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July 28, 2006
Springing into summer fun
Hot pools and mineral soaks highlight the glorious B.C. Interior.
KYLE BERGER
There's no disputing the idea that any trip through British Columbia
is likely to be focused on either the beautiful, mountainous, tree-lined
surroundings, the rolling desert hills of the Thompson-Okanagan
or the breathtaking snow-capped Rockies that glorify the provincial
and national parks. But there are other reasons to play here. Scattered
throughout the region and never getting the attention they deserve
are numerous hot spring pools that poke out of the mountainsides,
offering rest and relaxation to all who partake of them.
In a recent journey from Vancouver through to Alberta's Banff National
Park, my wife and I had the opportunity to select a few pit stops
from the scattering of hot spring pools around the Interior.
Ainsworth Hot Springs, located just a few minutes north of the small
town of Nelson, was as genuine a hot spring pool as one could get.
Right next to the man-made spring pool was a cave leading into the
side of the mountain, which the more adventurous "springers"
could wander through. Internal waterfalls of what felt like almost
boiling water flowed generously around us in the murky waters colored
by the mineral deposits from the surrounding cave walls.
However, despite the closer acquaintance with nature that this allowed
me, what I enjoyed most about Ainsworth was the cold plunge pool
right next to the caves that made my body feel like I had dipped
into a tub of seltzer – this a result of the drastic change
in temperature. The cold plunge also comes in handy on any hot,
desert-like day in the B.C. Interior. The view from the pool, overlooking
Kootenay Lake, doesn't hurt either.
Another great pool is located in Radium Hot Springs, just outside
of Kootenay National Park, which borders British Columbia and Alberta.
Boasting Canada's largest hot springs pool, Radium includes a full-service
spa. However, the temperature of the pools varies throughout the
year, as the snow's melting cools the water in the spring.
Other popular hot spring pools include Fairmont Hot Springs Resort,
Canyon Hot Springs, Halcyon Hot Springs Resort, Nakusp Hot Springs
and Lussier Hot Springs. Of course, closest to Vancouver is Harrison
Hot Springs, which features the pools at the Harrison Hot Springs
Resort and a public pool just down the street.
Hot springs occur where the surface of the Earth intersects the
water table. The temperature of hot springs depends on the amount
of heat supplied at their depth and the extent of dilution of the
heated water by cool groundwater near the surface. It is believed
that many of the minerals found in the waters of hot springs are
healthy for the skin. More information can be found at www.bchotsprings.com.
Kyle Berger is a freelance journalist and graphic designer
living in Richmond.
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