If your ever in The Kootenays in Balfour, British Columbia this is somewhere you have to go!It costs $12 for the day/night and you have access to the hot springs pool,the cave and the plunge(I will explain the plunge a little later.)

*Here is where the water comes from information taken from there website-The springs originate in the Cody Caves area, which is directly above and to the west of Ainsworth Hot Springs. The water works its way down through porous rock to a depth of 1-1/2 to 2 kilometers.

The water picks up temperatures at a rate of 40 C° per km down until it strikes what is known as the lakeshore fault.This fault is an impervious layer of rock lying at an angle of 45 to 50 degrees from Ainsworth Hot Springs to a point directly below the Cody Caves. Hydraulic pressure forces the water up along the fault where it emerges at Ainsworth Hot Springs - Voila - Hot Water.

Many people come from all over for healing properties from the mineral contents in the springs.The last time I went I literally stayed in the water for over 4 hours and did not want to leave.The cave which is just outside the hot springs pool is a horseshoe shape and and the water is very very hot in there it will take you breath away.

But it is so peaceful and relaxing to swim or wade through as its not to deep and nice to find a quiet corner and just relax.Its best to go during the week when its not so busy it is always open so it would be quite a treat when there is snow.The plunge as I mentioned above is right at the end of the cave when you come out its not for the faint of heart and to tell you the truth I was a little nervous of how shocking it may feel after coming out of steaming hot caves and into cold water.

It is exhilarating!Its very hard to explain but it just gives you this burst of energy.I never felt so good after a day of being here my skin felt so soft and my hair was super soft from the Silica and Magnesium in the water.If your having health issues or just need to relax I highly recommend it.

*Taken from the site below:
High Mineral Content Odourless Water
Calcium Carbonate 35.25
Calcium Sulphate 68
Magnesium Carb 35
Magnesium Sulphate 74
Sodium Carbonate 57,60
Sodium Sulphate 31
Sodium Chloride 6.08
Potassium Chloride 5.42
Lithium Chloride 28
Silica 11.70
Iron and Alumina 2.44
(parts per 100,000)