Destination dining in the Kootenays north of Nelson, BC
Cover photo courtesy of Ainsworth Hot Springs
You might not normally drive 200 miles for a great meal, but the Ktunaxa Grill, located on the top floor at Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort with sprawling windows that overlook Kootenay Lake, may make you think twice.
Named after the Ktunaxa First Nations whose traditional lands expand far beyond the breathtaking lake and mountain views at the resort north of Nelson, BC, the menu features an indigenous-inspired menu with local ingredients prepared with classic and innovative cooking techniques. The result, best enjoyed after a relaxing soak in the on-site hot spring pools and a waiting pillow at the resort, is a healthy, non-hormone, allergy-friendly and antibiotic-free dining delight.
The hot springs at what is today Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort were first visited by the Ktunaxa First Nations peoples, who experienced the warm waters as a welcome respite after a long day of hunting, fishing, and gathering roots and berries in what is now known as the Kootenay region. Since time immemorial, the Ktunaxa people have utilized this site as a place for healing. After battle, warriors would soak in the spirit waters (nupika wu’u) to ease the wounds sustained in the fight to defend their beautiful territory. Today, Ainsworth Hot Springs is owned by Yaqan Nukiy, the Lower Kootenay Band of Creston, B.C., returning the Ktunaxa peoples to this significant land so that they may share their appreciation with others.
The scenic drive from Spokane to the hot springs at Ainsworth are an easy and rewarding trek that many regularly make throughout the seasons. Come winter, the towering snowy peaks and cold, glistening waters of Kootenay Lake are an especially stunning backdrop to it all. Not to be overshadowed by the hot springs and postcard views, the Ktunaxa Grill is a must-experience destination in its own right.
Cory Chapman, a Red Seal chef with 30 years of experience in casual and fine dining, has been the executive chef at Ktunaxa Grill for the past eight years. Creating and evolving the culinary program at Ktunaxa Grill has been an adventure, says Chapman, explaining that indigenous fare is sadly a subject with little documented history in Canada. “My process is attempting to be as local as possible, using ingredients found in nature as well as farmed or cultivated in our part of the province, [including] BC’s coast and farther south to the U.S. and east to Alberta.” Chapman says game meats, fresh seafood and local vegetables are the primary focus of the menu.
Open daily Wednesdays through Sundays and Monday morning, the restaurant menu features dishes that will leave you dreaming about them between visits. From grilled elk satay and bison French onion soup appetizers to the kale quinoa salad with a maple vinaigrette, with mains like cast iron pork chops, herb-crusted walleye, and wild game bolognaise, the Ktunaxa Grill consistently delivers memorable meals. Plan your winter escape to Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort and the Ktunaxa Grill at Ainsworthhotsprings.com.
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