If you’ve ever driven along Highways 93 or 95 near Kimberley, you may have noticed signs advertising the Hot Springs Circle Route and wondered, “where the heck are the hot springs?” The Circle Route itself is a Tour-de-Kootenays of established Hot Springs Resorts that pepper both the East and West Kootenays. Nearest to Kimberley are beloved Fairmont Hot Springs and Radium Hot Springs, which each boast mineral-rich pools and steamy splendour. Both of these spots are an easy drive from Kimberley, and make for a great side-quest while visiting here. Looking to get a little more off the beaten path? Don’t worry, we’ve got a few lesser-known Kimberley soaks up our sleeves, too.

On the Beaten Path

• Fairmont Hot Springs Resort: Just under 100km from Kimberley you’ll find Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. This resort offers year-round relaxation in their crystal-clear hot pools, and nearby access to golf courses, hiking paths, and biking trails. Choose your preferred pool temperature (there are 3 different pools to choose from), then get ready to unwind with picturesque views of the Canadian Rockies around you

• Radium Hot Springs: Less than 30 more minutes of driving past Fairmont, you’ll reach Radium Hot Springs. Located in Kootenay National Park, a UNESCO Canadian Rockies Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, Radium boasts a mineral-rich hot pool and plenty of opportunities to watch for wildlife on the surrounding mountains (we hear bighorn sheep like to hang out around here). This Hot Springs is set in the iconic Sinclair Canyon and is flanked by dramatic mountains in every direction. Hey Calgarians: word is Radium Hot Springs makes for a great pit stop when on your way to Kimberley

Off the Beaten Path

• Lussier Hot Springs: Lussier Hot Springs is located near picturesque Whiteswan Lake and offers hot n’ steamy soaks in a serene setting. The four hot pools here have been naturally constructed alongside the Lussier River, and are easily accessible via the Whiteswan Forestry Road. While more remote, this rustic spot can get quite busy. With small-sized pools and lots of traffic to and from both Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park and Top of the World Provincial Park, expect plenty of other bathers during peak season. We recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the crowds, or consider visiting during the shoulder season. Heads up: active logging often happens along the Whiteswan FSR during the winter months. Please drive slowly and cautiously, and carry along a two-way VHF radio with you
  
  
• Ram Creek Hot Springs: While more warm than hot, Ram Creek Hot Springs makes our list due to their all-day soakability, their peaceful surroundings, and their off-the-beaten-path allure. These isolated springs are nestled into the base of a mountain in the Canadian Rockies, and are accessed via a short hike from the Forest Service Road nearby

Further Out

• Dewar Creek Hot Springs: Located in the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy, the Dewar Creek Hot Springs are as out-there and off-the-beaten-path as it gets. Enjoy a lovingly constructed pool with temperature-controlled taps, isolated surroundings, and the chance to glimpse wildlife in their natural habitat here (hint: this is Grizzly country, folks. Bring bear spray with you and always visit with a group). There are a few things to note before visiting Dewar Creek Hot Springs: the journey here first requires navigation down a long and rough Forest Service Road (high-clearance, 4x4 vehicles are highly recommended), the trail to this hot spring is only accessible in the summer months (July-October), and hot spring access is via a long hike in variable terrain. In order to reach these springs, you should be in good physical health and able to easily make a 20km round-trip on foot. Camping here is on a first-come, first-served basis, and is available on established tent pads only

Tips

Need help guiding the way to your chosen hot spring? Stop by the Kimberley Visitor Centre to stock up on maps, apps, and other insider tips and tricks to hack your stay here. Looking for more watering holes to enjoy along the way? Around here, we love cold water almost as much as hot pools, and encourage all visitors to check out a few of our frostier options, too.