Planning a trip to British Columbia, Canada with your kids and wondering where to stay for a fun, yet relaxing getaway? I’ve got the perfect place for you!
If you’re looking for one of the best family resorts in BC, we’ve found the perfect place for you: the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Nestled in the mountains of the Columbia Valley in British Columbia, the resort is PERFECT for families of all ages and all year-round.
During your stay, you’ll never be bored”. Your family will be busy for the entire stay with all the fun activities provided by the resort.
We had the chance to spend 3 nights there and we just can’t wait to visit again.
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Note:
Don’t be mistaken. There is also a resort called Fairmont Hot Springs in Montana. Today’s article is about one of the best family resorts in British Columbia, Canada 😉
Now let’s see a few reasons why Fairmont Hot Spring Resort is the best family resort in BC.
»» Book your stay at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Fairmont Hot Spring Resort reviews: Why it’s the BEST family resort in BC?
Fairmont Hot Spring Resort is located in the Columbia River Valley and is surrounded by nature. From the parking lot of the resort, you’ll have this amazing view of the mountains and the Columbia Valley. As soon as you’ll enter the main lodge, you’ll see that they put in a lot of effort to make sure families have a memorable stay.
Plus it’s home to Canada’s largest natural hot springs. So kids can play in the big outdoor heated pool (heated naturally by the springs) while parents can relax in the soaking pool next door.
How to Get to Fairmont Hot Spring Resort?
From Calgary to Fairmont Hot Springs:
The driving distance from Calgary airport to Fairmont Hot Springs is 313 km. It takes about 3h30 to reach the resort, but if you can plan for a full day so you can enjoy Banff National Park, Kootenay National Park and Radium Hot Springs.
From Calgary Airport, you’ll need to follow AB-2 N, then Stoney Trail NW/AB-201 until you get onto the Trans-Canada HWY. You’ll pass Banff, turn on AB-93 at the Castle Mountain junction and follow signs for Radium Hot Springs, driving through Kootenay National Park. Make sure to fill up gas in Banff, since there is no gas service until Radium Hot Springs and no cell service.
You’ll then pass the town of Radium, Invermere and arrive at Fairmont Hot Springs, where you’ll see the big sign of the resort.
On your way, try to stop in Banff, at the Marble Canyon hike, Paint Pots, Numa Falls and why not soak at Radium Hot Springs pool.
From Vancouver to Fairmont Hot Springs:
From Vancouver, it’s a bit of a longer drive than from Calgary. The shortest driving distance from Vancouver to Fairmont Hot Springs is 852 km. And it will take a minimum of 10 hours, so you could plan on an overnight stop near Kamploop.
From Vancouver, you’ll follow the Trans-Canada Highway up to Golden, passing through Hope, Merritt, Kamploop and Revelstoke. In Golden, you’ll then follow BC-95 S to Fairmont Hot Springs.
5 Reasons We Loved Our Stay at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Here are the four main reasons we LOVED our stay at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and why we know you’ll love it.
»» Check availabilities and pricing for Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
1. The Natural Mineral Hot Springs
The mineral hot springs pools are probably the main attraction of the resort. In total, you’ll find:
- a soaking pool maintained at 39°C (102°F)
- ta large swimming pool maintained at 32°C (89°)
- a dive tank pool is maintained at 30°C (86°F) (This pool is closed at the moment – 2022)
- a guest-only soaking pool maintained at 38°C (101°F)
- a guest-only indoor cold and hot pools
We love the landscaping of the pool triplex. The soaking pool and the large swimming pool are next to each other, separated by a small wall, making it perfect for all the family members to enjoy the pools. Parents can easily relax in the soaking pool while watching their (older) kids having fun playing in the big pool.
It’s what we did most of your stay: my youngest and I love hot water so we stayed in the soaking pool, while my oldest son and my husband played some water games in the coolest swimming pool.
Fun for the entire family 🙂
It’s interesting to know that geothermal water comes out of the ground at a temperature between 103°F and 118 °F. It is then cooled down to a more comfortable temperature. You’ll find a few spots in each pool where the water is warmer than the rest of the pool. It’s where the water enters the pools.
No need for a hot tub or an indoor pool when you have access to 4 outdoor natural hot springs pools.
»» Check availabilities and pricing for Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
2. The Various Lodging Options
The Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers different types of lodging for all types of traveling families and budgets.
- Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Main Lodge, the Juniper Lodge and the Cabins & Cottages
As guests at the resort, you can book a room either at the main lodge, the Juniper lodge or one of the cabins.
Each has its benefits. The Fairmont hot Springs cabins & cottages offer more privacy to families, while the resort lodge guests have exclusive access to one of the hot springs pools.
Some hotel rooms at the main lodge and the Juniper Lodge as well as all cabins have full kitchens making it perfect for families to cook their own meals (it’s a real bonus when travelling with little ones). All hotel rooms have air conditioning, a mini-fridge, pool towels and robes.
- Fairmont Hot Springs Campgrounds
The resort is also home to two camping facilities: the Fairmont Hot Springs RV Resort and the Spruce Grove Campground.
Both Fairmont Hot Springs campgrounds are suitable for campervans, but tents can only be accommodated at the Spruce Grove Campground. Also, guests to both campgrounds have a discount for the hot springs pools.
The Fairmont Hot Springs RV Resort is directly next to the main lodge. There is a nice pedestrian bridge connecting the Camping to the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort for easy access to the pools.
The Spruce Grove Campground is a bit further. It’s not located on the resort premises, so a short drive is needed.
»» Check availabilities and pricing for Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
❤️ For our stay, we were staying in one of the family loft hotel rooms in the main lodge. It was spacious (two levels) and we had a private patio with a few chairs and a picnic table. It was perfect for relaxing in the evening when the kids were sleeping or eating some food. We were a short walk from the guest-only hot pool, so we made it our temporary routine to have an early morning soak before the crowds woke up.
3. The Tasteful Restaurants
Family vacations can also rime with good food and no cooking. All the family can enjoy the food at one of the restaurants in Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. The main lodge resort has two restaurants, one cafe and one poolside bar offering a variety of meals.
- Steamer’s Café
The Steamer’s Café is the first morning stop for parents 😉 Lattes, Cappuccinos, and cinnamon buns, … A great way to start the day. The café is open until 2PM with a small variety of snacks and sandwiches.
- Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill
The Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill serves great pub food and drinks from Noon to 11PM. They also have a large patio for warm summer days.
- Antler’s at the Lodge
Antler’s at the Lodge serves tasty breakfasts from 7AM to 11AM. Then, at night, it serves the Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill menu.
Then, there are some dining opinions at each golf course as well as the ski area (which opened in the winter only)
»» Check availabilities and pricing for Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
❤️ During our stay, we had dinners at the Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill. The Fish & Chip is yummy! We also treated ourselves to a good breakfast at the Anter’s at the Lodge on our last morning. The pancakes were delicious!
4. The Fun Family Activities Organized by the Resort
The resort offers many activities for active families with kids of all ages. It’s all those activities for the families that make Fairmont Hot Spring Resort one of the best family resort in BC.
Each day, kids will be able to take part in activities just for them, such as:
- scavenger hunts
- games in the pools
- craft sessions
- kids’ yoga
- coloring sheets
- movie nights
and so much more.
Then, at the Basecamp (a short away below the main lodge), you’ll find a tennis court, a mini golf course, a volleyball court and some picnic tables.
During the Holiday season, the resort gets into the Christmas vibes and becomes a magical place for kids of all ages. Thematic activities are proposed such as Christmas cookie decoration and Christmas movies.
In the summer months (July and August), kids (6+) can attend the resort Kids Day Camp with unique themes each day. And at the end of the summer, just before it’s time to go back to school, the Fairmont Hot Spring Resort holds the KidsFest, an entire week of activities just for the kids.
What more can you ask for?
»» Check availabilities and pricing for Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
❤️ During our stay, we did daily morning yoga. The instructor, Ali was so good with the kids and made it really engaging for the kids of all ages. We also registered for the daily craft sessions. We decorated flower pots and created a beautiful butterfly out of coffee filters.
5. All the Other Things to Do in Fairmont Hot Spring
There are so many things to do in Fairmont Hot Springs Resort that you could easily spend an entire week and barely get outside of the resort premises. From hot springs and hiking to skiing and kids’ daily activities, the entire family will enjoy their stay at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, BC.
Now, let’s see what to do in Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, other than soaking in the natural hot springs.
Walk on one of the hiking trails near Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
There are many kilometers of trails departing from the resort or nearby. Our favorite one was hands-on the Indigenous Historical Baths trail.
The Indigenous Historical Baths are among the first buildings erected at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. These types of baths were very popular among the Indigenous people and the early settlers of the Columbia Valley.
A short walk across the parking lot of the main lodge will bring you to the trailhead. Then, you have to follow the trail to the bathhouse.
Make sure you take your take to admire this historic site. Then, you can walk above the bathhouse to see tufa rock tubs and natural hot spring pools.
And why not take a small dip?
It’s a really quick hike, but worth it. The view from the top is breathtaking. We went a few times, but the most memorable one was at sunset. The boys even soaked in one of the baths.
If you are looking for other trails, those two are also great picks:
- Hoodoo Trail (in Fairmont)
This is an easy 3.2 km out-and-back trail, but it’s a steep hike. At the top of the trail, you’ll be at the top of the hoodoos. You’ll get a great view over Columbia Lake and Dutch Creek. But the best view of the hoodoos is from the bottom of the trail.
- Columbia Wetland Viewpoint Trail
This 3.7 km out-and-back trail is perfect for bird viewing. It will lead you to the wetlands where you can spot birds like great blue heron, swan, bald eagle and more
Introduce the kids to golfing on one of the two resort golf courses (or mini-golfing)
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort owns 3 golf courses for players of all levels. There are two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course. They all offer beautiful views of the Rockies and/or the Valley.
- Mountainside Course
- Riverside Course
- Creekside Course
And for families like ours (who don’t really enjoy golfing… we are not good at all ;)), there is a fun mini golf course at the Basecamp of the resort. It’s complimentary for all resort guests. We did go mini-golfing each day. It was fun.
Go Biking
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort (and the surrounding) offers more than 50 kilometers of biking trails. During our stay, we’ve decided to stay on the resort premises and go our short biking rides (for the boys – running for the parents) at the Fairmont Hot Spring RV Resorts.
The boys could bike directly from the main lodge to the campground and do a few laps around the beautiful campground. I was running behind them and also enjoying the breathtaking views the campground offers.
If you’re looking for real biking trails, those two are perfect for families:
- Westside Legacy Trail
The towns of Fairmont Hot Springs and Invermere are connected with a 25-km long paved biking trail.
- Spirit Trail
The towns of Fairmont Hot Springs and Canal flats are connected with a trail. It offers amazing views over Columbia Lake and the mountains.
Get Your Dose of Adrenaline at the Mineral Mountain Ziplines
Located just above the main lodge, near the entrance of the RV Resort, the Mineral Mountain Ziplines is a six-line course through forest canopies, across Fairmont Creek. You’ll get your dose of adrenaline while taking in views of the surrounding Hoodoos, Columbia Lake, Rocky Mountains and more!
To be able to do the ziplines, kids must be at least 50 pounds.
Our boys are still too little, maybe in a few years…
Enjoy the Water of the river and the nearby lakes
While the Fairmont Hot Spring Resort is not a beach resort with sandy beaches directly on the premises, there are nice lake beaches a short drive away.
Bring your equipment for a sandcastle-building competition, and head to Invermere for a day at the lake.
Kinsmen Beach on Invermere Lake offers a nice sandy beach, spray park, and playground. Tilley Memorial Park in Canal Flats is also a great place to swim with the kids. It’s on the Columbia Lake.
You can also go tubing down the Columbia River. You can rent tubes right at the Resort, at the Basecamp. But transportation is not included. Then, if your family enjoys Stand Up Paddleboarding, you may want to go paddle on the Columbia Wetlands.
BONUS. Enjoy Fairmont Hot Springs in the Winter
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is a year-round destination. And winter is no excuse. The resort owns a ski resort: the Fairmont Ski Area, just a few kilometers up the main lodge.
There is a total of 14 runs, ranging from green to black in skill level making the Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area the ideal ski resort for family vacations. Plus, there are barely ever lift lines.
»» Check availabilities and pricing for Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort reviews: What other guests have to say
We loved our stay at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. We had the chance to visit once in the wintertime and once in the summertime. Both seasons are completely different but equally fun at the resort.
We are even planning other stay there for the summer. But we are not the only family who thinks Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is the best family resort in BC.
Here are a few other Fairmont Hot Springs Resort reviews from other guests:
Good Location to Use Hot Springs. Clean Facility with good Dinning Options on Property. Easy access to Fairmount Hot springs and Close Drive to Panorama Ski Resort. Clean and good price for the location.
Superb. The staff went above and beyond to to create and comfortable atmosphere. The pool was no over full so there was tons of room for the kids to swim and play.
Superb. The access to restaurant/ cafe /outdoor dining was appreciated.Great food and selection. Loved the fabulous view and rejuvenating experience to soak in the natural hot spring guest only pool. We enjoyed the historic nature walk to the old bathhouse. Stunning area to visit. The staff were very friendly.
» Read more reviews on Booking.com
Looking for other family resorts in BC?
There are a few other great British Columbia family resorts. Here are a few of the best family resorts in British Columbia outside of Fairmont Hot Springs Resort:
- Tigh-Na Mara Seaside Resort: Tigh-Na Mara Seaside Resort is located in Parksville on Vancouver Island. There are activities for the whole family, including one of the largest private beaches in British Columbia. Plus, there is a babysitting service on-site. »» Check availabilities for Tigh-Na Mara Seaside Resort here.
- Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa: Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa is located in Harrison, not too far from Vancouver. There are 3 restaurants, several pools, and of course, the hot springs. Plus, there are many hiking trails around the resort »» Check availabilities for Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa here.
- Halcyon Hot Springs Resort: Halcyon Hot Springs Resort is located in Nakusp on the beautiful on beautiful Upper Arrow Lake. The resort has a spacious private beach, with fun activities like kayaking and canoeing. There are also hot springs and pools. »» Check availabilities for Halcyon Hot Springs Resort here.
F.A.Q Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Where is Fairmont Hot Springs?
Fairmont Hot Springs is located in the Kootenays in British Columbia, Canada. It’s 313 km from Calgary and 852 km from Vancouver.
From Calgary to Fairmont Hot Springs:
The driving distance from Calgary airport to Fairmont Hot Springs is 313 km. It takes about 3h30 to reach the resort, but if you can plan for a full day so you can enjoy Banff National Park, Kootenay National Park and Radium Hot Springs.
From Calgary Airport, you’ll need to follow AB-2 N, then Stoney Trail NW/AB-201 until you get onto the Trans-Canada HWY. You’ll pass Banff, and then turn on AB-93 at the Castle Mountain junction and follow signs for Radium Hot Springs, driving through Kootenay National Park.
From Vancouver to Fairmont Hot Springs:
From Vancouver, you’ll follow the Trans-Canada Highway up to Golden, passing through Hope, Merritt, Kamploop and Revelstoke. In Golden, you’ll then follow BC-95 S to Fairmont Hot Springs.
Is Fairmont Hot Springs open?
Yes. The Fairmont Hot Springs are open, both for the resort’s guests and visitors.
How is Fairmont Hot Springs heated?
The Fairmont Hot Springs pools are heated naturally by the natural hot spring. They are them cold down to a comfortable temperature.
Do Fairmont hot springs use chlorine?
Yes. Fairmont hot springs use chlorine for the health and safety of the resort guests and members.
Does Fairmont Hot Springs Resort have a pool?
Yes. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort has 3 main pools and 2 guest-only pools: a soaking pool maintained at 39°C (102°F), a large swimming pool maintained at 32°C (89°), a dive tank pool is maintained at 30°C (86°F) (This pool is closed at the moment – 2022), a guest-only soaking pool maintained at 38°C (101°F) and a guest-only indoor cold and hot pools
Does Fairmont Hot Springs Resort have restaurants on-site?
Yes. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort has 3 restaurants on-site: Steamer’s Café, Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill and Antler’s at the Lodge.
Are pets allowed at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort?
No. Pets are not allowed.
Is Fairmont Hot Springs resort an all-inclusive family resort in Canada?
No. Fairmont Hot Springs resort is not an all-inclusive family resort in Canada. But it offers many complimentary activities for kids. There is also a summer camp.
»» Book your stay at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Final Thoughts: And the Best Family Resort in BC is…
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort!
It’s hands-on the best family resort in British Columbia. The resort has everything to make a memorable family vacation in British Columbia with your kids.
With all the family-friendly activities and amenities, you’ll get to relax while the kids are having a blast.
Will you add Fairmont Hot Springs Resort to your family resort bucket list?
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Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.