Like many other hot springs in British Columbia, Ainsworth Hot Springs was first discovered by the native people. It is thought that they took advantage of the hot springs while coming up to Kootenay Lake to fish during the Kokanee Salmon run and to pick the huckleberry crop in late summer.

In 1882 George Ainsworth of Portland, Oregon applied for a preemption of the townsite and to mine silver, lead and zinc. At that time it was originally called Hot Springs Camp. The town's main focus was on mining. The first mineral water pool was built in 1920's mainly for the miners. The pools and caves were finished in the 1930's during the Great Depression. During that time the pools were open 24/7 and cost 10 cents to swim.

Yale Lead and Zinc Co. Ltd. the owners of the hot springs then sold the properties after the price of silver went down and the mines were closed. In 1962 Sam and Belle Homen bought the property and maintained the resort until their daughter Joyce and her husband Norm Mackie bought it in 1979 who still own and operate the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort to this day.http://www.hotnaturally.com/history.php

If your looking to just relax in the mineral water at the hot springs then the rates are $10 for adults, $9 for senors/students, and $8 for children 3-12 years old. The unlimited day pass is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors/students, and $11 for children 3-12 years old. The pool and mineral cave is open 10am until 9:30pm, 365 days a year. The water in the horse shoe cave is first filtered and temperature regulated. The water comes in at 117 F and is cooled down to 114 F before entering the cave. The water in the cave is about waist deep and creates a natural steam bath. The temperature of the mineral water in the pools are 96 F and the water is changed naturally six times a day. A stream-fed cold plunge is also available for guests.http://www.hotnaturally.com/our_water.php

Rooms at the hotel vary by season. Free Wi-Fi is available. No animals are allowed except guide dogs. Check-in is at 4pm and check-out is at 11am. There is a 48 hr cancellation policy. The entire resort is smoke free so there is no smoking allowed anywhere on the resort. All rooms except Non Views face Kootenay Lake & Purcell Mountains. All prices are in Canadian dollars and all room rates are based on double occupancy and they charge extra $10-15 for additional guests per room aged 3 and up. Rates are subject to change.

The spring hotel rates from March 1 - June 24 range from $129 to $185.http://www.hotnaturally.com/spring_rates.php The summer rates from June 25 - Sept. 30 range from $139 to $199.http://www.hotnaturally.com/summer_rates.php The Fall rates from October 1 - October 31 range from $129 to $185.http://www.hotnaturally.com/fall_rates.php</j ref> Winter December 17 - January 2 range from $139 to $199.<ref>http://www.hotnaturally.com/winter_rates.php