A scenic seven-hour drive from Calgary, the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region is the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing getaway. Here, amid the stunning mountain views and clear water rivers, travellers seeking rejuvenation can find nourishing outdoor wonders, natural hot springs and a concentration of award-winning wellness retreats.
“If you like to be outdoors, you’ll love the West Kootenays. This region offers great hiking, biking and skiing as well as an abundance of hot springs,” affirms Jane Linley, general manager of Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort.
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort
From therapeutic waters and healthy local cuisine to restful accommodation and spa treatments, the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort has everything you need to dive into a blissful and relaxing getaway.
The Ktunaxa peoples were the first to visit the naturally occurring soothing waters in the Kootenay region and relish in its healing properties. Today, the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is owned by the Lower Kootenay Band, part of The Ktunaxa Nation, and visitors come from around the globe to enjoy the resort’s calming springs. “The Ktunaxa peoples have labeled the springs ‘Nupika Wuu,’ which means Spirit Water. You can truly feel that here,” says Linley.
The hot spring waters come from a local cave system called Cody Caves. Enjoy the resort’s family-friendly warm pool with mountain and lake views, or swim through the caves. Inside the caves, it’s like another world where impressive limestone stalactites cover the ceiling and the temperature is significantly hotter than the pool. Soft lights guide you through the caves so you can explore as you soak in the therapeutic benefits.
After your soak, inspire your taste buds at the resort restaurant, Ktunaxa Grill, which uses fresh local ingredients and serves Indigenous-inspired plates like wild game chili served with fresh bannock. Plan to stay a few nights at the on-site hotel and unwind in a comfortable suite with views of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountain Range.
Retreats
There’s no shortage of wellness offerings in the area, and Mountain Trek is putting the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region on the wellness retreat map. Voted the fourth best international spa by Travel + Leisure readers in 2022, Mountain Trek offers nutritious cuisine and spa treatments, along with daily hikes and sunrise yoga to make the most of the region’s great outdoors.
And just south of Kaslo, you can reconnect with nature on the shores of Kootenay Lake at The Sentinel, a wellness centre that offers a wide range of transformative retreats, including meditation, yoga, sound vibration and more. For those seeking spiritual clarity, Yasodhara Ashram offers guided yoga and restorative retreats. If you’re looking for a drop-in class, swing by one of the many studios in the region like the Nelson School of Yoga or Bambu Hot Yoga in Nelson.
For something you’ve maybe not tried before, add the Himalaya Salt Cave in Nelson and the Kootenay Sound Healing Centre in Riondel as stops on your restorative journey.
Cozy up
In between nourishing your mind and spirit, don’t forget to fuel up your body. The Nelson and Kootenay Lake region has more cafes per capita than anywhere else in B.C., so make sure to savour a freshly roasted cup of joe from this java-loving region. Experience coffee on a new level at the Oso Negro Café, known for its freshly roasted coffee beans and large variety of blends.
To plan your rejuvenating escape, visit nelsonkootenaylake.com.
Give the gift of the Kootenays
No rejuvenating trip is complete without a little retail therapy. Treat your loved ones (or yourself!) to local-made gifts. The Nelson and Kootenay Lake region is bursting with talented artists — some are globally recognized as part of the ÉCONOMUSÉE Network Society at Artisans At Work, a worldwide artist network. Discover the artistry for yourself by visiting the artist co-op and shop Craft Connection in Nelson, and browse the works of more than 150 talented local artists and artisans.
This content was produced for the advertiser by RedPoint Media for commercial purposes. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Avenue staff.