HOT SPRINGS
Canadian Rockies Hot Springs
Canadian Rockies hot springs formed the foundation of early tourism in the mountains. On November 8, 1883, three young railway workers went prospecting for gold on their day off near present-day Banff. They discovered a warm stream and traced it to its source at a small log-choked basin of warm water that had a distinct smell of sulphur. The three men had found not gold, but something just as precious—a hot mineral spring that in time would attract wealthy customers from around the world and that is now protected as CAVE AND BASIN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE.
Today, Parks Canada operates commercial hot springs in Banff, Jasper and Kootenay National Parks. For information visit the Parks Canada Canadian Rockies Hot Springs website.
In the Columbia Valley, Fairmont Hot Springs is a four-season resort, while Lussier Hot Springs is a natural site in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park.
For details on the national park hot springs, use these links: