Unique Experience Custom Travel: Immerse Yourself in Canada’s Winter

    Nestled in Alberta, Canada, the Rocky Mountains are among the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. The majestic Canadian Rockies resemble a sacred temple worthy of reverence. In winter, they are covered in snow, glistening white, yet far from desolate. This winter, Delta Travel invites you to experience glacier hot springs—the Rockies’ first "soak" of the season—with snow-capped peaks overhead and soothing thermal baths beneath your feet. Combine that with alpine skiing, and you’ve got the makings of an ultimate winter winner.

    The Kootenay Rockies are dotted with hot springs, ranging from well-equipped modern pools to those nestled among lush forests and along rugged rivers, as well as those set within breathtaking national parks. When winter arrives, visitors flock here to soak. Here are three must-visit hot springs in the Rockies:

    Radium Hot Springs, the largest mineral hot spring facility in Canada, has a history as old as the Rockies themselves and is located at the Radium Resort south of Kootenay National Park. The odorless, beautifully blue waters are rich in health-enhancing minerals such as radium, iron, sodium, and magnesium. These underground-mined and surface-returning mineral waters contain over 700 mg of minerals per liter, nourishing skin and promoting deep wellness—no wonder hot spring enthusiasts flock here. Managed by the national park authority, the facility includes not only outdoor hot spring pools but also a cold plunge pool with a diving board, offering comprehensive amenities and warm service.

    

    Fairmont Hot Springs Resort features odorless waters rich in calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and carbonates. Pure natural hot spring water is channeled into the swimming pools, maintained at around 40°C. The resort, which includes four and a half star-rated cabins, keeps its hot spring facilities open year-round. Its legendary appeal comes not just from the therapeutic qualities of the water, but also because it is arguably the cleanest hot spring water in North America—pools are drained, thoroughly cleaned, and refilled nightly with over 5.6 million liters of fresh mineral-rich hot spring water. As a result, both water quality and hygiene are consistently top-notch.

    

    Halcyon Hot Springs, located by the picturesque Arrow Lake, offers healthful mineral waters containing unique blends of sodium, lithium, magnesium, calcium, and strontium, which can alleviate conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and gout. The springs are the heart of the resort, cascading down tiers above the lake with stunning views. Here, you can unwind and soothe your body and mind in mineral pools. The upper area includes a warm pool with water jets, a cozy hot pool, and a cool rest pool, while the lower level features a seasonal mineral pool and a children’s splash park.

    

    The Kootenay Rockies are also home to many lesser-known, top-tier ski resorts. The town of Fernie, at the foot of the Rockies, is skiers’ first stop, with its population often doubling during the snow season. Fernie Alpine Resort boasts a vast 1,000-hectare skiable area, receiving about 12 meters of snowfall annually and featuring 142 runs and 5 bowl areas, offering endless fun in powder snow. The snow here is thick and springy, lift lines are short, locals are friendly, and it’s easy to bond with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. The atmosphere is one of freedom and sheer exhilaration.

    

    Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is hailed as Canada’s “Champagne Powder Snow Capital,” receiving 7 meters of dry powder snow yearly. Revelstoke Mountain Resort features the highest vertical drop in North America, making it ideal for downhill and alpine skiing. For those looking to show off high-flying tricks, Panorama Mountain Village Resort offers numerous black diamond and double black diamond runs for practicing spins and flips. If you prefer a more grounded experience, Kimberley Alpine Resort provides expansive tree-lined slopes and challenging steeps, while kids can get their first taste of skiing in the Owl Learning Area.

    

    Simply soaking in remote mountain hot springs is memorable enough—but doing so while surrounded by peaks and spotting a bighorn sheep? That’s truly unforgettable. These majestic creatures symbolize the rugged beauty and wildlife of the Rockies. In spring, autumn, and even the depths of winter, bighorn sheep herds from Radium-Stoddart often appear near the Radium Hot Springs Resort and surrounding low-elevation terraces and valleys.

    

    In the Okanagan region, you can tour the Sicamous, a vintage steel-hulled steamship now serving as a “living museum” on the shores of Okanagan Lake in Penticton. You might even catch a glimpse of the legendary Ogopogo lake monster. Browse the nearby Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market for fresh seasonal fruits to take home. At the Okanagan’s resort ranches, you can horseback ride through sagebrush-covered hills and aspen groves, while admiring countless Indigenous artworks and crafts. Bring along John Schreiner’s *Okanagan Wine Tour Guide*, which offers comprehensive insights into BC’s wineries and wine trails.

    

    Kootenay National Park is not only home to famous hot springs, but is also a classic winter destination in its own right. Spanning 1,406 square kilometers, this natural wonder is one of Canada’s 44 national parks and showcases the southwest region of the Canadian Rockies. The park features expansive mountains that blend with blue skies, lush forests, and vast snowy landscapes to create an ever-charming ink-wash painting. Visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into a poetic paradise. The park also offers activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing.

    

    If you too want to explore the deep forests of the Canadian Rockies, relax in hot springs, and customize your trip, come to Delta Travel for a tailor-made journey. Delta Travel is North America’s largest provider of personalized travel services and the top brand for customized U.S. travel. With a professional customization team of 50 experts, each with over five years of experience in North American itineraries, we offer 24-hour fast and accurate quotes and one-on-one service to ensure all your needs are met. Leveraging direct sourcing advantages, we handle over 3,000 groups annually and offer thousands of itinerary options—including national parks, outdoor adventures, medical tours, city sightseeing, corporate trips, summer and winter camps, and more—to craft your one-of-a-kind bespoke travel experience.