| British Columbia has a
large number of hot springs, many of which are situated in the BC Rockies, in
some of the most scenic areas in the world. While most springs are often located
in delightful undeveloped areas, often reached after a long hike up a mountain
valley, some have been developed into international resort destinations. A circle
tour of the BC Rockies region allows you to experience the hot wonders that await
you in British Columbia.
Map of the Kootenays
and BC Rockies From
a starting point in Creston, in the
southern Kootenays, head north on Highway 3A to Kootenay Bay, and cross Kootenay
Lake by ferry to Balfour (crossing time 35 minutes). From Balfour the beautiful
town of Nelson is well worth the side
trip. Continue north on Highway 31 along the western shore of Kootenay Lake to
Ainsworth Hot Springs.
Ainsworth Hot Springs In the heart
of the Kootenay wilderness is the community of Ainsworth Hot Springs. Set into
the mountainside overlooking the vast expanse of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell
Mountains is Ainsworth Hot Springs resort, which features three odourless pools,
a 150-foot unique horseshoe-shaped cave, main lounging pool and stream-fed cold
plunge. A highlight of the natural hot springs is the horseshoe cave, which offers
an exhilarating experience. More
on Ainsworth Hot Springs.
Continue
north on Highways 31/31A through Kaslo
to New Denver and on to the community of Nakusp,
where two hot spring resorts are located: Halcyon
Hot Springs From Nakusp drive north on Hwy 23 to Halcyon Hot Springs,
located on the shores of beautiful Arrow Lakes. Halcyon's beneficial hot mineral
waters have a unique combination of sodium, lithium, magnesium, calcium, and strontium,
which can provide relief from arthritis, osteoporosis, and gout. Halcyon Hot Springs
is surrounded by spectacular alpine peaks, crystal blue lakes, rivers and streams,
an abundance of wildlife, and a magical legend.
More on Halcyon Hot Springs. Nakusp
Hot Springs Nakusp Hot Springs, located just outside the community
of Nakusp, is a wonderful place to relax, kick back, and enjoy the soothing mineral
waters of the naturally heated mineral springs. Although the Nakusp Hot Springs
might lack some of the drama of the horseshoe-shaped tunnel at Ainsworth Hot Springs,
they nonetheless provide an equally vivid hot-spring experience. The setting is
a narrow canyon through which the Kuskanax River runs. More
on Nakusp Hot Springs. From
Nakusp, continue north again on Highway 23 to Galena Bay, and a second ferry crossing,
this time of Upper Arrow Lake to Shelter Bay. Back on the road again, Highway
23 brings you to the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) and the city of Revelstoke.
After a visit in Revelstoke, travel eastbound on the Trans-Canada to Canyon Hot
Springs, passing through Mount Revelstoke National Park. Canyon
Hot Springs The Canyon Hot Springs are located in Albert Canyon in
British Columbia's spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains east of Revelstoke, between
Glacier and Mt. Revelstoke National Parks. Canyon Hot Springs resort is open in
summer, from May to September. Whether you choose to soak in the 15,000-gallon
hot pool or swim in the 60,000-gallon warm swimming pool, your visit is sure to
be an exhilarating experience. More
on Canyon Hot Springs. Continue
eastwards through Glacier National Park and Rogers
Pass to the community of Golden,
before continuing south on Highway 95 to two fabulous hot springs in the Columbia
River Valley. Radium
Hot Springs The village of Radium Hot Springs is little more than
a support system for area vacation development; gas stations, a couple of cafes,
and a string of motels that grow denser as one nears the hot springs at Radium
Hot Springs. But people come here for more than the town that is located within
the boundaries of Kootenay National Park, they come here for the natural hot springs,
and Canada's largest hot springs pool. More
on Radium Hot Springs.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
The community of Fairmont Hot
Springs is nestled in the Columbia River Valley, between the Canadian Rocky Mountains
and the Purcell Mountain range, just outside Kootenay National Park. With
two championship golf courses, spa facilities and the largest natural mineral
hot pools in Canada that are a legendary attraction, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
attracts visitors from all over the world.
More on Fairmont Hot Springs. From
Radium Hot Springs a visit to Kootenay National Park
is a highlight of any trip to the area. From Fairmont, visitors have the option
of visiting some of the undeveloped hot springs in the BC Rockies. Continue south
on Highway 95/93 to south of Canal Flats, and turn east onto the Whiteswan Lake
Road, which will take you to Lussier Hot Springs.
Lussier
Hot Springs The wilderness Lussier Hot Springs are located near the
western boundary of Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, within the Kootenay Range
of the Rocky Mountains . Whiteswan forestry Road climbs steadily from Hwy 93/95,
entering Lussier Gorge, where a maintained walking trail leads down to a set of
four delightful rock pools alongside the Lussier River that are very popular during
the summer months. More
on Lussier Hot Springs. Ram
Creek Hot Springs The luke warm Ram Creek Hot Springs are clear and odourless,
with an average temperature range from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). The pools
are not accessible by vehicle during the winter months. A snowmobile or cross-country
skis are required. From Skookumchuk watch for the sign to Premier Lake. Head up
Premier Lake Road and pass the turnoff to Premier Lake after 8 km. Continue travelling
straight, now on the gravel Sheep Creek Road North. Following the main road for
approximately 12 km, the road curves right and up the hill. There is room to park
on the left hand side. You will see hot springs trickling towards the road, and
a path up a slope to the springs, which are located in an ecological reserve.
From Lussier Hot Springs you can reach Ram Creek Hot Springs by way of back roads
in approximately 45 minutes. Dewar Creek Hot Springs The Dewar
Creek Hot Springs are undeveloped, and the spring water is too hot to bathe in.
From Marysville, south of Kimberley on Highway 95A, drive 38.1 km west on St.
Mary Lake Forestry Road. The turnoff to Dewar Creek Road is 500 metres beyond
the prominent White Creek bridge. Avoid the left turn onto the signed West Fork
St. Mary River Road. Turn right (north) on to Dewar Creek Road, continue 22.7
km to the end of the road and park in a large cleared area. Hike approximately
9 km on the forested Dewar Creek Trail, an outfitters horse trail that can be
muddy and indistinct in places. This is a day hike, and the trail can be difficult
to follow as it forges the creek numerous times and overlaps game trails at several
places. Returning to Kimberley
and Cranbrook, Crowsnest Highway 3 will
return you to your starting point in the town of Creston, soothed, relaxed and
ready to face the world again. |