Ainsworth Hot Springs
Ainsworth Hot Springs is a tiny historic village on Kootenay Lake in British Columbia, Canada. It sits along Highway 31, about 18 kilometers north of Balfour and 19 kilometers south of Kaslo, and today is best known for its warm springs and as a tourist spot. The community has about 20 residents.
The town was founded on May 31, 1883, by George Ainsworth, a steamboat captain from Portland, Oregon. He pre-empted land at the Hot Springs Camp and named it Ainsworth in honor of his family. The area grew as mining began in the surrounding mountains, and by the late 1880s the town had a general store and several hotels. Ainsworth connected to the lake with sternwheeler service, and in 1892 the City of Ainsworth steamboat began its runs (after a rough launch). The town thrived for a time, with busy saloons and hotels, including the Olson Hotel, famous for a two-story outhouse.
In 1896 a major fire destroyed much of Ainsworth, but the town rebuilt. It faced years of isolation—no roads until 1914 and no electricity until 1928—and eventually declined as Kaslo became the regional center for supplies. The town officially changed its name to Ainsworth Hot Springs in 1963 and has since become a popular tourist destination.
Today, visitors come for the hot springs, which originate near the Cody Caves. The water temperatures range from about 40–42°C in the cave to 35–38°C in the main pool. The area is also known for the nearby Cody Caves, a favorite spot for spelunkers. Ainsworth Hot Springs has even been featured on TV shows such as Gold Trails and Ghost Towns.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 10:35 (CET).