Quick FactsOverview
About Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Canada is a paid year-round resort in the Columbia Valley of British Columbia, home to Canada's largest natural mineral hot springs. The resort is in the community of Fairmont Hot Springs in the East Kootenay region, set between the Rocky and Purcell Mountains at the northern tip of a broad glacial valley. The hot springs produce more than 1.2 million gallons of odourless mineral-rich water each day, feeding large outdoor soaking and swimming pools open to day visitors and a guest-exclusive pool complex with Nordic-style plunge pools, sauna, and steam room.
The resort operates across all four seasons. In summer, the hot springs are the centrepiece alongside championship golf on 45 holes across two courses, tennis, horseback riding, and guided recreational activities. In winter, a family ski area offers groomed runs from beginner to black-diamond difficulty, cross-country ski trails, and snowshoe routes. The scale of the hot springs and the breadth of year-round activities make this one of the most comprehensively equipped resort destinations in the province. Hot springs near Invermere of this size and output are unique in the region. Accommodation options include lodge rooms, the Juniper Ridge Lodge, family cabins, and two full-service RV parks with over 300 combined sites.
Location & Access
Getting to Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is located at 5225 Fairmont Resort Road in the community of Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia, directly off Highway 93/95 in the Columbia Valley. From Cranbrook to the south, the drive is approximately 100 kilometres north on Highway 93/95 and takes roughly one hour. From Banff, Alberta, the resort is accessible via Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park, a drive of approximately two and a half to three hours through the Rockies.
From Invermere to the north, the resort is approximately 23 kilometres south on Highway 93/95, a drive of around 20 minutes. Invermere is the nearest town with a full range of services including a hospital, grocery stores, and fuel. The resort itself has on-site dining and a convenience store. The Trans-Canada Highway does not directly serve the Columbia Valley; visitors coming from the west via Revelstoke or Salmon Arm will need to travel south via Highway 23 and the Shelter Bay Ferry crossing before connecting to the Columbia Valley highway.
The resort is accessible directly by vehicle with no hiking required, and the entrance is clearly marked from Highway 93/95. Parking is available on site. For those exploring hot springs in British Columbia on a southern interior road trip, the Columbia Valley corridor connects Fairmont Hot Springs to several other resort communities including Radium Hot Springs to the north and the gateway communities for Kootenay and Banff National Parks.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort suits families, couples, and groups seeking a full-service resort experience with natural mineral hot springs access, as the pools, accommodation, dining, golf, and skiing make it one of the most comprehensively equipped thermal resorts in Canada. The pools are accessible from a flat paved environment with no hiking required, and the resort has accessible rooms and pool infrastructure, making it a practical option for those looking for accessible hot springs in Canada in a mountain setting.
The public pools accommodate both soaking and swimming and are open to day visitors. Children are welcome, and the ski hill and outdoor activities make the resort well-suited to multi-generational family stays. Lodge guests receive complimentary access to the guest-exclusive pool complex, which includes a private soaking pool, sauna, steam room, and Nordic plunge pools in a quieter setting separate from the public area.
Sports-oriented visitors will find the golf courses and ski hill well-suited to their stay. The on-site Recreation and Experience Centre offers guided hiking, horseback riding, and winter snowshoe activities. The Natural Springs Spa provides treatments for those seeking a wellness focus. For visitors planning hot springs in British Columbia alongside a national parks trip, the resort is well-positioned near Kootenay National Park.
Safety & Etiquette
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Safety Tips
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is generally safe for soaking, with the main consideration being that the hot mineral pool operates at an elevated temperature that may be too warm for very young children or those with cardiovascular conditions or high blood pressure. Visitors with such conditions are advised to consult a healthcare provider before soaking. The mineral water is odourless and treated for health compliance.
The guest-exclusive complex includes a cold plunge alongside the hot soaking pool. The transition between hot and cold water requires care for cardiovascular reasons, and a gradual approach with rest between the two is recommended. Pregnant visitors should seek medical advice before using elevated-temperature pools or steam facilities. Staying hydrated throughout a pool session is important, as extended soaking at high temperatures can cause dehydration.
During school holidays and summer weekends the public pools can become busy. Visitors who prefer a quieter soak may want to visit during off-peak hours or book overnight accommodation to access the guest-exclusive facilities. The ski area operates under standard ski safety protocols, and guests should assess their own skill level before choosing runs.
Standard pool etiquette applies throughout. Proper swimwear is required, and children must be supervised by an adult at all times in and around the water. The resort is a large property and guests should plan for some walking between the pools, accommodation, ski area, and golf facilities. Visitors with specific mobility or accessibility requirements should contact the resort in advance to confirm the most suitable arrangements for their stay.
