Kelowna 
The reasons to visit Kootenay Lake are seemingly endless. This is true for a relaxing vacation, a road trip through British Columbia, or for those seeking adventure. Central to the highway, which follows Kootenay Lake north to south, is the small community of Ainsworth. Within the village and a short way from the highway are some of Kootenay Lake’s most notable reasons for a visit!
Credit: Destination BC/Kari Medig
The village of Ainsworth, located about 50 km from Nelson, is home to one of the Kootenay area’s premier attractions – Ainsworth Hot Springs.
The hot springs have long been a sacred healing site for the Ktunaxa people. Once a booming mining town in the 1880s, the village remains cherished for its natural beauty and the therapeutic hot springs that continue to attract visitors seeking relaxation and relief.
There are more attractions in the area, including fascinating caves, waterfalls, and historic sites.
Ainsworth Hot Springs
The Ainsworth Hot Springs originate from natural sources which start in the nearby Cody Caves area. The resort and its pool area are built around the natural spring where the water emerges from the rocks. With it, visitors get a luxurious mountain spa experience. Soak in the pool, explore the small cave, or have a bite to eat.
The Hot Springs Resort is a popular accommodation option in the area, while the pool and hot springs are open to non-hotel guests as well. Advance reservations for time at the pool are recommended. Those staying at the hotel have more time to access the pool and cave and do not need to make reservations.
The resort operates a full-service spa, too! Spirit Water Spa offer treatments like facials, massages, healing treatments, sauna time, and couples’ packages. Lastly, both guests and non-guests are able to take in the lakeside views and a delicious meal from The Ktunaxa Grill.
Cody Caves & Tours
AS mentioned above, the Ainsworth Hot Springs are fed naturally by streams that originate up the mountain near the Cody Caves. The Cody Caves are accessible with the help of Cody Cave Tours and are the only way to get inside the deep caves. The Cody Cave Tours come in three package options, all categorized by depth. The deepest exploration comes from their Adventure Tour for ages 12 and up.
The Family Tour is perfect for those with kids and can accommodate those as young as five years old. The mid-level package is their Explorer Tour for those 10 years and older.
Around the Cody Caves is Provincial Park land with a trail system on the exterior of the cave system.
More Parks & Picnic Ideas near Ainsworth
Exploring Highway 31 north to south (or vice versa) offers up many opportunities for a scenic roadside stop. Plan ahead with some of these dining options and fill up the picnic basket with local goodies.
- The Kaslo Saturday Market is open throughout summer and fall in downtown Kaslo, north of Ainsworth. Stop by for fresh picnic foods and snacks, and to browse the local gifts or souvenirs. Bring those snacks and farm-fresh foods to Kaslo Bay Park for a lakeside picnic.
- Fletcher Creek Falls Recreation Site is a bit closer to Ainsworth than Kaslo while still on the shores of Kootenay Lake. Enjoy your picnic next to the waterfalls or the lake! Stock up on takeout from JB’s Pub & Family Restaurant close to the site, or from the Ktunaxa Grill in the Hot Springs Resort.
- Stock up on snacks from any of the above-mentioned places before heading to the Cody Caves Provincial Park. The area has picnic amenities such as tables and washrooms.
SS Moyie National Historic Site
If visiting Kaslo for that Saturday Market, or for any other sightseeing, and even while driving through, be sure to stop by the S.S. Moyie! This National Historic Site and Museum is open daily from Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving. The SS Moyie National Historic Site is parked on Kootenay Lake next to the Kaslo Visitor Centre.
The S.S. Moyie Sternwheeler is an open museum to the public, while there are additional historic buildings to see on the grounds. Explore the sternwheeler, the Kuskanook Ladies’ Salon, the CPR Caboose, and the Miner’s Cabin. Call ahead for guided tours!
Ainsworth & Area Accommodations
One of the best parts about booking a place to stay along the Balfour-Kaslo-Galena Bay Highway is that almost all of the options are waterfront. While not every room may be a lakeview room, all of these options are steps away from scenic spots on Kootenay Lake or the other side of the highway.
- Stay right in Ainsworth with the Kootenay Getaway, Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, Woodbury Resort & Marina, or the Ainsworth Motel.
- Head up the highway for a stay at the Bougainville Lodge, or The Sentinel, two great options in Kaslo, north of Ainsworth.
- Kootenay Lakeview Resort offers some added luxury to your stay south of Ainsworth and near Queens Bay.
