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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.

Columbia River

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

	Aisnsworth Hot Springs

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.