Cover photo courtesy of Aaron Theisin
The hiking and backpacking possibilities in the mountains surrounding Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort would take years to fully explore, but here are a few favorites trails to get you started. For more options and detailed hike descriptions and maps, pick up a copy of the “West Kootenay Hiking” guidebook by Abby Wilson.
Toad Mountain (Nelson area)
5 miles roundtrip with 1,821 feet of elevation gain
Hike a ridgeline with panoramic views over Nelson, Kootenay Lake and surrounding peaks.

Kokanee Glacier Trail to Kaslo Lake & Glory Basin (Nelson area)
13 miles roundtrip with 2,830 feet of elevation gain
This Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park hike leads from the Gibson Lake Trailhead to Kaslo Lake, passing Kokanee and Garland lakes along the way.
Jumbo Pass (Kaslo area)
6.2 miles roundtrip with 2,625 feet of elevation gain
Panoramic views of the Purcell Mountains and the Horseshoe Glacier reward hikers who take on this moderately challenging hike. The two-hour, dirt-road drive to the trailhead from Kaslo can make this a less-crowded option.
Kaslo River Trail (Kaslo area)
1.9 miles roundtrip with minimal elevation gain
A scenic trail that winds along the Kaslo River right on the edge of town with interpretive signs, connections to other trails and river crossings on red-painted foot bridges.
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