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Couple
relaxing in hot spring |
The Canadian Rockies have
no shortage of hot springs, natural phenomenons that have been venerated for their
healing properties for centuries. These warm and soothing bodies of water are
a great place to unwind and relax after a long day on the ski slopes or hiking
trails. Most of the hot springs of the Canadian Rockies are accompanied by resorts
and are near a number of activities like challenging golf
courses, hiking
and backcountry camping, fishing
and rafting.
Many are open year round, and there are few better ways to soothe hard-working
muscles than climbing into a steaming hot pool.
Hot springs are created by rain water that seeps through cracks and pores in
the mountain rock at a high elevation. Gravity then pulls the moisture below
the surface into the earth's crust. There it is heated by radioactive decay in the earth's crust, and the heat creates steam that then forces its way back above the earth's surface again. Together with the surrounding areas, and
spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies, hot springs are an ideal vacation
getaway or stopover, inevitably easing the mind of all the cares and worries
of the modern world.
BANFF, AB
In Banff
National Park, located about an hour west of Calgary,
Alberta, the
Banff Upper Hot Springs are among the area's many attractions. There
is a large and well-equipped pool area, and the water temperature usually hovers
around 40°C (105°F). In the 1990s its historic pool house was carefully
restored to its original 1930s design. The atmosphere is relaxing, and unwinding
is easy. What is most unique about the Banff Springs is the water itself. Due
to the high levels of hydrogen sulfide being released during the heating process,
the water has a very strong sulphuric smell, making the Banff Springs full of
minerals and an intriguing, completely natural experience.
Banff has more than just hot springs. Sulphur Mountain, located nearby, is
great for hiking, and a gondola also goes to the top. Sunshine
Village offers great skiing and snowboarding, and cross-country trails
abound nearby. The town is also known for its several shops and services for
those who prefer the great indoors.
JASPER, AB
The Miette
Hot Springs among the hottest in Canada, initially oozing from the mountain
rock at a steamy 54°C (129°F). The waters are naturally cooled to a
more bearable 40°C (104°F), and two large pools are rarely full. Located
61 km (38 mi) from Jasper,
the springs were visited more than a century ago by pioneers whohiked the scenic,
but strenuous, Fiddle Valley for a rejuvenating soak. After a cool day in the
mountain air, lean back and watch the steam rise off the mineral-rich water
while enjoying views of Ashlar Ridge.
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RADIUM, BC
In the late 1990s, the pool areas at Radium
Hot Springs, southwest of Banff, underwent a major renovation. A sheer
rock wall stands over the pool, and the mountain backdrop is visible from virtually
everywhere. The water is cooled to about 39°C (103°F) from 44°C
(114°F) as it is at its source. A cool pool, with a temperature of 29°C
(84°F), is also available, and there is also a diving area and children's
wading pool. Those looking to pamper themselves enjoy the varied spa services
that are offered, such as massage and reflexology treatments.
FAIRMONT, BC
Fairmont
Hot Springs is a year-round resort located south of Invermere,
BC.
The springs are in a spectacular setting, at the base of the Rocky Mountains
and to the west of the Columbia Valley and Purcell Mountains. The waters are
odorless, and over one million gallons flow through the pool complexes each
day. The group of pools includes a lap pool, a large swimming pool, a diving
pool, and a public hot soaking pool. Temperatures of the springs fluctuate from
between approximately 40 to 43°C (104 to 110°F). Fairmont
Hot Springs Resort makes an excellent getaway, as its several amenities
include full spa services, restaurants, a golf course and ski hill. Hotel guests
have exclusive access to a second, private hot soaking pool.
NAKUSP, BC
Nakusp,
located southwest of Radium, has two separate hot springs getaways. Nakusp
Hot Springs and Campground is nestled in the midst of an old growth
forest. There are several different pools, and, depending on the specific pool
and time of year, the water temperature ranges from 35 to 41°C (95 to 107°F).
The campground is set along Kuskanax Creek. A suspension bridge offering breathtaking
views leads to the old Hot Springs Source, and it is not uncommon to spot a
mountain caribou along the way.
Halcyon
Hot Springs, also in Nakusp, has three different mineral pools. There
is a Cold Plunger Pool, which is quite a bit cooler than the other pools, sitting
at a temperature of 12°C (55°F). To plunge into it after being in the
hotter pools provides a rush that is hard to duplicate. The Warm Pool is 35°C
(95°F) and the Hot Pool is 41°C (107°F). Surrounded by Arrow Lakes,
Halcyon Hot Springs also provides countless activities for guests. The area
has hiking trails and horseback riding, and snowmobile and ATV rentals are available
in the winter. Like the Nakusp Hot Springs, Halcyon has several camping facilities,
and there are cabin and chalet rentals available as well.
AINSWORTH, BC
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Aisnsworth Hot
Springs
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What sets the Ainsworth
Hot
Springs apart from the rest is the horseshoe-shaped cave covering some
of the warm waters. Inside the cave, stalactites release mineral-rich droplets
into the pool, and the cooler water combining with the warm springs causes steam
to rise dreamily. Combined with the darkness of the cave, it makes for a very
calming bathing experience.
Ainsworth also has outdoor pools that overlook the Purcell Mountains and Kootenay
Lake. The pool temperatures range from 4 to 42°Celsius (40 to 114°F).
Visitors to Ainsworth Hot Springs that stay in the Resort Hotel receive free
access to the Hot Springs Caves and Pool, and there is a dining room and lounge
providing panoramic views of the area. There are many other attractions for
visitorsas well, including Cody
Caves Provincial Park and the Nikkei
Internment Memorial Centre.
PURCELL, BC
Purcell
Mountain Lodge is one of North America's finest mountain accommodations,
surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine wilderness, glaciers and the tops
of the Rocky Mountains. Accessible only by helicopter, guests at the lodge are
treated to a number of world-class outdoor activities, including the best of
backcountry cross-country
skiing, guided ski and snowboard tours, wildlife watching and nature
walks.
The history of the lodge begins in 1960, when a pair of outdoor adventurers
began taking the hearty and dedicated telemarking on the pristine powder. Russ
Younger and Paul Leeson kept their guests safe and warm in canvas yurts, replaced
now by a full-service, luxury chateau with 360° views, a gourmet restaurant
and cozy library. An example of impressive environmental planning, the lodge
was built with extreme care, disrupting the area's delicate ecological system
as little as possible, staff follow a strict waste reduction program and it
is presently powered by a nearby mountain stream.
