Fairmont Hot Springs
Fairmont Hot Springs is a naturally heated water source in southeastern British Columbia where over a million gallons flow daily into pools open to visitors. The water contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and silica, with one pool kept at approximately 102 degrees Fahrenheit and a larger swimming area at around 89 degrees.
John Hankey purchased the land in the early 1900s and opened a small hotel with baths, later expanded by William Holland who added a swimming pool, restaurant, and cabins. In 1957, two brothers from Saskatchewan bought the property with other investors, and by 1965 Lloyd Wilder became the main owner, developing it into the popular family destination it is today.
The name honors William Fairmont Holland, an English entrepreneur who developed the springs in the early 1900s and wrote about the area as a land of abundance. Today, visitors from many backgrounds come here to share the same tradition of bathing in mineral-rich water and seeking wellness through natural means.
Visitors can purchase a day pass to access the pools or swim free if staying at the nearby hotel, with the facility open from early morning to early evening. There are no lifeguards on duty, so everyone should take care when swimming, and an annual pass offering unlimited access is available for frequent visitors.
In July 2012, a mudslide created a temporary crisis when a creek running through town formed a dam causing water levels to spike suddenly, leading to some home evacuations and temporary golf course closure. This event showed how nature can sometimes pose unexpected challenges to the community, though such occurrences are rare.
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