Kelowna 
British Columbia’s mountains offer many ways to relax. From fishing and paddling to camping, hiking, or time on the beaches, British Columbia has plenty of options for ways to unwind. However, no other activity will make you feel quite as relaxed as a soak in a natural hot spring.
Credit: Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort
Indulge in the experience year-round, too! The Ainsworth Hotel and Resort in the Kootenay Mountains offers hot spring relaxation any time of year, plus a host of other on-site and nearby activities. And what makes the Ainsworth Hot Spring a bit more unique is its connection to the nearby caves of the Kootenay Mountains.
The resort is located along the shores of Kootenay Lake with great lake views from the pool, rooms, and the restaurant.
Hot Springs, Spa & Caves
The Ainsworth Hot Springs are naturally sourced and rich in minerals (the most abundant being magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium). Even without the spa, a pool dip is a relaxing and luxurious experience. The pool and spa are open to both hotel guests and the public. Pool reservations are required for those not staying with the Ainsworth Resort, while guests have an all-access pass to the pool and cave.
Credit: Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort
The swimming and relaxation areas include a large main pool and the cave!
Upon entering the cave adjacent to the main pool deck, swimmers are completely covered by the mountain in an enclosed tunnel. The tunnel/cave is well-lit for safe passage through the rocks.
Amp up the relaxation at the resort’s Spirit Water Spa. Indulge in treatments like facials, massages, take some time in the sauna, or enjoy a romantic couples’ package.
Ways to Stay at the Resort
The resort offers two accommodation areas: rooms in the main building or separate Yaqan Nukiy Suites. For the main building rooms, choose between mountain or lake view rooms and rooms suited for up to five people.
The Yaqan Nukiy Suites are apartment-style rooms with private patios overlooking Kootenay Lake. These rooms are only 100m from the main resort building.
The Ktunaxa Grill
The Ktunaxa Grill is the Ainsworth Resort’s on-site restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And whether you’re inside the dining room, or out on the patio, the entire restaurant provides great lake views for your dining experience. Kids’ menus are also included!
More to do Near Ainsworth
The Ainsworth Hot Springs are fed naturally by streams that start near the Cody Caves. And with the help of Cody Cave Tours, this nearby Provincial Park offers even more cave exploration. The Cody Caves are accessible through guided tours or the Provincial Park. Cody Caves Provincial Park is a great picnic and hiking area, with shorter cave sections accessible on self-guided hikes.
Pack a picnic for the Fletcher Creek Falls Recreation Site, also on the shores of Kootenay Lake. The site has picnic tables near the lake and the waterfall, while the resort’s Ktunaxa Grill offers takeout options to pack in the basket.
Kaslo is a short drive north of Ainsworth, with plenty to explore. The most notable attraction is Kaslo’s S.S. Moyie Sternwheeler. The boat is open to the public as a museum with more historic buildings surrounding the area shoreline and part of the museum. Kaslo also has picturesque waterfront parks and trails, several more accommodation options, and several local dining options.
Planning Your Trip – Ainsworth Hot Springs
What: A resort and public pool/spa built around the natural Ainsworth Hot Springs. The hot springs are fed by streams.
The origin of the hot springs can be explored via the Cody Caves, which are up the mountain from Ainsworth. The hotel and resort are open for accommodations, public pool and spa use, and dining.
Location and how to get there: 3609 Balfour-Kaslo-Galena Bay Hwy, Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC
48km north of Nelson on Highway BC-3A or 22km south of Kaslo
Cost: pool access $12-$18 per person
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