Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort

Category: Hot Springs-soakable

GPS GeoCoords: 49.736, -116.911016
(Courtesy of GuyThaLizard)

In the heart of the Kootenay wilderness is the tiny village of Ainsworth Hot Springs, set into the mountainside overlooking the vast expanse of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains.

The village is the location of the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, whose natural hot springs feature a unique horseshoe-shaped cave where the darkness, the mineral deposits and the humidity all combine to offer an exhilarating experience.

The hot steamy, odorless shower of mineralized water falls from the cave's roof and forms a waist-deep pool, providing a rejuvenating natural steam bath. The main pool provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of West Kootenay's majestic scenery - Purcell Mountains and Kootenay Lake.

The springs originate in the Cody Caves area, directly above and to the west of Ainsworth Hot Springs. The water works its way down through porous rock to a depth of 1.5 to 2 kilometres, increasing in temperature at a rate of 40 degree Celsius per kilometre, until it strikes what is known as the Lakeshore Fault. This fault is an impervious layer of rock lying at an angle of 45 to 50 degrees from Ainsworth Hot Springs to a point directly below the Cody Caves. Hydraulic pressure forces the water up along the fault where it emerges at Ainsworth Hot Springs, where the hot water spills through caves and out into the main pool. From the caves, the outflow of piping-hot water is filtered twice and lightly chlorinated before flowing into the slightly cooler outdoor pools.

The hot springs are heated naturally and vary in temperature between 40-42°C (104-114°F) in the Cave, 35-38°C (96-101°F) in the Pool, and 4-10°C (40-50°F) for the Cold Plunge. The caves are old mine tunnels carved out by miners attempting to increase the flow of hot water from the springs. Visitors can explore the cave's tunnels and stalactites, relaxed on a hot ledge, find the natural hot shower or have a natural sauna.

Considered to be the best commercial hot spring in BC, Ainsworth is open year-round, and is popular with families and local residents wishing to linger in the soothing waters and play in this exhilarating wilderness playground. Any time is a good time to visit Ainsworth, but the cool, crisp air on winter days provides a delightful contrast to the warmth and humidity in the caves.

Virtual 360 Tour
(outside link, Java required)

Tel: (250)229-4212
Email