The Kootenay Rockies is home to six hot springs resorts.
Visit them all and enjoy the communities along the way.
Cranbrook and Kimberley offer an array of activities, attractions and wonderful overnighting options. Cranbrook is the business centre for the area while nearby Kimberley also offers great services as well as one of Canada’s largest municipal parks.
Spend a day to two exploring the Kimberley and Cranbrook cities – here’s some suggested activities and attractions:
Head north on Highway #93/95.
En route are two hot springs: Fairmont and Radium Hot Springs.
Cranbrook to Radium Hot Springs is 157 km / 98 mi.
Along the way:
- Skookumchuck offers lodging and access to the Kootenay River.
- Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers a 10,000 square foot, odourless hot springs pool complex. Resort amenities include 45 holes of golf, dining outlets, spa, lodging and deluxe RV resort and adventure centre.
- Radium Hot Springs natural mineral pool is set amidst the spectacular red rock walls of Sinclair Canyon in Kootenay National Park. The naturally heated mineral water is usually 39C (102F). The property also snacks and soft drinks through vending machines.
- Explore More in the Columbia Valley
Follow Highway #95 to Golden (106 km / 66 mi).
Head west on TransCanada Highway #1 (114 km / 70 mi) through spectacular Glacier National Park to Canyon Hot Springs Resort.
Along the way:
- Glacier National Park is set in the Columbia Mountains.
- The Rogers Pass Discovery Centre located at the summit of the pass is a National Historic Site. The site offers interpretive programs, hiking, strolling and picnicking opportunities.
- Canyon Hot Springs Resort offers 2 natural mineral hot pools, one at 40C (104F) and a swimming pool 26C (79F) plus cabin and campground accommodation. It is open during summer until late September.
Canyon Hot Springs to Revelstoke is 32 km / 20 mi.
The city of Revelstoke is a hot spot for back-country adventure and the gateway to Mount Revelstoke National Park. The picturesque downtown has retained many of its original early 20th century buildings. Enjoy the nightly street entertainment during the summer in the Grizzly Plaza.
- Experience adventure at Glacier House Resort. They offer bike and ATV side by side tours, paddle-board rentals, restaurant, lodge and cabin accommodation, and more.
- Mount Revelstoke National Park attractions include the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, Giant Cedars and Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk trails through lush rain-forests, and beautiful wetlands.
Take Highway #23 south to the Shelter / Galena Bay Ferry (50 km / 31 mi).
Ferry Crossing time is 20 minutes.
Halcyon Hot Springs Resort is located alongside Upper Arrow Lakes, a short drive from the ferry landing.
- Halcyon Resort’s four mineral-rich natural hot springs pools await, each at a different temperature. This is a place of wellness and recreation with adventure activities, a spa, restaurant and accommodation options including RV sites and camping.
Nakusp is a village with a great downtown rich in history. The town museum is packed with artifacts, and the waterfront promenade features a Japanese Garden and the Spicer Garden. Many services are offered including playgrounds and parks, a sandy beach, marina and boat launch.
- Picturesque Nakusp Hot Springs, a short drive from downtown in a beautiful mountain setting, offers a small and large pool, campground and chalet lodging. A short walk from the hot springs, Kuskanax Creek Footbridge spans the creek and has seating and glass viewing panels.
Highway #6, 31A and 31 goes to Ainsworth Hot Springs (130 km / 80 mi).
You will tour through many inviting towns. New Denver, Sandon and Kaslo are all featured in the Silvery Slocan Driving Route.
- Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is a wonderful escape on the west shore of Kootenay Lake. The property includes modern accommodation, The Ktunaxa Grill, a main hot springs pool at 35C (95F), a cold plunge and its featured historic hot springs caves.
This wraps up the Kootenay Rockies Hot Springs Tour.
The city of Nelson with its impressive array of heritage buildings is moments away, west on Highway #3A. Or, you can take the world’s longest free ferry ride across Kootenay Lake at Balfour and head south along the east shore to Creston.
