The springs were known to the
Sinixt and
Ktunaxa peoples, who fought in the general region. First Nations people helped Robert Waldron Sanderson locate the source of the springs. By 1888, Sanderson was captain of either a steamship, or small catamaran, on the Arrow Lakes. In 1890, he bought 400 acres of crown land that included the springs. By 1893, Sanderson had installed wooden sides to create bathing pools for several springs, and built accommodation for guests recuperating at the then named Arrow Lake hot springs, but sometimes called Sanderson's hot springs. With their increasing popularity, he opened a new hotel in September 1894, and renamed the location
Halcyon Hot Springs (see
halcyon), in reference to the restful surroundings of the scenery, and the believed healing powers of the pools. These developments were in partnership with Nathan Lay. On his death in 1924, Sanderson's body was brought to Halycon for burial. In 1924,
British Army Brigadier-General Dr. Frederick Burnham, who was a surgeon, restored the hotel as a
sanatorium, banning smoking and drinking. He kept the tariffs affordable to equally attract working-class clients. Halcyon achieved international recognition as a place of healing, emphasizing the curative powers of the high levels of lithium in the natural hot springs water. In 1955, the hotel burnt to the ground, taking the life of Dr. Burnham. He lends his name to
Mount Burnham, across from the resort. The absence of road access led to the site's abandonment. In 1998, a lodge, cabins and hot pools were built, and opened the following year. The resort has two natural hot spring pools, a cold plunge pool, a seasonal swimming pool, restaurant, and offers lodging. ==Water profile==