Last updated on March 8th, 2023 at 04:02 am
One place I’ve always wanted to stay is the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort in British Columbia but for one reason or another I’ve never quite made it. After a busy few months at work, we were in desperate need of some serious rest and relaxation and I knew just the spot for a long weekend, the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort!
I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy the pools in summer but the allure of a winter long weekend at the Fairmont Hot Springs had me excited! Many of the pandemic related restrictions were still in place when we visited and as we checked in the front desk agent said the hotel was very quiet and we’d have no problems with capacity limits in the pool restricting our time. Perfect! I couldn’t believe how lucky we had gotten.
Where is the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
The Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is tucked up in the Columbia Valley. Sandwiched between Lake Windermere and Columbia Lake. Located just over 35km south of the town of Radium on Highway 95. Once you see the welcome to Fairmont Hot Springs sign, the resort is a left turn beside the giant sign and red chairs. You can’t miss it!
Keep on that road as it climbs up the hill, the resort is on the right hand sign and guest parking for the hotel is on the right hand side shortly before the RV park entrance and day visitor parking.
The Accommodation Options At The Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
The Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is large, the main accommodation is a hotel, there is also a lower priced motel option as well, these buildings surround the hot springs complex. There are cabins to rent, some year round and others summer only as well as a large RV park which is fully operational in summer and has a few spots for winter.
We stayed at the hotel, which Iverson a variety of rooms depending on your needs and group size. From the website it sounds like their kind rooms have gone through renovations and a modernisation. I’m not sure if the other room styles are to follow.
With the pandemic still raging we went for a double queen room with kitchenette so we had more freedom over what and where we ate and it was perfect for our needs. The room was spacious, the beds were super comfy! The balcony was a nice touch, although a bit too chilly for me to spend much time on. Note there was very little privacy between balconies on our wing of the hotel.
The kitchenette was small but had a fridge, microwave, dishwasher and two burner stove top. It was kitted out with everything you would need to enjoy a meal. On the first night we made cheese fondue and cooked up some steaks to dip in the cheesy goodness and it was a perfect easy meal to prepare in a tight space.
The bathroom was large although a little on the dated side but everything was in perfect condition and super clean! In the closet there were pool towels and roses which were a great addition for the chilly walk to the pool and back.
We booked our room at The Fairmont Hot Springs resort direct here and got a great deal, buy one night, get the second half price, making this an incredibly reasonable winter getaway!
The Amenities At The Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
The Fairmont Hot Springs Resort has something for everyone! The main public pool area is home to a warm swimming pool, a hot soaking pool and a deep cool pool with a diving board, however this pool is closed in the winter. The public pool area has changing rooms, complete with showers for those visiting for the day.
The hotel also has a key card accessed outside hot pool with longer opening hours than the public pool. There is also an inside nordic plunge pools, one hot, one cold. A sauna and steam room as well as a yoga room and a small gym area.
The Fairmont Hot Springs Resort also offers a number of different food outlet options. There is Steamers the coffee shop, the Bears Paw Bar and Grill and Antlers. While we were visiting the coffee shop and antlers were open in the morning for breakfast while the Bears Paw was open for lunch and dinner. We went to the bar for snacks and dinner and all the food was great as was the ambience. A nice place to relax and have a beer!
Summer sees the Fairmont Hot Springs grounds come alive with activities such as mini golf, play areas and pony rides all within a few.minutes walk of the main hotel. There is also ziplining to try out at the resort.
Things To Do Nearby
A short five minute drive up the hill past the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is the Fairmont ski hill. A sweet little hill with ski runs for all abilities. A carpet, a rope tow and a double chairlift take skiers and snowboards up the mountain. There is a day lodge with a bar and cafeteria and a deck with awesome views of the valley.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort plays host to a number of trails, which all vary in length and are rated from easy to difficult. The trailheads are clearly signposted around the Resort and in town and you can grab a map from the hotels front desk.
A short drive up the road in the town of Invermere is Lake Windermere and the Whiteway. In winter they clear a large ice track, allowing you to skate in a large loop across the lake, they also track set beside this for cross country skiing as well. A unique experience to say the least!
In summer there are numerous golf courses in the nearby area for anyone who enjoys a round…or two! The closest being the Riverside golf course, the Creekside golf course and the Mountainside golf course.
