Cover photo courtesy Shallan Knowles
Nothing beats a hot spring soak after a fall day hike, and Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort (40 minutes north of Nelson, B.C.), is surrounded by some pretty spectacular options. Take your pick from old-growth forest, stream-or-lakeside strolls, challenging hill climbs, or cascading waterfalls. Then kick back and relax in the natural, mineral-rich thermal waters at Ainsworth. The vast mountainous country that sprawls in all directions contains more hikes than you could take on in a lifetime of road trips, but these are a few autumn favorites.
- Kokanee Old Growth Cedars (2.4k round trip). Located 11.7k up the Kokanee Glacier Road by Kokanee Provincial Park, between Nelson and Ainsworth, this grove of huge trees up to 800 years old is a humbling and inspiring hike that just about anyone can take on.
- Kaslo River Trail System (from 1k to a full day of wandering). Right on the edge of the village of Kaslo, this trail system has loops, red covered bridges, and streamside views of spawning Kokanee in September. Hike as far or as little as you like and keep an eye out for interpretive signs and the handiwork of local artists along the trail.
- Fletcher Falls (around 1k round trip). 6k south of Kaslo, the short but steep hike down to Fletcher Falls and the shore of Kootenay Lake rewards hikers with the pounding spray of an impressive waterfall and a gorgeous picnic and rock-skipping spot on the lake.
Book your Ainsworth hot spring session in advance (included with lodging) and do yourself a favor and make dinner reservations at the on-site Ktunaxa Grill while you’re at it. Ainsworthhotsprings.com.
Sponsored
