Ainsworth, British Columbia, is a small historic town located on the Kootenay Lake. Founded in 1883, it is the oldest community on the lake. Today, there are about 20 people living in the town.
Cody Caves Provincial Park
Cody Caves Provincial Park is the first subterranean park in British Columbia. It is located about 13 km northwest of the town of Ainsworth Hot Springs. This park was formed in July 1966. Visitors can explore the caves and learn more about the history of the area.
You can take one of the many guided tours of the caves. There are short, one-hour tours and longer expeditions for the more adventurous. In 2011, Greg Nesteroff wrote, “The Cody Caves Conundrum Continues.” Unfortunately, the tour operation has been suspended until a new tour operator is found.
Access to the caves is possible by car or on foot. The park is accessible from Highway 31, three kilometers north of Ainsworth. A 20-minute drive up the mountainside will get you to the cave entrance. Be sure to bring protective head gear and waterproof footwear. There is a small day-use parking lot and pit toilets.
For a day of outdoor adventure, the Cody Caves Provincial Park is a must-see destination. The caves are an impressive sight, and you can experience the thermal energy of the water as you explore the limestone formations. The park also offers guided caving tours, short family tours, and multi-day alpine adventures.
The caving adventure is an adventurous activity that is safe for visitors of all ages. You will be accompanied by a professional guide, who will give you safety equipment and a map of the cave before you begin. Afterwards, you’ll begin the short hike to the entrance of the cave.
The cave has two pools – one for a quick dip, and one for a long soak. The main pool measures 40 by 50 feet and is three feet deep. The water temperature is 96 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort
Located a few miles north of Nelson, BC, Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is a beautiful hot springs destination. Guests can enjoy the mineral-rich hot springs and pool that overlook the Kootenay Lake. Whether you want to relax in a mineral bath or take a relaxing dip in a cave, the Ainsworth Hot Springs resort is a great choice.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is one of the top places to visit in Ainsworth. The resort offers excellent accommodations, an outdoor swimming pool, and a lounge. A full-service restaurant is also available. An excellent gift shop is also located at the resort.
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort offers guests luxury accommodations, a gourmet restaurant, and a spa. The resort is set into the mountainside, overlooking Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains. Rooms at the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort are contemporary and have premium carpet, granite countertops, bronze lighting, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can choose from a variety of room types, from single queens to premier suites.
The spa at Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort offers hot mineral pools and a natural cold plunge. The water at the spa changes four to six times daily and is lightly chlorinated. Guests staying at Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort can enjoy the on-site Ktunaxa Grill, a local restaurant serving authentic dishes. In addition, the spa offers various types of massages and wraps.
Visitors can stay at a variety of accommodations in the area, including cottages. Cottage In “the Woods” offers two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a wood stove. Other accommodations include “The Kootenay Vacation Sensationtipi”, a three-bedroom cabin located 0.1 miles from the hot springs.
Before the first European settlers arrived, Native Americans made use of the healing waters. They called the springs “Nupika Wu’u,” which means “hot mineral.” The hot springs were a favorite spot for Native people. Before 1882, prospectors came to the area to mine for silver, lead, and zinc. The prospectors renamed the town after themselves, and later changed the name to Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort.
Located on the coast of British Columbia, Canada’s hot springs are popular vacation destinations. The province has a plethora of hot springs ranging from resort-style complexes to undeveloped pools hidden deep in the wilderness. Hot springs have been a part of Indigenous cleansing ceremonies for millennia.
Buchanan Lookout
Buchanan Lookout is a great place for hiking and sightseeing. Located at an elevation of 1,912 meters, the lookout offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It is also home to a slanted ramp for hang gliders. This scenic spot is a great place to spend the day if you are visiting Ainsworth.
Another great place to visit in Ainsworth British Columbia is the hot springs. The city is located adjacent to the Kootenay Lake, which is one of the largest lakes in the province. The area is also home to some great beaches, such as Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. Visitors can take a free ferry across the lake from Balfour to Ainsworth, which takes about 40 minutes.
Other areas to visit near Ainsworth include Mirror Lake and Kaslo. Kaslo has been dubbed the prettiest town in British Columbia and is often referred to as the Switzerland of the Americas. Another area to visit is Balfour, located south of Ainsworth on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. Visitors can also take a ferry from here to Kootenay Bay in about 40 minutes.
Buchanan Lookout is one of the top attractions in Ainsworth, British Columbia. It offers spectacular views of the Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains. You can even swim in the natural hot springs.