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    Marketing British Columbia to the World®
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    Affordable Nature Retreat with No Zoning - Ainsworth, BC

    Kootenays Listing No. 24052

    16 acres located 3.3 km up Cody Caves Forest Service Road. NO ZONING! Acreage slopes towards Kootenay Lake with spectacular lake and mountain views. Only 1 km as the crow flies from Kootenay lake. Near Ainsworth Hotsprings. No limits on the potential uses for the property.


    Price
    $129,000

    Size
    16.44 acres

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    Description

    This 16-acre property is located approximately 3.3 km up Cody Caves Forest Service Road. The acreage slopes towards the Kootenay Lake and has spectacular view of the lake and mountains in the distance. The property is only 1 km as the crow flies from the Kootenay Lake shoreline. 45 minutes to Nelson or a short drive north to Kaslo, BC. Cody Caves Forest Service Road is maintained only when logging activities are taking place in the area, generally in the winter months the forest service road is not cleared of snow.

    This is a true wilderness property with no services other than cell coverage, however with a off-grid power source and Elon Musk’s Starlink Internet you might as well be downtown at the office. The area has great skiing, fishing, hunting, golfing and boating. Ainsworth Hot Springs is located right at the bottom of the hill only 1 km from the property. People from around the world have been visiting Ainsworth Hot Springs for its healing and rejuvenating powers since the 1930s.

    This property has no zoning which is one of the best features of this parcel. There are literally no limits on the potential uses for this property. Build a cabin or use with an RV and work remotely from your back to nature retreat.

    Call the listing REALTOR® today for more information of to book a time to go by for a look.

    Location

    Lot 977 Cody Caves FSR - Ainsworth, BC

    Area Data

    Nestled in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, embraced by the majestic Selkirk, Monashee, and Purcell Mountain ranges, communities have flourished along the scenic banks of the Kootenay River and the shores of Kootenay Lake for over a century.

    The region encompasses the charming towns nestled along the picturesque expanse of Kootenay Lake: Nelson, Balfour, Kaslo, Ainsworth Hot Springs, East Shore, and North Kootenay Lake.

    Kootenay Lake, a natural wonder, stretches up to 150 metres deep and spans 4 kilometres at its widest point, divided into four distinctive sections:

    • The North End, stretching 64 kilometres from Lardeau to Balfour, boasts remote beaches framed by lush evergreen and deciduous forests.
    • The West Arm, a 33-kilometre stretch from Balfour to Nelson, winds along rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and local residences.
    • The South End, extending 63 kilometres from Balfour to Kuskonook, unveils a continuous array of pristine beaches on both sides of the arm.
    • The Main Lake, where the West Arm and South End converge, marks the broadest expanse of the lake, with the Kootenay Lake Ferry shuttling travelers between Kootenay Bay and Balfour.

    Kootenay Lake's aquatic journey is captivating: the North End receives glacial waters from the Purcell and Selkirk mountains, regulated by the Duncan Dam above Kaslo. The West Arm flows southwest into the Kootenay River, merging at Castlegar with the Columbia River, venturing further into the United States. The South End's flow originates from the Libby Dam in the USA, coursing northwest to meet the Main Lake near Kootenay Bay, where the ferry embarks on its scenic voyage to Balfour.

    While the lake serves as the beating heart of our region, it is also quietly renowned for our distinctive blend of arts, adventure, history, and remarkable establishments for accommodation, shopping, and dining—a harmonious fusion where mountain living intertwines with urban sophistication.

    The quaint village of Ainsworth Hot Springs beckons with its tranquil beauty and natural wonders. Home to approximately 50 residents, this charming hamlet is famed for its mesmerizing hot springs, drawing visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

    Just a scenic 45-minute drive from the vibrant city of Nelson or a mere 15 minutes from the picturesque town of Kaslo, Ainsworth Hot Springs captivates with its stunning limestone caves and abundant recreational opportunities. Whether you're angling for the perfect catch or yearning for a leisurely boat ride on the crystalline waters, this idyllic retreat promises unforgettable moments amidst nature's splendor.

    Recreation

    Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort stands as the centerpiece of our village, offering a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the stunning natural beauty of the region. Open year-round, the hot springs boast a captivating array of features, including a remarkable 150 ft horseshoe cave, a spacious lounging pool, and a refreshing stream-fed cold plunge. Renovated in 2012 and expanded in 2019, the resort also provides comfortable accommodations, a delectable restaurant, and the tranquil Spirit Water Spa.

    With a legacy of healing spanning hundreds of years, the mineral-rich waters of Ainsworth Hot Springs have welcomed countless visitors seeking therapeutic benefits. The cave experience itself is a marvel not to be missed, offering a unique immersion into natural wonders.

    For those seeking cozy lodging with a view of the serene lake, Ainsworth Motel is a perennial favorite among travelers, offering clean and inviting rooms for a memorable stay.

    Just north of Ainsworth Hot Springs lies Cody Caves Provincial Park, home to an extraordinary network of limestone caves shaped over millions of years by the relentless flow of water. Guided caving tours are available during the spring, summer, and fall months, catering to adventurers of all ages and preferences.

    Adding to the allure of our village is the newly renovated JB Fletcher Store, a historic landmark transformed into a captivating museum and artisan shop. Step inside to journey through the past while perusing locally crafted treasures of the present.

    Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of fishing and boating opportunities offered by the pristine waters of Kootenay Lake. Woodbury Resort & Marina, a short distance north of Ainsworth Hot Springs, provides convenient amenities including boat rentals, launching facilities, and guided charters. Accommodations ranging from cozy cabins to RV and camp sites are also available for those seeking an immersive lakeside experience.

    Originating from the depths of Cody Caves, the hot springs' mineral-rich waters are naturally heated two kilometres beneath the earth's surface before surging upwards at a toasty 47°C. Situated just 15 minutes from Kaslo or Balfour, and a scenic 40-minute drive from Nelson, the renowned Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is an essential destination for any traveler exploring our vibrant region.

    Nestled into the mountainside, the resort features three inviting pools, including a spacious family-friendly option, each offering breathtaking vistas of Kootenay Lake. The caves, with their unique horseshoe-shaped tunnel, provide an unparalleled setting for guests to soak amidst enchanting stalactites, creating an unforgettable experience of tranquility and wonder.

    Lake and River
    • Fishing
    • Marinas
    • Paddling
    • Sailing
    Additional Recreation
    • Sports
    • Curling
    • Disc golf
    • Golfing
    • Indoor sports
    • Skateboarding
    • Tennis and pickleball
    • Motorcycling
    • Road biking
    Mountain Activities
    • Mountain
    • Birding
    • Caving
    • Climbing
    • Hiking
    • Mountain biking
    • Ziplining
    Winter Activities
    • Backcountry skiing
    • Cat and heli-skiing
    • Fat tire biking
    • Nordic skiing
    • Skating and hockey
    • Snowshoeing
    • Snowmobiling
    • Whitewater Ski Resort

    History

    In 1882, George Ainsworth, hailing from Portland, Oregon, made an application for a pre-emption of the town site that eventually became known as Ainsworth Hot Springs. Initially dubbed Hot Springs Camp, the settlement owed its genesis to the promising discoveries of silver, lead, and zinc in the surrounding area. Interestingly, the hot springs themselves did not initially command significant attention from Ainsworth until the 1920s.

    As the town's status as a mining hub began to wane, John Burns of Nelson stepped in with a forward-thinking initiative. Recognizing the potential of the hot springs, Burns installed a pool and commenced commercial development—a move ahead of its time. Despite the onset of the Great Depression by the early 1930s, construction of the pool and caves persisted.

    Ainsworth Hot Springs, previously named Ainsworth, is a historic village on Kootenay Lake in British Columbia, and has a population of 20. Founded on May 31, 1883, it is the oldest surviving community on Kootenay Lake.

    Map Reference

    49°46'18.16"N and 116°55'25.23"W

    Tax Details

    $349.92 (2023)

    Zoning

    NA

    Legal

    DISTRICT LOT 977 KOOTENAY DISTRICT EXCEPT PLAN NEP22937
    PID 014-551-624

    Maps & Plans

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    Maps & Plans

    Our property descriptions and geographical information are taken from the BC Assessment Authority, Land Titles Office, government maps and other sources. While LandQuest® does not guarantee the information, we believe it to be accurate, but should not be relied upon without verification. This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement.

    Location

    Location