British Columbia · Developed pools
Ainsworth Hot Springs
Ainsworth combines an outdoor mineral pool overlooking Kootenay Lake with its distinctive hot-spring cave. The resort is owned by the Yaqan Nukiy, the Lower Kootenay Band, and the waters have a deep connection to Ktunaxa history.
Historical source coordinate; not a trailhead. Accuracy and datum have not been independently verified. Historical water readings describe source samples, not safe soaking temperatures.
Nupika Wu'u — spirit water
The Ktunaxa people have used these mineral waters for generations under the name Nupika Wu'u, commonly translated as "spirit water", valuing them as a place of healing and rejuvenation long before European arrival. Accounts describe warriors soaking in the spirit waters to ease wounds taken defending the territory.
That connection is not only historical. In 2015 the Lower Kootenay Band — Yaqan Nukiy, a name translating to "where the rock stands" — purchased the resort and surrounding properties, returning the springs to Ktunaxa ownership. Visiting Ainsworth means visiting a First Nations-owned business.
The horseshoe cave
What sets Ainsworth apart from every other developed spring in the province is the cave. A natural horseshoe-shaped passage roughly 150 feet long runs back into the hillside, and you walk through it in the water rather than viewing it from outside.
Reported cave temperatures average around 42 °C, typically in a 40–43 °C band, making it markedly hotter than the main outdoor pool at roughly 36 °C. Mineralised water falls from the cave roof, producing a natural steam-bath effect in the enclosed sections.
Silver camp, then spa town
The settlement began as Hot Springs Camp, founded on silver, lead and zinc discoveries in the surrounding hills. George Ainsworth of Portland, Oregon applied for a pre-emption of the townsite in 1882, and his name stuck to it.
The outdoor pool looks across Kootenay Lake toward the Purcell Mountains, which is the other half of the appeal: a hot cave behind you and a long lake view in front.
Opening hours & season
Public entry: Wed–Sun 10 am–7:30 pm; last entry 6 pm. Monday hours need confirmation.
The pool page lists Monday 10 am–3 pm, while the contact page says 10 am–2 pm. Tuesday is not listed for public admission. Hotel-guest hours differ; confirm with the resort.
All times are local to the spring. Checked 2026-10-01; this is not a live opening-status display. Closure notices override regular hours.
Our take
The cave gives Ainsworth an experience that feels meaningfully different from a standard outdoor pool. A strong choice for a Kootenay trip when atmosphere and a comfortable resort setting both appeal.
Editorial assessment based on published information. No firsthand visit or customer score is implied.
Before you go
Sources & record notes
Geoscience BC’s 2016 compilation · 6 historical sampling records · Source name: Ainsworth. References recorded in the dataset: Souther 1973; Souther 1976; Desrochers 1992; Grasby 2000; Geoscience BC 2016-07.
Source notes: 37a; 37b; (2007 sample) Polaris Infrastructure kind permission
Sources used for this guide
- Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort — history
- Wikipedia — Lower Kootenay Band (Yaqan Nukiy)
- Wikipedia — Ainsworth Hot Springs
- Nelson Kootenay Lake — Ainsworth region guide
Written from the published sources above. Operator hours, access rules and closures change; the official link is authoritative.