Your Guide to Fairmont Hot Springs, BC
Natural Hot Springs, Mountain Views & Columbia Valley Adventure
Welcome to Fairmont Hot Springs, where natural mineral pools, mountain scenery, golf, and year-round outdoor recreation come together in one of the Columbia Valley’s best-known resort communities.
The Area
Fairmont Hot Springs sits in the Columbia Valley, where resort-style amenities meet wider access to lakes, trails, golf, and Rocky Mountain scenery. Unlike in a larger town, the appeal here is not centred on a traditional downtown core. It is built around the experience of the destination itself: the hot springs, the resort's recreation, access to nearby Columbia Lake, and the ability to easily shift between relaxing and active days. Fairmont is an all-season family destination with hot springs, golf, skiing, RV and camping, and outdoor adventure all close together.
The Attractions
Fairmont Hot Springs is less about big-volume attractions and more about a concentrated mix of memorable experiences built around the destination itself. In summer, that means easy-access days filled with soaking, golfing, biking, floating, and lake time, while winter shifts the focus toward family skiing, hot spring soaks, mountain views, and nearby experiences like the Lake Windermere Whiteway.
In the summer, you can spend your time enjoying:
- Fairmont Hot Springs pools for mineral soaking and easy family relaxation.
- Golf at Riverside, Mountainside, and Creekside courses.
- Resort biking trails across more than 50 km of terrain.
- Mineral Mountain Ziplines has six lines across the forest canopy and Fairmont Creek.
- River tubing through Riverside Golf Course and natural areas.
- Columbia Lake Provincial Park for beach time, swimming, paddling, and a relaxed lake day.
- Mini golf, rafting, ATV tours, and horseback riding
In the winter, you can spend your time enjoying:
- Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area for family-friendly skiing and snowboarding across 14 runs.
- Natural hot spring soaks after time outside.
- Scenic winter walks around the resort and nearby outdoor spaces. This is partly an inference from the area’s trail and open-space offerings.
- Lake Windermere Whiteway day trips for skating on the world’s longest skating trail.
- Ski chalet dining at Desperados and Sundance Cafe after the slopes.
- A quieter home base for Columbia Valley winter travel without needing a busier resort town. This is an inference based on Fairmont’s resort format and valley location.
The Amenities
Fairmont Hot Springs feels practical because it combines resort amenities with destination-level recreation. Guests are not limited to a single activity or a single style of stay. The area offers multiple dining options, access to hot springs, golf, biking, and skiing amenities, campground and RV options, and easy access to lake and trail outings.
You’ll find:
- Natural hot spring pools and wellness-oriented resort amenities.
- Multiple dining options, including casual, family, pub, golf-course, and café settings.
- Golf courses and related clubhouse dining.
- Family ski amenities, including rentals, lessons, and chalet dining.
- Camping and RV options for longer or more flexible stays.
- Lake and outdoor access nearby through Columbia Lake Park and other regional recreation.
Getting Around
Fairmont Hot Springs is straightforward to navigate, but the best way to experience it depends on what kind of stay you want.
- Driving: A car is the easiest way to move between the resort, golf courses, Columbia Lake access points, and nearby Columbia Valley outings.
- Walking: Walking works well within the main resort areas, around dining venues, and for shorter recreation stops.
- Cycling: Cycling is a genuine destination feature here, with over 50 km of trails throughout the resort property.
- Lake access: Columbia Lake Park is located just south of Fairmont Hot Springs and offers a useful public-access outdoor option.
- Day trips: Fairmont serves well as a base in the Columbia Valley for visitors seeking both resort comforts and access to broader regional attractions.
For mountain and valley travel, it is still wise to check the weather and road conditions before heading out.
Things To Do In And Around Fairmont Hot Springs | Seasonal Highlight
Summer Activities
Fairmont Hot Springs Pools
The natural mineral hot springs are what Fairmont is best known for, and they are one of the easiest ways to make any stay feel special. As Canada’s largest natural mineral hot springs, they offer a relaxing experience for all kinds of visitors, whether you are planning a family getaway, a couples retreat, or simply want time to unwind in a beautiful mountain setting.
Creekside Golf Course
Creekside Golf Course is one of Fairmont Hot Springs’ standout summer experiences, offering a relaxed and scenic round that is easy to enjoy for a wide range of golfers. It is a great option for guests who want to fit golf into their stay without committing to a more demanding course, while still enjoying open fairways, mountain views, and the laid-back feel of the Columbia Valley.
Mineral Mountain Ziplines
Mineral Mountain Ziplines brings a more adventurous side to Fairmont, with a six-line course that takes you high above the forest canopy and across Fairmont Creek. Along the way, riders get sweeping views of the Hoodoos, Columbia Lake, and the surrounding Rocky Mountains, making it one of the area’s most exciting outdoor experiences.
River Tubing
River tubing is one of Fairmont’s most easygoing summer activities and a great way to enjoy the outdoors at a slower pace. The float winds through Riverside Golf Course and nearby natural scenery, creating a peaceful and memorable experience that works well for families, couples, and anyone looking for a fun way to cool off on a warm day.
Resort Biking Trails
With more than 50 km of biking trails winding through forests, meadows, and scenic viewpoints, biking feels like a major part of the Fairmont summer experience. The trail network gives guests plenty of room to explore, whether they are looking for a casual ride, a more active outing, or a different way to take in the natural beauty around the resort.
Columbia Lake Provincial Park
Just south of Fairmont Hot Springs, Columbia Lake Provincial Park offers a quieter outdoor escape with public access to the eastern shore of Columbia Lake. It is a great choice for guests looking to enjoy beach time, swimming, paddling, or a more peaceful lake day away from the main resort area.
Winter Activities
Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area
Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area offers a friendly, approachable mountain experience, with 14 runs, equipment rentals, lessons, and terrain that is especially well-suited for families and casual skiers. It is a convenient winter activity for guests who want to spend time on the slopes without the crowds or complexity of a larger resort.
Natural Hot Spring Soaks
There are a few winter experiences that feel more fitting in Fairmont than soaking in outdoor mineral pools after a day in the cold. The contrast of warm water, crisp mountain air, and snowy surroundings makes the hot springs one of the most memorable and relaxing parts of a winter stay.
Lake Windermere Whiteway Day Trip
A day trip to the Lake Windermere Whiteway adds one of the Columbia Valley’s most unique winter experiences to a Fairmont stay. Known as the world’s longest skating trail, it offers a fun and distinctly Canadian outing for guests who want to mix skating, mountain scenery, and a bit of winter adventure into their trip.
Coffee & Casual Winter Stops
After time outside, warming up with a coffee or casual bite is an easy part of the Fairmont winter experience. Steamers Café at the resort offers a convenient option close to the ski area, while The Local in the nearby shopping area gives guests another relaxed place to stop, warm up, and take a break during their stay.
Fairmont Hot Springs Restaurant Guide
Dining in Fairmont Hot Springs is centred more around the resort and surrounding area than a traditional downtown restaurant district, but guests still have a solid mix of places to choose from. From casual family meals and pub-style favourites to coffee stops, pizza, and more distinctive sit-down options, the local food scene offers enough variety to make dining feel like a worthwhile part of the overall getaway experience.
Farm Kitchen Market
Farm Kitchen Market is a convenient stop for guests seeking casual fare, fresh coffee, and easy grab-and-go options during their stay. It works especially well for mornings, quick lunches, or anyone wanting something simple and flexible without committing to a full sit-down meal.
Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill
Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill offers a relaxed, approachable dining experience with comfort food and a pub-style menu that works well after a day of activities. It is a good fit for families, groups, or guests who want an easy, casual place to settle in for lunch, dinner, or drinks.
Antlers at the Lodge
Antlers at the Lodge offers a classic lodge-style dining experience at Fairmont, making it a strong choice for guests who want something a bit more traditional and sit-down. It adds variety to the local dining mix and suits travellers seeking a more relaxed evening meal in a warm mountain setting.
Fairmont Pizza & Ice Cream Parlour
Fairmont Pizza & Ice Cream Parlour is one of the most family-friendly and easygoing dining options in the area. It is a natural choice for a casual meal, a simple takeout night, or an ice cream stop after a day at the hot springs, golf course, or lake.
Smokehouse 93
Smokehouse 93 adds a more distinctive flavour to the Fairmont dining scene, offering a dining experience that feels a bit more memorable than standard resort fare. It is a great option for guests who want something hearty, casual, and a little different during their stay.
Black Forest Steak & Schnitzel Haus
Black Forest Steak & Schnitzel Haus offers Fairmont one of its more distinctive dining experiences, with a menu and atmosphere that stand out from the area’s more casual, resort-centred options. It is a strong pick for guests who want a more memorable sit-down dinner and something that feels a little more destination-worthy.
Fairmont Hot Springs Parks, Lakes & Trails
Fairmont Hot Springs is shaped more by natural recreation spaces than by a traditional town-style park system, which is part of what makes the destination feel so appealing. The area’s outdoor highlights are centred around lake access, scenic trails, and activity-driven spaces that make it easy for visitors to spend time outside, stay active, and enjoy the Columbia Valley landscape.
Columbia Lake Provincial Park
Columbia Lake Provincial Park is one of the area’s best outdoor spots for a more relaxed lake day. Located just south of Fairmont Hot Springs, it gives visitors public access to Columbia Lake for swimming, paddling, beach time, and other easy summer activities, making it a great option for anyone wanting to enjoy the water away from the resort core.
Funtasia - Fairmont Fun Park
Funtasia – Fairmont Fun Park adds a more playful and family-friendly element to the local outdoor experience. It gives visitors another way to enjoy time outside and helps round out Fairmont’s appeal as a destination that offers more than just hot springs and golf.
HooDoo Trail
HooDoo Trail gives visitors a chance to explore more of the natural scenery that makes Fairmont Hot Springs so distinctive. It is a strong option for anyone looking to stretch their legs, enjoy scenic views, and add a simple outdoor adventure to their stay.
Markin MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail South Kiosk
The Markin MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail adds another scenic outdoor option for visitors who want to experience more of the Columbia Valley by bike or on foot. It is a useful feature for guests looking for a more active outing and a different way to take in the surrounding mountain and valley landscape.