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April 17, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Pemberton, Hot Springs
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Soaking in hot springs is one my favourite ways to relax. I’ve been to a few developed hot springs in BC (Ainsworth, Halcyon, Fairmont and Radium), and decided it was time to step my soaking up a notch with an undeveloped hot spring.
Armed with internet research and the book, “Hot Springs of Western Canada: a Complete Guide”, a crew of three of us headed out in our truck along dusty logging roads in search of natural hot springs.
One flat tire and a few wrong turns later, we’d reached our destination: rock lined pools set next to steamy, fern-draped cliffs and a rushing river. The water temperature varied, with a too-hot-to-touch waterfall on one end the scale and a chilly river on the other.
We spent hours lounging around, shaded from the summer sun by leafy trees, and chatted with friendly locals who showed us the best place to dip in the river for an invigorating cold plunge (a little too invigorating for my liking).
The pièce de résistance? Natural floating coasters a former hot spring visitor had thoughtfully left behind (as shown in the photo). Perfect for holding candles and beverages.
If you like hot water and road less travelled, pick up the hot springs book to find your own slice of soaking nirvana. Also recommended: a good backroad mapbook and a spare tire.
December 31, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Harrison Hot Springs, Hot Springs
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South Garden Bed and Breakfast in Harrison was the most wonderful place to stay. The service and food were amazing, the surroundings breathtaking (even in snow) and the room was fantastic. We are soo happy we stayed there and would absolutely recommend it to others without hesitation!!!
October 26, 2008 | Field Reports > Radium Hot Springs, Hot Springs
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On recommendation from Brady and Grace at the Kicking Horse Resort in Golden, I headed south to check out the hot springs in Radium and Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. What a spectacular drive! As I pulled into the village of Radium, I couldn't help but notice I was surrounded by mountain ranges- the Purcell Mountains to the west and the Rocky Mountains to the east. Wow!
The hot springs in Radium are just inside the Kootenay National Park- lots of natural beauty to see there.
Interestingly, the pools in Radium were less rustic than I had assumed but fantastic just the same. Unfortunately, I wasn't permitted to film on the deck of the pools but you'll have to trust me, it was quite nice. After a brief soak in Radium, I was off to the undeveloped hot springs in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. Whiteswan Lake hot springs stood in striking contrast to Radium, as they were far more rustic and situated right next to a river- perfect for cooling down after soak in the hot springs. Radium and Whitesawn Lake hot springs were a tough place to leave but I look forward to returning and exploring more of this special part of BC.
July 17, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Chilliwack, Hot Springs
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We've traveled to PEI, N.B., Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Palm Srings, Maui, Nashville, Vancouver Is., In catagories of relative to cost, experience, stress, variety, these rate second to what can be experienced in Harrison Hot Springs.
Maybe you have to pick your days, like what we're experiencing now. It's not far from Vancouver and you have lakes, golf, beach - sand castles, marine craft activities. The Harrison Hot Springs Hotel has to be the best around because of their location, many rooms with a view. When it snows, you've got skiing not a far drive away. There's hot springs pool open for the public. Of course, the pools in the hotel are second to none.
If you're going to be in Harrison on a Sunday, there's a cool church only walking distance from the hotels and B&B's.
November 23, 2007 | Tips from Us > Invermere, Hot Springs
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Six years ago I drove through the Kootenay Rockies during an extended vacation, stopping at hot, hot springs along the way. Soaking my way to Saskatchewan, I liked to say. Well, I finally found my way back to the east Kootenays and once again found myself slipping into bliss at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.
This was the view from my room just after I checked into the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.
Need I say more?
I will anyways! Here is the little tip. I didn't know this six years ago, but if you actually stay at the resort, you get access to a smaller, more private pool that you can access via a "tunnel" from the hallways in the lodge. Peaceful and relaxing...
November 23, 2007 | Tips from Us > Radium Hot Springs, Hot Springs
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Okay, really, it's the best deal IN the Rockies, literally.
I was recently in Radium Hot Springs (the hot water, not the resort) and managed to sneak a dip with one of the staff. As she walked out of the changeroom, I was thrown back in time. She was wearing an old fashioned bathing suit! Which I think looks pretty hip, even now.
For only $1.95 anyone can rent a bathing suit, which makes the excuse of leaving your suit behind, history.
(I think you can buy them too, but at a price a bit more than $1.95.)
March 2, 2007 | Tips from Travellers > Kaslo, Hot Springs
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Ainsworth Hot Springs is my favourite hot spot when I head to the Kootenay Rockies. While the outdoor pools and views of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains are spectacular enough, the reason I visit is the horseshoe-shaped cave where the water comes in. At the back of the cave, the water is the hottest (42C, 114F) and highest. Don't stay too long - it is really, really hot! Forget the horseshoe, I just keep going in circles - hot - cold - hot - cold.
These days, hot springs and spas are luxurious escapes. Ainsworth's cave reminds me that raw nature is still the source for the water that soothes.
February 23, 2007 | Tips from Travellers > Harrison Hot Springs, Hot Springs
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If you are tired of bumping into silly tourists while walking about on your next vacation, take a trip to a place during it's off season. I took a trip out to Harrison Hot Springs in January. Sure, the weather was rainy but the scenery was still breathtaking! Harrison Lake was so calm and peaceful. Great place to get away from the city after the holiday chaos. Don't forget your bathing suite and your flip-flops!
February 20, 2007 | Tips from Travellers > Nakusp, Hot Springs
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2 places I went to in Sept 2006 will always stay in my mind. Bear Ridge Cabins just outside of Nakusp and the Halcyon Hot Springs north of Nakusp.
The view from the hot springs was breath taking to say the least. The view of Arrow Lake from the pool deck was magnificent, the hot springs unsurpassed and the extra special treatment I received during my facial and massage were excellent.
Bear Ridge Cabins were delightful! Cozy, comfortable, affordable and the owners Martin and Judith went beyond the call to make my stay memorable.
I would highly recommend a stay at Bear Ridge and a soak at Halcyon Hot Springs. I will be going there again in the near future.