Escape to Kootenay Getaway, your private lakeside sanctuary on stunning Kootenay Lake! This expansive 8-bedroom retreat sleeps large families comfortably with breathtaking water views from your deck. Entertainment abounds with a games room (pool table & foosball) & private movie theatre (70` TV). Minutes from Ainsworth Hot Springs—soak under the stars after exploring hiking trails and waterfront adventures. Self-check-in, fully equipped kitchen, ultimate space for multi-generational getaways!
Welcome to your lakeside escape designed for memorable family gatherings! While the property does not provide direct access to the lake (due to steep drop offs) the lake views are breathtaking!
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS (Sleeps 12+):
• Master Suite: King bed, ensuite bathroom, lake views
• Bedroom 2: 2 Queen beds, lake views
• Bedroom 3: King bed
• Bedroom 4: 2 bunk beds (4 twin beds total), perfect for kids/teens, ensuite bathroom
BATHROOMS:
• 4 full bathrooms throughout the home + 1 Half bathroom
• Modern fixtures and amenities
• Fresh linens and toiletries provided
ENTERTAINMENT SPACES:
• Game Room: Full-size pool table, foosball table
• Private Movie Theater: Sofa and Cushion Seating for 10+, 70` TV screen, Netflix/streaming ready
• Spacious Living Room: Large sectional sofa, smart TV, cozy gathering space, Wood pellet stove (wood pellets provided)
KITCHEN & DINING:
• Fully equipped gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances
• Large island for meal prep and casual dining
• Dining table seats 10+ comfortably
• Coffee station with premium coffee maker
• All cookware, dishes, and utensils provided
• Large wood stove (firewood provided)
OUTDOOR SPACES:
• Expansive deck with panoramic Kootenay Lake views
• Multiple seating areas for dining and relaxation
• BBQ grill for outdoor cooking
• Direct lake access and shoreline views
• Stargazing paradise away from city lights
The home features modern, clean design throughout with plenty of natural light and space for everyone to spread out. High-speed WiFi keeps you connected while mountain air keeps you refreshed.
You`ll have exclusive access to the entire property during your stay:
✓ All bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
✓ Complete kitchen and dining areas
✓ Game room with all entertainment equipment
✓ Private movie theater
✓ All living spaces and common areas
✓ Expansive outdoor deck with lake views
✓ Yard
✓ Driveway and parking spaces
This is your private retreat—no shared spaces. The entire home is yours to enjoy, providing the perfect setting for quality family time without interruption.
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NO DIRECT ACCESS TO THE LAKE DUE TO STEEP DROP OFFS.
We believe in giving you complete privacy and independence during your stay while remaining available if you need us.
CHECK-IN: Self-check-in with detailed instructions sent before arrival. No need to coordinate schedules or wait for anyone—arrive on your timeline.
DURING YOUR STAY: We`re just a message away via the Airbnb app. Response time is typically within 1-2 hours during daytime (often sooner). We`re happy to help with:
• Questions about the property or amenities
• Local recommendations for dining, activities, hot springs
• Any maintenance needs or concerns
• Emergency assistance (24/7)
We respect your vacation time and won`t disturb you, but we`re here to ensure everything is perfect. Think of us as your invisible concierge—available when needed, absent when not.
Discover the hidden gem of the Kootenay Lake region—where mountain majesty meets waterfront serenity!
AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS (1-2 minutes):
The star attraction! Natural mineral hot springs with stunning cave pools. These therapeutic waters are legendary—soak in 45°C (113°F) natural springs while gazing at mountain views. Open year-round with both indoor cave pools and outdoor terraces. Book tickets online to avoid waits during peak times.
NATURAL BEAUTY:
• Pristine Kootenay Lake shoreline—one of BC`s most spectacular lakes
• Fletcher Falls and Cody Caves nearby
• Towering mountain peaks surround the property
• World-class hiking trails at your doorstep (Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park nearby)
• Wildlife viewing: deer, eagles, sometimes bears (from safe distances!)
• Absolutely stunning fall colors and winter wonderland scenery
ACTIVITIES:
• Water sports: kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming
• Hiking trails from easy lakeside walks to challenging mountain summits
• Winter: skiing at nearby resorts, snowshoeing, ice fishing
• Photography paradise—every season is Insta-worthy
NEARBY TOWNS:
• Kaslo (15 minutes): Charming historic village with cafes, restaurants, and shops
• Nelson (45 minutes): Vibrant arts community, excellent restaurants, breweries, shopping
• Balfour (20 minutes): Free ferry crossing, unique dining experiences
COMMUNITY VIBE:
This is the Kootenays—laid-back, friendly, unpretentious. Locals are welcoming, pace is slower, stars are brighter. Perfect for disconnecting from city stress while having modern comforts.
FUN FACT: Kootenay Lake is one of the deepest lakes in BC and supports a thriving Kokanee salmon population. The region inspired countless artists and draws visitors seeking authentic mountain lake experiences.
ARRIVAL & NAVIGATION:
FROM MAJOR CITIES:
• Calgary: 5.5 hours (scenic mountain drive)
• Kelowna: 3.5 hours
• Spokane, WA: 4 hours (closest international airport)
• Nelson: 45 minutes (closest regional hub)
ESSENTIAL: You need a vehicle. This is rural BC—no Uber, limited taxis, sparse public transit. But that`s part of the charm!
PARKING:
• Spacious driveway accommodates 4-5+ vehicles easily
• Free parking
• RV/trailer parking possible
DRIVING LOCALLY:
• Well-maintained paved roads to the property
• Highway 31 is scenic but winding—take your time, enjoy views
• Winter: 4WD or AWD recommended (November-March). Snow tires legally required.
• Gas stations: Kaslo (15 min) —fuel up as stations are limited
FERRY CROSSING:
If arriving from the east, you`ll likely take the free Kootenay Lake Ferry (Balfour-Kootenay Bay). It`s a beautiful 35-minute crossing, its free, runs frequently, but can have waits during summer weekends. Check BC Ferries schedule online. Crossing is free but first-come, first-served.
GROCERIES & SUPPLIES:
• Kaslo: Small grocery stores with all you need (15 min drive)
• Nelson: Full supermarkets, Costco-style options (45 min drive)
• PRO TIP: Stock up on groceries in Nelson or Kaslo before arrival—selection is limited locally
CELL PHONE SERVICE:
Coverage is good near the property but spotty in mountain valleys. Download offline maps before arrival. WiFi at the house is reliable for communication.
WINTER CONSIDERATIONS:
• Snow clearing: Driveway is maintained but mountain weather can be unpredictable
• Winter tires mandatory by law October 1 - April 30
• Check road conditions: DriveBC dot ca
• Allow extra travel time in winter months
LOCAL INSIDER TIP: Download `HotSpringsBC` app for Ainsworth Hot Springs tickets, check trail maps offline, and embrace the `Kootenay time` pace—traffic jams here mean waiting for deer to cross!
HOUSE RULES & IMPORTANT INFO:
⚠️ Occupancy: Maximum 12 guests (strictly enforced for safety and neighbor consideration)
⚠️ No Parties/Events: This is a family retreat, not an event venue. Quiet hours 9 PM - 9 AM
⚠️ Parking: Ample driveway parking for 4-5 vehicles plus RV parking
⚠️ Pet Policy: We allow pets but please let us know ahead of time if you plan to bring any pets. We do not allow cats.
⚠️ Smoking: Strictly non-smoking inside. Designated outdoor smoking areas available.
⚠️ Lake Access Safety: Due to the steep drops to the lake, we do not provide direct lake access.
WHAT`S PROVIDED:
✓ Fresh linens and towels for all beds/bathrooms
✓ Basic toiletries (soap, shampoo)
✓ Kitchen basics (dish soap, coffee filters, paper towels)
✓ High-speed WiFi throughout
✓ Wood and wood pellets for wood burning stoves
✓ Heating
✓ Washer & dryer with detergent
WHAT TO BRING:
• Beach towels for hot springs/lake activities
• Groceries and specialty food items
• Personal toiletries beyond basics
• Games, books, or entertainment for downtime
CHECKOUT: 10:00 AM—simple instructions include starting dishwasher, gathering towels, and locking up. No deep cleaning required!
LOCAL TIP: Book your Ainsworth Hot Springs visit early in your stay—it`s the perfect way to unwind after travel!
Guest Information:
Refundable Damage Deposit
A $750 refundable damage deposit will be held on your credit card during your stay and released within 5 business days after checkout, provided no damages occur.
Rental Agreement & Check-In Form
You`ll receive a short-term rental agreement and check-in form to sign electronically after booking. The check-in form is used for ID verification to prevent fraudulent bookings. Both are quick and secure to complete.
Please sign at least 48 hours before check-in to avoid cancellation. If you`d like to review the agreement before booking, just ask.
Exterior Cameras
For your safety, exterior cameras monitor the entrance and backyard. These are motion-activated and strictly for outdoor use.
Cancellation Fee
A 5% cancellation fee (as shown in cancellation policy) is charged on all bookings to cover payment processing fees.
No smoking allowed- security deposit will be charged if evidence of smoking
No candles allowed inside the home
No events or parties
No pets allowed unless explicitly set up prior to check-in- (fee may apply)
Quiet time between 9:00pm and 9 am to respect our neighbours
Please follow posted rules as we are on septic system.
Please no lighting of candles.
Always ensure wood fireplace is off when not in use and at check-out
Please do not leave garbage outside (to prevent bears from visiting)
