Quick FactsOverview
About Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, Canada is a commercial hot springs resort on the western shore of Kootenay Lake in British Columbia, on Highway 31 between Balfour and Kaslo. The resort is distinguished by a natural 150-foot horseshoe cave fed by geothermal mineral water, which visitors walk through while soaking. An outdoor lounging pool and a cold plunge complete the water facilities on site.
The property has historical roots dating to the 1880s, when the area was first developed and the springs were recognised for their mineral content. The resort was renovated in 2012 and expanded in 2019, and now includes a hotel, a restaurant, and a full-service spa. The springs were historically significant to the Ktunaxa First Nations, and the land is owned by Yaqan Nukiy, the Lower Kootenay Band of Creston. Hot springs near Kaslo of this historical depth are uncommon, and Ainsworth is among the most well-established hot springs in British Columbia.
The geothermal water originates near the Cody Caves system, travelling through rock fractures before being forced upward by hydraulic pressure at a lakeshore fault. It enters the resort at a high temperature and is cooled to suitable levels for both the cave and the outdoor pool. The water is treated in accordance with Canadian health regulations.
Location & Access
Getting to Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is reached by a direct drive on Highway 31, approximately 18 kilometres north of Balfour and 19 kilometres south of Kaslo on the west shore of Kootenay Lake. From Nelson, the drive takes approximately 45 minutes via Highway 3A to Balfour and then north on Highway 31. No hiking is required. The resort entrance is on the highway with parking available on site at 3609 Balfour-Kaslo-Galena Bay Highway, Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC.
Visitors arriving from the west via the Trans-Canada Highway can reach the resort through Nelson. Those driving from Vancouver should allow approximately eight hours via the Crowsnest Highway east through Hope and into the Kootenays. From Kaslo to the north, the drive is approximately 15 minutes south on Highway 31. The resort is a convenient stop along the Kootenay Lake highway corridor, which passes through several communities with services and accommodation.
Public transit options to Ainsworth are limited and most visitors arrive by private vehicle. The Kootenay Lake Ferry operates between Balfour and Kootenay Bay, a free crossing for those on the east-west route. The ferry is not required for visitors coming from Nelson or Kaslo. Those exploring hot springs in British Columbia will find Ainsworth well-positioned on the lake's western shoreline with reliable year-round road access from multiple directions.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort suits a wide range of visitors, from families with children to older travellers seeking accessible thermal soaking in a well-maintained facility. The outdoor pool operates at a moderate temperature suitable for extended soaking, the terrain around the pools is flat and easy to navigate, and the resort's hotel, restaurant, and spa provide full amenities on site. For those seeking accessible hot springs in Canada without needing to hike or navigate rough terrain, the resort is a practical option.
Families will find the resort well-suited to mixed-age groups. The outdoor lounging pool is large and operates at a comfortable temperature. The horseshoe cave, which requires walking through warm mineral water in a curved natural tunnel, appeals to visitors of many ages. Children should be supervised in the cave and near the cold plunge. The resort requires proper swimwear in all water areas and does not permit pets in the pool zone.
Couples, solo visitors, and groups passing through the Kootenays will find Ainsworth more comprehensively equipped than a typical undeveloped hot spring. The Spirit Water Spa offers massage and treatments for those seeking a broader wellness experience. Hotel guests receive complimentary pool access, making an overnight stay a practical way to visit at quieter times. The resort has been operating for decades and reflects sustained upkeep. Among hot springs in British Columbia, Ainsworth occupies a distinctive position as a historically rooted facility with modern amenities.
Safety & Etiquette
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort Safety Tips
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is generally safe for soaking, though the cave section runs at a higher temperature than the outdoor pool, and moving to the cold plunge requires care for those with cardiovascular conditions or blood pressure concerns. Anyone with a health condition affected by heat or mineral water should consult a healthcare provider before visiting. The water is treated under Canadian health regulations.
The horseshoe cave is an enclosed environment with elevated heat and humidity. Visitors uncomfortable in confined or warm spaces should consider this before entering. The cave floor is wet and uneven, so footwear with grip is advisable. Children and elderly visitors should take care inside. Time in the cave should be moderated, as the conditions are more intense than soaking in an open pool.
The cold plunge presents a sharp temperature contrast. Moving directly from hot to cold can stress the cardiovascular system, so a gradual transition with rest at air temperature in between is recommended. Pregnant visitors and those with heart conditions or high blood pressure should seek medical guidance before using elevated-temperature thermal pools.
Standard etiquette applies throughout. Proper swimwear is required in all water areas, and visitors are asked to shower before entering. Pets are not permitted in the pool zone. Photography should be conducted with consideration for others. Visitors are responsible for monitoring their own response to soaking, and staying well hydrated before and after a session in the hot features is advised.
