Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Nestled between the Rockies and the Purcell mountain ranges, you will find a hidden gem known as Fairmont Hot Springs. Individuals who find themselves at the resort today will enjoy many modern amenities, however, they don’t have to look far to see the roots that the resort was founded on; mesmerizing mountains views, a valley as far as the eye can see, and bubbling natural hot springs.
The first written history of Fairmont dates back to the 1800s, when the Ktunaxa and Shuswap bands discovered the natural hot springs. In the 1920s the bathhouse was built alongside 12 baths that were dug to accommodate the influx of guests traveling on the newly built Kootenay National Parks road. Starting in 1957 under the leadership of the Wilder family, the resort began to grow with additions of the pools, hotel, golf course, airport and ski hill.
These Hot Springs were formed over 300 million years ago when the Rockies were worn down and reformed, creating deep cracks in the earth. From here, precipitation and snow melt seeped deep into the earth dissolving minerals and warming with the depth.
Today, this rising hot water settles in a reservoir where it enters the collection boxes. These collection boxes help cool the water to make it a more comfortable temperature for guests. Now, under the leadership of the late Ken Fowler’s board of directors, the Hot Springs are undergoing renovation to preserve the namesake of the resort. Renovations include the addition of family and accessible change rooms, foundation improvements and resurfacing.
Sign up for the History of the Hot Springs events at www.wingsovertherockies.org
