The interior of British Columbia is home to many natural hot springs that have contributed to the healing of native peoples for hundreds, if not thousands of years. The relaxing properties of the minerals, naturally pumped from deep within the volcanic sources of the earth, have soothed the aching bones and cleared the pores and nasal passages of many who have soaked in the comforting waters of the springs. Some of the minerals contained in these springs are: copper, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, sulphides, calcium and silica. Some hot springs smell stronger than others, depending on their sulphur content. The hot springs of BC are blessed with fairly sweet smelling minerals which is wonderful for those visitors who are sensitive to the stronger odoured mineral waters elsewhere.
There are Hot Spring resorts for those who enjoy their luxury amenities and also, "hike-to-them" springs for those who enjoy their natural mineral soaks in equally natural surroundings. I have experienced both and enjoyed both types immensely. Mind you, in winter I prefer the resort type where I can preserve the heat that I have built up as I am not one of those get hot and jump in the snow types! In spring or fall, the wilderness springs are beautiful.
The first resort I went to was Ainsworth Hotsprings. in the Purcell Mountains near Nelson, British Columbia. It was discovered by local Indians who arrived every year for the salmon run and to collect huckleberries. In 1882 George Ainsworth, a miner from Oregon established a town site there. This is a really special spot where you can lie in the warm mineral pool and watch the moon come up over the mountains! The pool was originally built for the use of the miners.
This resort also offers something extra too! There are dimly lit caves set in a horseshoe style that one can sit in or walk through. It is a sort of surreal experience - quite meditative even! Located near Balfour, the site of Canada's longest free ferry ride, Ainsworth is central to many other tourist destination points. Please take a look at my Nelson and Kaslo pages for more details.
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