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Ahhhhhh!!!!!



Aahh!!
Ah, to get away from it all and totally relax in the soothing waters of a natural hot spring as it works it way from the source, through silent caverns to the lake, in the nearby outside world!


In the heart of the Kootenay wilderness of British Columbia, Canada, is the community of Ainsworth Hot Springs. Set into the mountainside overlooking the vast expanse of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains is Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, which features, among its other attractions, a unique 150-foot long horseshoe-shaped cave where the darkness, the mineral deposits, and the humidity all combine to offer an exhilarating experience.

The hot steamy, odourless shower of mineralized water falls from the cave's roof and forms a waist-deep pool, providing a rejuvenating natural steam bath. Gallons of hot mineral water flows through the pools, changing the water naturally about six times per day. The hot springs are heated naturally and vary in temperature between 40-42°C (104-114°F).

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 kilometres. The water picks up temperature at a rate of 40 C° per kilometre 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 the town of Ainsworth Hot Springs. (Population: 100.)

Ainsworth is open year-round, and is popular with families and local residents wishing to linger in the soothing waters and play in this exhilarating wilderness playground.

ADVANCED VIEWERS MAY HAVE GOTTEN SOME OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
IN DESCRIBING THE LOCATION:
Hot Springs Public Hours – 10am until 9:30pm, 365 days/year.
Single Entry
Adult - $8.00
Senior - $7.00
Student - $7.00
Child (3 to 12 yrs) - $6.00

IN DESCRIBING THE WATER:
Odourless Water
High mineral content, consisting of:
(parts per 100,000) 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


For more information on the Ainsworth Hot Springs Caves, click here.
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