Hot springs occur naturally in the Kootenay Rockies of British Columbia and the region boasts six hot springs resorts – Ainsworth, Canyon, Fairmont, Halcyon, Nakusp and Radium Hot Springs - each located in the midst of beautiful mountainous scenery. Enjoy the calm and rejuvenating waters.

Driving Directions

The Hot Springs Loop is a Circle Route beginning near the city of Cranbrook on Highway 95, travelling north on Hwy 93/95 to the town of Golden. From Golden to Revelstoke, you will be travelling west on the TransCanada Hwy #1. Once at the city of Revelstoke, you will turn south on Hwy 23. At the village of Nakusp, continue southeast on Hwy 6 to New Denver, then head east on Hwy 31A to Kaslo. South from Kaslo on Hwy 31 will bring you to Ainsworth Hot Springs. Once you've taken the scenic & free Kootenay Lake Ferry from Balfour to Kootenay Bay, Hwy 3A will take you back to Creston and eventually Cranbrook again.

Points of Interest and Highlights along the Drive

CRANBROOK:

The Loop begins in the city of Cranbrook. As the basecamp of the Kootenay Rockies, Cranbrook has it all - From all the trails one can dream of to multiple award-winning golf courses all within a 20 minute drive from town, Cranbrook is an adventure and outdoor enthusiast's paradise.

Leaving Cranbrook, travel north on Hwy 95A to Kimberley, once a thriving mining town, now a four-season alpine city. Cranbrook to Kimberley: 28 km/17 mi. Continue north on Hwy 93/95 towards Fairmont Hot Springs. Kimberley to Fairmont Hot Springs: 96 km/60 mi.

FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS:

The historic Fairmont Hot Springs Resort was founded in 1965 and offers three hot pools. Mineral waters average 30 to 39°C (86-102°F). Resort amenities also include accommodation, dining, golf courses, spa services, hiking, and on-site guided tours such as kayaking, snowshoeing and kid’s programs.

INVERMERE & LAKE WINDERMERE:

Another great vacation destination is the quaint town of Invermere and Lake Windermere. Fairmont to Invermere: 18 km/11 mi. Nearby Panorama Mountain Village, a four season resort offers many outdoor pursuits and the Panorama Springs pools, hot tubs and water slide complex, exclusive to overnighting guests. Invermere to Panorama Mountain Village: 18 km/11 mi.

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS:

Radium Hot Springs natural mineral pool is set amidst the spectacular rock walls of Sinclair Canyon in Kootenay National Park. The dramatic scenery and soothing water combine to rejuvenate. The odorless hot pool is open year-round at 39°C/102°F and the swimming pool is 27°C/81°F. The village of Radium Hot Springs offers complete amenities for the visitor including dining, shopping, golfing, and many accommodation properties. Invermere to Radium Hot Springs: 13 km/8 mi.Continue north on Highway 95 to Golden. Radium Hot Springs to Golden: 106 km/66 mi.

GOLDEN, BC:

Golden is surrounded by six of Canada’s most stunning national parks; Yoho, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Mount Revelstoke and is a great base from which to experience the spectacular scenery, iconic hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes and heritage sites of the national parks.

CANYON HOT SPRINGS:

The TransCanada Hwy #1 and Rogers Pass will take you through magnificent Glacier National Park and to Canyon Hot Springs. Golden to Canyon Hot Springs: 116 km/72 mi. This resort, open June to September, offers natural mineral hot pools - a 15,000-gallon hot pool (40°C/104°F) and a 60,000-gallon swimming pool (32°C/86°F), a campground, rv park and wonderful cabin accommodations. Set in the Columbia Mountains, its location also offers many attractions in Mount Revelstoke National Park. Canyon Hot Springs to Revelstoke: 32 km/20 mi

REVELSTOKE:

Tucked between the Monashee and Selkirk Mountain Ranges of southeastern British Columbia, Revelstoke abounds with natural beauty. It is located in the world’s only inland temperate rainforest.

Once you arrive at the city of Revelstoke, head south on Highway #23 towards the Upper Arrow Lakes Ferry for a 20-minute scenic crossing to Galena Bay and soon thereafter, Halcyon Hot Springs. Revelstoke to Ferry Crossing: 56 km/31 mi. Ferry Crossing to Halcyon Hot Springs: 20 km/12 mi

HALCYON HOT SPRINGS:

Surrounded by the spectacular Monashee mountain range and the crystal blue lake, the resort’s four mineral-rich natural hot springs pools await, each at a different temperature. Revitalize in the full-service spa or enjoy fresh and delicious selections from the Kingfisher’s culinary team while taking in the alpine scenery. Open year-round, this is a place of wellness and recreation with a wide variety of adventure activities and accommodation options from comfortable quaint cabins to luxurious mountain chalets. Halcyon Hot Springs to the village of Nakusp: 25 km/16 mi.

NAKSUP:

Continuing alongside the beautiful Arrow Lakes to the village of Nakusp is a pleasure. Nakusp offers a lovely waterfront walkway displaying several gardens – one of them being a beautiful Japanese Garden. The Nakusp Hot Springs naturally heated mineral pools are situated in a beautiful mountain setting, with creeks rushing by and trees to shade your eyes. The hot pool averages 38°C/103°F and the warm pool 38°C/100°F. Cedar chalets and a shaded campground are located on-site. There’s also a variety of lodging available nearby and downtown. Nakusp Hot Springs is located 15 km/9 mi off highway from the village. Once you’re ready to proceed, travel south on Hwy #6 to New Denver. Nakusp to New Denver: 46 km/28 mi.

NEW DENVER:

New Denver offers artisan shops, walking trails and the Nikkei Internment Centre. Turn left and take Hwy 31A past the ghost town of Sandon to the pretty village of Kaslo – or – take a side trip to Silverton, just 5 minutes south of New Denver. Silverton Gallery and the Historical Interpretive Centre are located in the heart of town. New Denver to Kaslo: 46 km/28 mi.

SANDON & KASLO:

Sandon and Kaslo offer excellent historical attractions such as Slocan Mercantile Block and the SS Moyie. Kaslo to Ainsworth Hot Springs: 20 km/13 mi.

AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS:

Ainsworth Hot Springs is a short drive south on Hwy #31 from Kaslo. This resort offers casual dining and modern, comfortable rooms overlooking beautiful Kootenay Lake. These unique odorless hot springs have a horseshoe shaped cave, which is lined with stalagmites and stalactites. Explore the cave pool (43°C/109°F) or relax in the main pool, averaging 35°C (95°F) and gaze at the magnificent Purcell Mountain view. For the brave, there’s also a stream-fed cold plunge which changes temperatures with the seasons. Ainsworth Hot Springs to Balfour: 14km/9mi.

BALFOUR & KOOTENAY LAKE FERRY:

At Balfour, take the free Kootenay Lake Ferry to Crawford Bay. Ferry Crossing time: 35 minutes. Ferry Landing to Creston: 78 km/48 mi. NOTE: The time zone changes mid-lake. Balfour is in the Pacific Time Zone. The other side of the lake, Crawford Bay/Creston is on Mountain Time. Crawford Bay to Creston: 76km/47mi.

CRESTON:

Travelling along Hwy #3A and the east shore of Kootenay Lake provides opportunities to explore many artisan shops before you enter the colourful world of orchards and gardens at Creston - a wonderful way to wrap up the Hot Springs tour. Then, it’s a quick one hour drive from Creston back to Cranbrook, the business centre for the area.