountain range and the crystal-blue Arrow Lake, Halcyon Hot Springs offers travellers remarkable views while soaking in their healing waters. Sternwheeler and steamboats once plied these waters, bringing the first visitors to this iconic location when the first hotel opened in 1894. The cozy resort offers luxurious cottages and a small RV/campground, just moments away from the hot pools. The Sanus Per Quam Spa and culinary team at the Kingfisher restaurant add to the resort’s full-services.
The Nakusp Hot Springs naturally heated mineral pools are situated in a beautiful mountain setting. It's the perfect place to get away from your hectic lifestyle, soak in the hot mineral water and rejuvenate your mind and body. Relax in one of the spacious creekside RV and tenting sites, or a rustic Cedar Chalets, just steps away from the hot spring pools.
During the Silvery Slocan mining boom, this tranquil village was a major transportation hub. The town's museum is packed with artifacts and displays that illustrate this rich history. Today the village of Nakusp, alongside the Monashee Mountain range offers an abundance of hiking and biking opportunities and services include playground, parks, camping, sandy beach, marina and boat launch.
Stroll along Nakusp's Waterfront park - featuring a Japanese Garden and the Spicer Garden. A covered bridge with seating and glass viewing panels spans the Kuskanax. On a hot day, it's a great place to spend some time, a short walk from the hot springs. Or just enjoy this holiday destination for swimming, boating, jet skiing, water skiing and fishing.
The unique Ainsworth Hot Springs feature a horseshoe-shaped cave carved out by miners attempting to find gold, only to find hot water. Local aboriginals taking advantage of the sockeye salmon run and huckleberry crop in the area originally discovered the springs themselves. Today, you can explore the stalactites caves that drip condensation and steam air to sooth your lung and infuse your cares away while taking in the surrounding breathtaking views. The Resort’s guest room have been recently been renovated for your on-site stay and soak packages, or stay at a nearby RV Park along scenic Kootenay Lake.
Sooth your spirit in one of the Kootenay Rockies legendary natural mineral hot springs!