Whether you are looking for secluded, undeveloped springs, or those that feature luxury services and amenities, British Columbia has a multitude of hot springs available for travellers in almost every part of the province.
Visit in winter, spring, summer, or fall, any day of the year is good to soak, as each season brings a different view of the scenery.
Each hot spring has a unique atmosphere and landscape. Some are easy to get to and others are not. No matter when, we are sure a soak in any of these will be sure to take your troubles away.
Liard Hot Springs
Travelling to or from the Yukon, on the Alaska Highway, you will encounter Liard Hot Springs Provincial Park, an excellent spot to, if you are camping, spend the night, or simply take a break to soak away your worries.
The second-largest hot spring in Canada, Liard boasts a setting that can’t be beat. Located in a lush boreal spruce forest, this year-round pool consistently has water temperatures from 42 – 52° Celsius. Wander the boardwalk for a chance to glimpse moose or visit the hanging gardens. Reserve your campsite early to avoid disappointment, and remember, this site only accepts cash payments.
Address: Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, British Columbia
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Harrison Hot Springs
Harrison Hot Springs is not just a series of pools. This resort is a destination in itself, with spa services, hotel, and restaurants, not to mention the other activities available in the area. The hot springs themselves are open seven days a week and have long hours. There are five hot mineral pools available, ranging in temperatures and located both indoors and outdoors. You can choose to soak, play with your kids, or swim laps.
Address: 100 Esplanade Avenue, Harrison Hot Springs
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Ainsworth Hot Springs
As with most hot springs in the province, Ainsworth was used by the First Nations of the area long before it became a tourist attraction. These days though, visitors can soak in the healing mineral waters seven days a week. With a mixture of Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Lithium and Silica, there is no foul sulphur smell that you find in some springs. Open year-round, you can also find a spa, hotel accommodation and a restaurant here.
Address: 3609 Balfour-Kaslo-Galena Bay Hwy Ainsworth Hot Springs
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Halcyon Hot Springs
Another springs which is open all year round, this resort offers amazing views of the surrounding Monashee Mountains. There are four pools available here, ranging in temperatures, and a waterpark for the kids. There is a high lithium content in the waters here that makes it BC’s premier healing hot spring destination. Amazingly, the waters here were once bottled as a health tonic and even shipped internationally. These are still one of the only springs in the world where the water is drinkable.
Address: 5655 BC-23, Nakusp
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Fairmont Hot Springs
Another great year-round destination, Fairmont Hot Springs is way more than just the pools, as it offers everything that you could want in a resort, including skiing in the winter. There are various pools but be aware that the resort guests have access to a private pool, while day visitors are kept in the public area. The rich mineral waters have benefits such as increase in metabolism, accelerated healing, soothed muscle tension, improved blood circulation and the detoxification of the body’s lymphatic system. All good reasons to spend some time soaking here.
Address: 5225 Fairmont Resort Road, Fairmont Hot Springs
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Ram Creek Hot Springs
This is the first one on our list which requires some effort to get to. This is a little more remote destination and requires a short hike in and out. The roads getting there can be full of potholes and are closed in winter. It is good to have shoes or sandals that you can wear in the pools as the bottom rocks can be slippery. Keep in mind that this is an open site, so no change rooms or bathrooms available. Many people visit Ram Creek and Lussier in the same day as they are very close to each other. BC Parks does not recommend recreational use of the warm pools within Ram Creek Ecological Reserve.
Address: Ram Creek Ecological Reserve, Skookumchuck
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Lussier Hot Springs
This is a more popular destination than Ram Creek and can be quite busy during certain times of the day as it is used by both locals and visitors. It is a well-known party spot on weekend nights. You can’t beat the scenery here; the river and the Kootenay Mountains create a backdrop that will make you want to soak forever. There are three pools and, of course, the river to enjoy. The pools are lined with pebbles, so you don’t have to worry about wearing shoes. There is no entrance fee and there are outhouses for use.
Address: Whiteswan Provincial Park, Cranbrook
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Albert Canyon Hot Springs
Address: 7050 Trans-Canada Hwy, Revelstoke
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Sloquet Hot Springs
A natural formed hot spring, as well as a sacred site for the First Nation’s Xa’xtsa people, this site is in the middle of the wilderness, located approximately two hours from Pemberton or two and a half hours from Whistler. There are limited services in the area, and the springs accept cash only, so be prepared. There are also a limited number of camping sites available here. It is a beautiful place to spend a couple of nights relaxing.
Address: In Fraser Valley
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Hot Springs Cove
Another off the beaten track area, Hot Springs Cove is located northwest of Tofino, and can only be accessed by boat or air. There are plenty of operators that offer services out to the Cove. The journey alone is worth it, with stunning views and lots of chances to spot wildlife. Once there, you get to wander the boardwalk – a 30-minute walk – to the seven natural pools. Expect to spend around six hours in total in the cove, so plan on making this a day trip.
Address: Tofino
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Radium Hot Springs
Most visitors access Radium from Banff as a side trip, but is considered B.C.’s best mountain getaway, so this can be a destination in itself. There is certainly plenty to keep you busy, along with the fabulous hot springs. The Kootenay’s offer a beautiful background for these mineral waters. The pools range from 37ºC and 40ºC, and it is a family friendly facility. There are plenty of accommodation and meal options in the area.
Address: 3 km northeast of the Town of Radium Hot Springs
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Ahousat Hot Springs
Address: Gibson Marine Provincial Park, Alberni-Clayoquot
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Nakusp Hot Springs
If you are adventuring in the Selkirk Mountains, this will be one spot you won’t want to miss. Relax in the hot waters of these beautiful springs through every season. Uniquely, these springs are community owned and probably the cleanest ones you will ever experience. There are chalets and camping spots available along with a small café.
Address: 8500 Hot Springs Road, Nakusp
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Meager Creek Hot Springs
You can find these hot springs less than 100 kilometers from Whistler in some stunning scenery, but hard to get to. Once a popular destination, due to landslide activity in the area it can now only be accessed with a 4×4 on rough roads and an 18 km round trip hike. There are plenty of places to tent around the springs if you are up for the challenge but be aware there is usually a lot of bear activity in the area. This is probably one place that you won’t have to share the springs with anyone else.
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Skookumchuck Hot Springs/St. Agnes Well Hot Springs
Address: In-shuck-ch Forestry Service Road, 44.5 KM East side, Skookumchuck
Hotspring Island
Located in Gwaii Haanas National Park, this unique island is only accessible by kayak, boat or floatplane. There are at least a dozen springs on this island, with three spring-fed natural hot tubs carved into volcanic rock. What better than to soak your day away while watching a pod of orcas swim past?
Address: Gwaii Haanas National Park, Gwaii Haanas
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Mount Layton Hot Springs
Located near Terrace, these are considered to be the second largest hot springs in North America and the third largest in the world. There are four non-sulphuric pools and waterslides, and the waters are reputed to have healing properties to help with rheumatism, arthritis, and skin ailments. This is a privately owned facility on 1,000 acres of farmland, and there are plenty of other activities available in the area, as well as a motel, restaurant, and nearby camping.
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beatiful places but a little bit to far to go at this time. thank you.