Why Ainsworth Hot Springs is the perfect hikers’ base camp
Cover photo courtesy of Kari Medig
There’s nothing quite like sliding into naturally heated mineral waters after a day out on the trail. At Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort north of Nelson, B.C., there are so many hiking options nearby that it makes an ideal destination for pairing of hikes and hot springs.
Perched on the shores of Kootenay Lake, Ainsworth has been drawing visitors to its therapeutic waters for over a century, but it’s the surrounding mountains that transform a simple soak into an adventure paradise. The resort sits at the convergence of some of the Kootenays’ most spectacular hiking terrain, making it the ideal base camp for those who believe the best hot springs sessions are earned through sweat equity.
Spend your days exploring alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers or navigating rocky ridgelines with views of the Purcells and Selkirks, then returning to the resort’s hot springs pools where the mineral water will work its magic on trail-weary limbs. Summer brings the region’s hiking season into full swing, with endless trails nearby. Whether you’re seeking gentle river strolls or challenging backcountry ascents, the diversity of terrain means you’ll find your ideal trail.
For those who prefer to extend the experience beyond a day trip, the resort’s comfortable and modern on-site accommodations also come with extended guest-only soaking hours. The resort’s restaurant, the Ktunaxa Grill, serves locally-inspired meals all day with panoramic lake views. This is adventure travel at its best—where the journey rewards you not just with summit views and wildflower meadows, but with a restorative soak and chance to truly relax. Plan your trip at Ainsworthhotsprings.com.
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