History
Written by Norm Mackie
There are many stories in early chronicles which mention the Hot Springs. Like many Canadian natural attractions, Ainsworth Hot Springs was probably first discovered by native Indians. The Indians came up to Kootenay Lake in the late summer mostly to take advantage of the Kokanee Salmon run. Since this timing coincided with the ripening of the huckleberry crop, it would be natural to assume that after spending the days clambering around the hills these people would welcome a soak in the hot springs.
This idyllic lifestyle probably continued for decades until the Indians guided the first prospectors in the area.
In 1882 George Ainsworth of Portland, Oregon, applied for a preemption of the townsite which is now Ainsworth Hot Springs. It was at first called Hot Springs Camp and had been founded on the strength of silver, lead, and zinc discoveries in the vicinity. Names like the Krao, Keyline, No. 1, Let-Her-Go-Gallager and Highlander were the foremost of an impressive list of mining properties.
During this time the Hot Springs itself didn't seem to be very high on the priority list of Ainsworth. It wasn't until the 1920s when the town was starting to decline as a mining centre, that an effort was made to develop the hot springs. The mining company that owned the property at that time decided to build a pool to be used primarily by the miners.
By the time the pool and caves were finished in the early 1930's the great depression was in full swing. A succession of lessees operated the pool and lodge through the 30s, 40s, and 50s.
In the 40s and 50s, mining activity peaked and production was the highest ever recorded, mostly due to improved machinery. In the later 50s, silver prices dropped and the mines were closed. The owners of the Hot Springs, Yale Lead and Zinc Co. Ltd, decided to sell their property in the Ainsworth townsite, including the pool, cave, and lodge.
Sam and Belle Homen purchased and operated the property in 1962. They retired in 1979 and the property was bought by their daughter Joyce Mackie and her husband Norm Mackie.
The pool and change rooms were getting old and worn by this time and in 1983 renovations were made. The pool and caves were renovated and new change rooms were constructed. The result of this work was an increase in business, which in turn pointed to a need for accommodation and food services. So in 1987 the present hotel was built.
Location
Ainsworth Hot Springs is located in the heart of the Kootenay wilderness on Highway 31, on the western shore of Kootenay Lake- just 11 miles (17 km) north of Balfour and 12 miles (20 km) south of Kaslo. The village is set into the mountainside overlooking the vast expanse of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains.
Places to See
- Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort
The Hot Springs Resort feature a unique horseshoe cave, where hot mineral water falls from the ceiling to form a waist deep pool, providing a natural steam bath. The hot water enters the system at about 117 degrees F and must be cooled to roughly 114 degrees F (42 degrees C) before coming into the caves. There is also a main lounging pool; the temperatures of the water here average about 96 degrees F / 35 degrees C. Gallons of hot mineral water flow through the pools, changing the water naturally about 6 times a day. For the brave, there is a stream-fed cold plunge in which the temperature varies with the seasons.
The pools provide the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of West Kootenay’s majestic scenery: the Purcell Mountains and Kootenay Lake. The 43-room resort was winner of the 2003 Excellence in Housekeeping Award from Tourism BC. The dining room offers something to tantalize everyone and the wine selections are excellent.
- Kootenay Lake
Kootenay Lake is the largest inland lake in BC. It's 156 km (97 mi) long and ranges from 2 km (1.24 mi) to 6 km (3.72 mi) wide, and the water is some of the cleanest and clearest on the planet.
Things to Do
- Wilderness and BackCountry Skiing
For the more adventurous, Selkirk Wilderness Skiing, located in Meadow Creek at the north end of Kootenay Lake, offers the exhilaration of backcountry skiing and virgin powder on every run. Allan Drury is called the Godfather of cat skiing, and he and wife Brenda offer the finest in accommodations and atmosphere for a unique and safe backcountry experience.
- Fishing
Year-round fishing is available at Kootenay Lake, where visitors can catch three varieties of trout (Gerrard rainbow, Dolly Varden, and Kokanee) and whitefish. The lake's largest catch is a 35lb 12oz Gerrard Rainbow trout, and the world's largest recorded Kokanee- almost 10 pounds- was caught here.
The Kootenay area also has many creeks, small lakes, and rivers to challenge any skill level.
- Hiking
The West Kootenay region contains over 80 hiking trails, all of which provide hikers with spectacular mountain scenery, breathtaking glaciers, alpine lakes, flower strewn meadows, and incredible wildlife.
- Snowmobiling
There are many logging and mining roads and hundreds of miles of trails in the high country for snowmobilers of all levels of experience.
Events
The following events are taken from the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort website.
- February: Education Month
All students get half price at the Hot Springs Resort. A "Water Walk Tour" is available for all school groups. Call ahead to book.
- Feb 14: Valentine's Day
Reserve early! Enjoy dinner specials by candlelight or soak in the Hot Springs water while gazing at a panoramic view of the stars.
- March 17: St Patricks Day
Wear Green! Perhaps you'll meet some leprechauns and find a few gold coins! There are hearty Irish Specials in the Springs Dining Room.
- April 7, 8 and 9th: Easter Weekend
The Easter Bunny is expected to visit again this year. After his long journey around the world delivering eggs, he comes to the Hot Springs to relax.
- July 1st: Canada Day / Dominion Day
Wear red and white and celebrate Canada's birthday!
- October 8: Thanksgiving
Enjoy a delicious turkey dinner!
- October 15 to November 3: Halloween
A scarecrow wedding is being planned and scarecrows from all over the world will be gathering at the Pumpkin Patch Resort to celebrate.
- December 10 to January 4: Candy Cane Station
116 handpainted 3-foot tall candy canes, one BIG candy cane, GIANT snowmen, HUGE tin soldiers, an ENORMOUS Christmas tree, lots of lights, and of course, the most important thing, Christmas Spirit. Come celebrate!
- December 31: New Year's Eve Gala
Registered guests only! This event is for the "over 19 crowd".
Contact Information
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort
P.O Box 1268
Ainsworth Hot Springs
British Columbia, Canada
VOG 1A0
Reservations: 1-800-668-1171
Phone: (250)229-4212
Fax: (250)229-5600
Email: info@hotnaturally.com
Website: www.hotnaturally.com
