Overview
Ainsworth Hot Springs is a small unincorporated community on the west shore of Kootenay Lake in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia. Its population is tiny — measured in the dozens — but it draws visitors from across the province and beyond, primarily for the natural geothermal springs that have been channelled into bathing facilities at the base of the Selkirk Mountains.
The springs have been used for centuries. Indigenous peoples, particularly the Ktunaxa Nation, knew these waters long before European settlers arrived in the late 19th century. By the early 1900s a small resort had developed around the site, and the current Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort has continued that tradition of welcoming bathers seeking the mineral-rich waters.
The setting is genuinely striking. Kootenay Lake — one of the largest natural lakes in BC — stretches out directly in front of the hot springs complex, and the forested slopes of the Selkirks rise sharply behind the village. The community sits along Highway 31, roughly midway between Kaslo to the north and Balfour to the south, placing it within comfortable reach of Nelson, the cultural and culinary hub of the West Kootenay.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Ainsworth Hot Springs is in Canada. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, as rules vary significantly by nationality.
What to Pack
- Swimwear and sandals or water shoes for the pools
- A towel (the resort offers rentals, but verify availability on-site)
- Layers — evenings can be cool even in summer, and the contrast between a hot pool and the mountain air is significant in winter
- Cash or card: Ainsworth itself has no bank or ATM; the nearest banking services are in Kaslo or Balfour/Nelson
Health Considerations
Mineral hot springs water is high in sulphur and other minerals. Those with cardiovascular conditions, pregnancy, or sensitive skin should consult a doctor before soaking, and limit time in very hot water. Children should be supervised at all times.
Connectivity
Expect limited mobile coverage. Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) and any accommodation confirmations before leaving a larger centre.
Getting There
By Car
The vast majority of visitors arrive by car. Ainsworth Hot Springs sits on Highway 31 on Kootenay Lake's west shore. From Nelson (the largest nearby city), the drive is roughly 45–50 km via the free Balfour–Kootenay Bay ferry crossing and Highway 31, or roughly 65 km driving the long way around the south end of the lake through Salmo and Creston — verify current road conditions, especially in winter.
From Kaslo, Ainsworth is approximately 19 km south on Highway 31 — a short and scenic drive.
By Ferry
BC Ferries operates the Balfour–Kootenay Bay route, which is one of the longest free inland ferry rides in North America. This connects travellers from Nelson's area to the east shore of Kootenay Lake, from which Highway 31 runs north to Ainsworth. Schedules and frequency vary by season; check BC Ferries' official website for current timetables before travelling.
By Air
The nearest commercial airports are West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar (roughly 90 km by road) and Cranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport (roughly 150 km). Both are served by limited scheduled flights, primarily connecting to Vancouver. Car rental at these airports is advisable, as no direct transit links serve Ainsworth.
Getting Around
Ainsworth Hot Springs is not a town with streets to explore in the conventional sense. The community is essentially a single cluster of buildings along Highway 31. A private vehicle is effectively necessary for getting around the broader region.
Hiking trails in the surrounding Selkirk Mountains and along the lakeshore can be reached on foot or with a short drive. If you are staying at the resort, the hot springs are steps from your room. For day trips to Kaslo, Nelson, or the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy trailheads, plan on driving. There is no local taxi or rideshare service — verify whether any on-call transport is available in Kaslo if needed.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Ainsworth proper are very limited. The Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is the established lodging in the community, offering rooms with direct access to the hot springs. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended for summer weekends and holiday periods.
Alternatively, Kaslo (19 km north) and Nelson (roughly 45–50 km south, depending on route) offer a wider range of hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, and short-term rentals. Camping options exist at several provincial parks and recreation sites in the region — check BC Parks and the BC Recreation Sites and Trails website for current listings, availability, and any reservation requirements.
Verify all current rates, policies, and availability directly with providers, as small regional properties can have seasonal closures.
Things to See & Do
Ainsworth Hot Springs
The primary draw is the hot springs facility itself. The most distinctive feature is a horseshoe-shaped cave tunnel — an old mine adit — through which a stream of naturally hot mineral water flows. Bathers can walk through the cave, which gets progressively hotter toward the back. The facility also includes an outdoor hot pool and a cool plunge pool fed by the cold water of a nearby creek. Admission fees and hours should be verified directly with the resort before your visit, as they are subject to change.
Cody Caves Provincial Park
Located a short drive east of Ainsworth up a gravel forest service road, Cody Caves is a limestone cave system accessible by guided tour only. The caves feature stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams. Tours are seasonal — check BC Parks and the licensed tour operator for current availability and booking requirements.
Kootenay Lake
The lake itself offers swimming from small beaches near the community in summer, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing (a BC freshwater fishing licence is required). Birdwatching along the lakeshore can be productive, particularly in spring and fall migration periods.
Hiking
The Selkirk Mountains provide backcountry and front-country hiking options. Trails vary in difficulty; local knowledge from the resort or from the Kaslo Visitor Centre is worth seeking before heading out. Conditions on higher-elevation routes can change rapidly.
Day Trip to Kaslo
The heritage lakeside village of Kaslo, 19 km north, is well worth a half-day visit (see Nearby section).
Food & Drink
Ainsworth Hot Springs has no independent restaurant or grocery store as a permanent fixture in the village. The Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort has historically offered dining on-site — verify current hours and menu availability directly with the resort, as food service at small resorts can change seasonally.
For a broader choice of restaurants, cafés, and grocery shopping, Kaslo to the north and Nelson to the south are the practical options. Nelson in particular has a well-regarded local food scene with independent restaurants, bakeries, and a natural food co-op. Kaslo has a small grocery store and a handful of eateries.
If you are self-catering, stock up on food and supplies in Nelson or Kaslo before arriving in Ainsworth, as there are no convenience stores in the immediate area.
Practical Information
Money
No ATM is located in Ainsworth. The resort accepts cards, but carry some Canadian cash for incidentals. Nearest bank branches and ATMs are in Kaslo and Nelson.
Emergency Services
In any emergency in BC, call 911. The nearest hospital is Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson. Kaslo has a small medical clinic — verify current hours locally. Cell coverage in the area can be unreliable; note the location of emergency call boxes along Highway 31 if you are travelling without a satellite communicator.
Fuel
There is no gas station in Ainsworth. Fill up in Kaslo or at Balfour before driving through.
Internet and Phone
Wi-Fi is available at the resort (verify with the property). Mobile coverage from major Canadian carriers is patchy along Highway 31 between Kaslo and Balfour — do not rely on real-time navigation.
Seasonal Road Conditions
Highway 31 can be subject to snow, ice, and rockfall closures in winter and early spring. Check DriveBC (drivebc.ca) for current road conditions and any active advisories before travelling.
Safety
Ainsworth Hot Springs is a low-crime, low-risk destination by most measures. The primary safety considerations are environmental rather than social.
Hot springs safety: Water temperatures in the cave tunnel and pools can be very high. Follow posted guidelines, limit soaking time, stay hydrated with fresh water, and supervise children closely. Exit immediately if you feel dizzy or unwell.
Wildlife: The region is home to black bears and, at higher elevations, grizzly bears. If hiking, carry bear spray (readily available in outdoor stores in Nelson or Kaslo), make noise on the trail, and follow BC Parks' wildlife safety guidelines.
Winter driving: Mountain roads in this region require winter tires (legally required in BC on most routes between October 1 and April 30 — verify current regulations). Avalanche conditions affect some backcountry routes; check Avalanche Canada forecasts before any backcountry travel.
Lake safety: Kootenay Lake is cold even in summer. Use appropriate flotation devices for water activities and be aware of boat traffic near the ferry lane.
