Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
You’ve no doubt heard the hype about BC’s famous Fairmont Hot Springs, and probably even stopped in for a quick dip yourself if you were in the area,
I’ve visited the Fairmont area a few times (camping with my parents, or during a road trip to hike around the area with friends). More often than not, we stopped in to the classic public hot pools for a quick soak. I’d always thought the resort itself looked charming and relaxing, with its beautiful sprawling grounds and cozy cabins, but hadn’t had the chance. So, Mitch and I decided to stay here for three nights on a little couples getaway, with a plan to combine the best of both worlds – a classic pampering experience at the Resort, and some time to adventure around Fairmont and area.
Read on to learn more about why we chose Fairmont Hot Springs for a couples getaway that was both adventurous and pampering and our top recommendations of the best things to do in the area!
Disclaimer: Our couples getaway was kindly provided on a complimentary basis by Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. I will continue to promote only products, properties, destinations, and services that I truly believe in 100%, and would wholeheartedly recommend to others.
History of Natural Hot Springs
The history of how natural hot springs in the Rockies are created is quite fascinating!
The ancient rocks of what is now North America laid quiet and still 50 million years ago. Then, through a geological process, the rocks eventually began to move and lift. This slow process continued over the next 20 million years, and eventually the range of mountains that we now know as the Rockies was created.
This process also left deep faults in the rock. Water enters the porous limestone through these faults and becomes warmed by the rocks. As the water travels down deeper, the temperature of the rock increases and the water eventually bubbles back up to the surface, emerging much hotter than it entered.
This formed natural hot springs at the rock surface. One of the spots where the heated water bubbled back up to the surface was what is now known as Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, in SE British Columbia, which is now a world-famous hot springs resort.
There have been numerous healing properties associated with natural hot springs and the minerals found in the water, such as eliminating body toxins, promoting healthy skin, and helping soothe arthritic pains.
About Fairmont’s Hot Spring Waters
Fairmont Hot Springs is Canada’s largest odorless natural mineral hot springs pool. The water temperatures here vary between 30 – 39 Celsius (86 – 102 Fahrenheit). The outdoor hot pools are surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Over 1 million gallons of mineral-rich water flows daily through the large soaking hot pool, lap pool, diving pool (with low and high diving boards), and private guest hot pool. The surface hot springs waters are directed underground through lines to the resort pools where visitors are able to enjoy the water and benefit from its health properties.
As per https://www.fairmonthotsprings.com/hot-springs/health/…
Mineral Hot Springs Water can contain:
| • Calcium Bicarbonate (Ca(HCO3)2) | 1024.0 ppm |
| • Calcium Sulphate (CaSO4) | 782.0 ppm |
| • Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4) | 494.0 ppm |
| • Sodium Chloride (NaCI) | 63.2 ppm |
| • Sodium Sulphate (Na2SO4) | 38.3 ppm |
| • Silica (SiO2) | 27.4 ppm |
| • Potassium Chloride (KCI) | 10.4 ppm |
| • Dissolved Radium (units) | 105.0 ppm |
Amenities and Features at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is a year-round resort destination, making it perfect to visit in any season!
The grounds are absolutely beautiful, surrounded by mountains, with a variety of accommodations that are well spread out throughout the property, with plenty of gorgeous green spaces to lounge among and take in your natural surroundings.
In the warmer months, when you’re not soaking your day away, you can choose to spend time exploring the natural beauty of this part of BC. The resort even has a beautiful RV campground, if you choose to camp.
Or, if you visit in the winter, this is the perfect place to stay in one of the resort’s cozy rooms or cabins and warm up in the healing hot pools, and maybe even treat yourself to an on-site massage. You won’t need to venture outside the resort if you don’t want to!
There’s even a private hot pool for resort guests only, which we loved and used multiple times! It was a lot quieter than the main pools and very relaxing.
But when you stay with Fairmont, there’s much more included with your stay than you’d expect!
INCLUDED FAIRMONT RESORT AMENITIES:
- Unlimited access to all three public hot pools
- Exclusive access to the “resort-guest-only” Natural Mineral Hot Springs Pool
- Access to a yoga room and exercise room
- Unlimited free Wi-Fi in your room, and throughout the public areas of the resort
- Complimentary parking
- Access to the 3 onsite restaurants & a cafe
- Resort activities such as mini-golf and kayak river float tours (seasonal)
- Unlimited access to the Riverside Driving Range (seasonal)
- Guided local nature hikes (seasonal)
- Guided snowshoe nature hikes (seasonal)
- Access to tennis courts and use of rackets and balls (seasonal)
- Daily family activities such as movie nights, scavenger hunts, crafts and indoor and outdoor games (seasonal)
- Exclusive resort guest discount at Poolside Shop and Riverside and Mountainside Golf Shops
They also have pet-friendly cabins, which we of course took advantage of and so we could bring our little Lila along. The cabins were cute and cozy, perfectly rustic, and had everything we needed. They were also located on a gorgeous green space, perfect for picnics.
The resort is fun and family-friendly, but also so perfect for a romantic couples stay, a soothing spa getaway for friends or bachelorette parties, or even a relaxing solo stay!
We loved the meals we had here – great food, wonderful friendly service and relaxed atmosphere (with mountains views!)
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort’s Natural Springs Spa
Unique to the Columbia Valley, Natural Springs Spa utilizes the area’s abundant natural hot springs waters in a number of treatments to create your perfect spa experience.
They offer an abundance of great treatments, such as massages, soaks and wraps to facials, mani/pedi and more.
I had a one-hour hot stone massage and it was excellent! It was the perfect way to relax after a long day hike.
You can find the spa’s treatment list here.
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FAIRMONT, BC – BEST THINGS TO DO
If you’re even able to rip yourself away from the beautiful hot pools (it’s tough, trust me!), there’s a plethora of other fun things to do and beautiful views to check out in the area.
Here are some of our suggestions:
Best Hikes in Fairmont, BC
- Hoodoo Trail – 3.2 km, easy-rated hike featuring gorgeous views over the hoodoos, and wildflowers in the summer
- Pedley Pass Trail – 7.6 km, difficult-rated trail that features a pretty lake and is rated as difficult. Can choose to continue on to Pedley Ridge for a stunning viewpoint!
- Gibraltar Lookout Trail – 10km, moderate-rated but steep hike to a fire lookout with beautiful views of the Kootenay and White River Valleys
- Along the Johnson – 7.1 km, easier hiking trail that features beautiful wildflowers and stunning views of the local topography – including some hoodoos! We did this one and loved it!
Other Things to Do in Fairmont, BC:
- The Fairmont Float – spend a lazy afternoon floating down the beautiful Columbia River on a tube. Best of all, this activity is free if you bring your own tube! Otherwise, you can rent one from the gas station. This trip will take 2-3 hours to complete, depending on the water levels. The water usually flows at a pretty slow pace, so the float trip is safe for the entire family!
- Activities at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort – they have SO many to choose from, such as horseback riding, kayaking tours, ATV tours, ziplining, and mountains biking!
- Fishing – there is an abundance of waterways in the region, both mountain streams and sparkling lake, which are a dream come true for many anglers. Fish species include rainbow trout, pike, Kokanee, cutthroat, whitefish. Just remember to purchase your fishing license if you’re going to try your luck!
- Visit Funtasia Fun Park – has an adventure park, petting zoo, mini-golf course and even bumper cars!
- Hunt for Natural Hot Springs – we found some gems! One of the best-known spots in the area is Lussier Hot Springs (read my blog about that here), but there may be one or two others in the area. I won’t give them away here, but you’ll have a blast hunting for them on your own! (Hint: Google Maps is your best friend 🙂 )
OUR EXPERIENCE AT FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS
Fairmont Hot Springs was a beautiful, cozy, charming place to relax and pamper ourselves, while also providing plenty of options for adventure and exploring!
We will absolutely stay here again, and we do highly recommend it, especially as a couples’ getaway or family vacation spot!
Don’t hesitate to book your stay, and have so much fun!
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