The
Caves at Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort |
In the heart of
the Kootenay wilderness is the community of Ainsworth Hot Springs.
Set into the mountainside overlooking the vast expanse of Kootenay
Lake and the Purcell Mountains is Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, which
features three odourless pools, a unique 150-foot horseshoe-shaped
cave, main lounging pool, and stream-fed cold plunge. A highlight
of the natural
hot springs is the horseshoe cave, where the darkness, the mineral
deposits, and the humidity all combine to offer an exhilarating experience.
The hot steamy,
odourless shower of mineralized water falls from the cave's roof
and forms a waist-deep pool, providing a rejuvenating natural steam
bath. Gallons of hot mineral water flows through the pools, changing
the water naturally about six times per day. The hot springs are
heated naturally and vary in temperature between 40-42°C (104-114°F)
in the Cave, 35-38°C (96-101°F) in the Pool, and 4-10°C (40-50°F)
for the Cold Plunge. The springs originate in the Cody Caves area,
which is directly above and to the west of Ainsworth Hot Springs.
The water works its way down through porous rock to a depth of 1-1/2
to 2 kilometres. The water picks up temperature at a rate of 40
C° per kilometre down until it strikes what is known as the lakeshore
fault. This fault is an impervious layer of rock lying at an angle
of 45 to 50 degrees from Ainsworth Hot Springs to a point directly
below the Cody Caves. Hydraulic pressure forces the water up along
the fault where it emerges at Ainsworth Hot Springs.
Ainsworth
Hot Springs Resort under Moonlight |
The caves are
old mine tunnels carved out by miners attempting to increase the
flow of hot water from the springs. Visitors can explore the cave's
tunnels and stalactites, relax on a hot ledge, find the natural
hot shower, or have a natural sauna. Ainsworth is open year-round,
and is popular with families and local residents wishing to linger
in the soothing waters and play in this exhilarating wilderness
playground. The pools provide the perfect place to relax and enjoy
some of West Kootenay’s majestic scenery - the Purcell Mountains
and Kootenay Lake.
Ainsworth Hot
Springs was probably first discovered by First Nations People, who
came up to Kootenay Lake in the late summer mainly to take advantage
of the Kokanee Salmon run and the ripening of the huckleberry crop.
Native use of the soothing pools probably continued for decades
until they guided the first prospectors to the pools. In 1882, George
Ainsworth of Portland, Oregon, applied for a pre-emption of the
townsite that is now Ainsworth Hot Springs.
Any time is
a good time to visit Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, but the cool,
crisp air on winter days provides a delightful contrast to the warmth
and humidity in the caves.
Location
The
Caves at Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort |
The Ainsworth Hot
Springs are located near the community of Ainsworth Hot Springs, located
on Highway 31 on the western shore of Kootenay Lake, 11 miles (17
km) north of Balfour and 12 miles (20 km) south of Kaslo.
Contact Information
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort
P.O Box 1268
Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC
VOG 1A0
Phone: (250) 229-4212
|
Web
Design by Sage
Internet Solutions.
