People came here long before the swimming pools were built. In 1964, bulldozers working on the first golf course uncovered artifacts showing that Indigenous people had used the site for more than 7,000 years. The Ktunaxa people have longstanding connections to these springs, which were valued as places of healing.

Sir George Simpson wrote about the springs in 1841. In 1888, the property was associated with John Galbraith. According to the resort's historical account, his wife, Sarah, named it Fairmont after her father's home in West Virginia.

In 1923, William Heap Holland, an Englishman from Manchester, built the first swimming pool. He also constructed a stone bathhouse on Emanation Hill for Indigenous visitors, who could use it free of charge.
For a while, he even renamed the place "Radium" to promote its slightly radioactive water. However, visitors kept confusing it with Radium Hot Springs, so he eventually dropped the name in the late 1930s.

In 1957, Earl and Lloyd Wilder bought the resort. Golf facilities were added in 1965, followed by skiing in 1969.

Pools and a lodge were built between 1969 and 1972. Ken Fowler Enterprises acquired the resort in 2006. In June 2023, ownership changed again when Aldesta Hotels and Resorts acquired the property.

Fairmont Hot Springs Pools

The water emerges from the ground at 42–49°C (108–120°F) and is cooled with creek water before entering the pools. More than 1.2 million gallons of fresh mineral water flow through the pools every day.

So, what makes it special? The water has little to no noticeable odor, which is unusual for a hot spring. It's rich in minerals, including calcium, sulfate, and magnesium. It also contains small amounts of naturally occurring radioactive elements, a characteristic of some geothermal springs.

All the public pools are outdoors. The soaking pool stays around 39°C (102°F). The large lap pool is about 31°C (88°F), while the diving pool is a little cooler. The diving board is especially popular with children.

The pools are treated with chlorine to maintain water quality. According to the resort, they are also drained and refilled every night. There are no lifeguards, so visitors swim at their own risk. Twice a year, in spring and fall, the pools close for about a week for maintenance.

Children 5 and under get in free, while adults need a day pass. An evening swim is another option, with admission available from 7:30 to 9 PM.

Now for a hidden gem. Start at the wooden arch by the RV park entrance and walk about 2 minutes uphill to a tufa-covered hill. The historic stone bathhouse has three small rooms, each with a cement tub and a skylight. Shallow tubs are also carved into the rock just above the building.

Today, the resort marks the baths as a historic site for viewing only. Still, the short walk is worth it. Orange, green, and blue algae cover parts of the rocks, and the views across the Columbia Valley are impressive.

The resort has 45 holes of golf across three courses. There are two championship courses, Riverside and Mountainside, plus the Creekside par-3 course.

In winter, the Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area has 14 runs and about 1,000 ft (305 m) of vertical drop. Lift lines are generally short, and the ski area is geared toward families. Some lift ticket options include same-day pool access, so check the current ticket conditions before booking.

In summer, you can fly down the Mineral Mountain Ziplines or hike to the Dutch Creek Hoodoos. In winter, you can skate on the Lake Windermere Whiteway in nearby Invermere.

Want more hot water? Radium Hot Springs is about 33 km north. For a more natural soaking experience, try Lussier Hot Springs in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park.

If you stay at the resort, pool access is included with your accommodation, subject to the booking conditions. You can also enjoy a guest-only hot springs area with hot and cold plunge pools, a steam room, and a sauna.

The guest-only area has extended hours and becomes adults-only after 9 PM. Accommodation options include lodge rooms, pet-friendly Juniper Lodge rooms, and Mountainside Villas for larger groups.
On a budget? Try Mountain View Resort and Suites. For more space, Fairmont Mountain Bungalows is another option.

RVers can stay at the RV Resort, while tent camping is available at Spruce Grove Campground. If you live in BC, Alberta, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, or Montana, ask about the 15% Pacific Northwest Rate. Check the current promotion dates, participating accommodations, and booking conditions before making a reservation.

Peak season runs from June through September. November is generally a quieter time to visit.

Invermere and Windermere also have additional accommodation options nearby.

👉 Book your stay at Fairmont Hot Springs here