I know travelling could be a tiring experience if you don’t relax in between. In Canada, you can rest and soak up in hot springs gazing at mesmerizing snow-capped mountains; sounds wonderful, isn’t it? Canada has so much diversity in nature that it might surprise you, it is no less than a winter wonderland in the cold months of the year. Hot springs, to put it simply, are naturally heated mineral groundwater that has healing properties and can be relaxing.
And now if you are wondering are there enough hotsprings in Canada? Let me tell you that Canada has a huge number of hot springs that are open to all and are busy during the winter. It is also one of the most loved sites by nature lovers. Below is the list of 15 attractive and best hot springs you will love to explore.
1. Takhini Hot Springs, Yukon
So let’s start with the Takhini hot springs, now known as Eclipse Nordic Springs. It is almost half an hour away from Whitehorse. It has two hot pools that are open all around the year, and the temperatures in these Takhini hot pools vary from 37°C to 42°C. Takhini hot springs are just the perfect to relax with blue sky and trees around. There are also relaxing rooms with cold plungers, saunas, showers, and much more. All you have to do is bring your sandals or water shoes, but there is an entry fee.
2. Miette Hot Springs, Alberta
These hot springs are the hottest in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The Miette Hot Springs are situated in the infamous Jasper National Park in Alberta. Are you wondering about pools? Yes, there are two hot and 2 cold pools, which stay open from May to October. There is parking for cars, motor homes, and more. However, you’ll have to pay an entry fee.
3. Liard River Hot Spring, Northern B.C.
If you are in British Columbia, you get to enjoy the maximum number of hot springs there. Liard River Spring is on the Alaska Highway, really close to the border Yukon and almost 4 or so hours away from Nelson Fort. For your information, let me tell you it holds the second position in the list of largest hot springs. So, I recommend you experience it at least once. The geothermal water of the Alpha pool can go from 42°C to 52°C. People love to soak in this water to relax and have a great time.
4. Lussier Hot Springs, British Columbia
This is one of the best hot springs in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Lussier Hot Springs has several pools at the side of the freezing Lussier River. It is in the White-swan Lake Province Park in Kootenays and is open year-long. The temperature of the three water pools in the hot springs can vary from 33°C to 47°C.
The waters are set in a great setting with a green lush forest and a cold river. You have to be clothed when you are in the waters and no pets are allowed. You also can’t camp here, however, you can find the park’s campsite within walking distance but is seasonal.
5. Banff Upper Springs, Alberta
I am sure you know about it. And if you don’t let me tell you this marvellous attraction is in Banff’s National Park. The waters in these springs are rich in minerals and have an amazing background of the Rocky Mountains, and the water temperature goes from 37°C to 40°C. Banff Upper Springs is also one of the last places left where public bathing is allowed. It is one of the 9 springs with sulphur and healing properties.
6. Temple Garden Spa, Saskatchewan
Temple Garden Mineral Hot Springs and Spa has a few numbers of pools that range from outdoor to indoor. It also works as a spa and hotel, situated in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. These pools, sourced from a geothermal well, were made in 1980, and the pool holds water that has a temperature of 44°C. The waters are rich in minerals, including magnesium, bicarbonate, calcium, chloride, potassium, and sodium which have many skin benefits.
7. Harrison’s Hot Spring, B.C.
This beautiful property has 5 pools and is set in Fraser Valley, the south side of Harrison Lake, just 2 hours from Vancouver. Harrison Hot Springs houses two natural hot springs: Sulphur Springs and Potash Springs. I highly recommend you experience this one. And I have reasons for it. There are 2 indoor pools and 3 outdoor pools which you can explore. The temperature of the waters in Harrison Hot Springs can go from 28°C to 40°C. One significant thing about these waters is that these springs have the biggest number of mineral particles. It’s rejuvenating and has healing properties that heal Arthritis and rheumatism.
8. Keyhole Hot Springs, B.C.
My next recommendation is Keyhole Hot Springs. This paradise is near Mount Meager, just 100km away from Whistler. There are several small pools with woods around and rivers along, these hot springs are open only seasonally. These springs are also known as Pebble Creeks hot springs. Visitors have to do a short hike almost 2.4 m Lillooet River trail to get to these rocky hot springs. It might be a little hard, but the result is so worth it.
9. Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C.
This one particular is the largest hot spring in Canada. Fairmont Hot Springs is situated southeast side of Invermere and the temperature of the waters here goes from 30°C to 39°C. The property has a resort for lodging, fine dining, and even recreational activities. Although the hot springs are only open for guests staying there. You can also find a heated pool indoor that is only for guests and has a capacity of almost 50 or so people.
10. Hot Springs Cove, B.C.
This beautiful and remote hot spring is situated northwest of Tofino, in Maquinna’s Provincial Park. The coastline of the Provincial Park often makes visitors awe. You might even get to see eagles, seals, bears, whales, and sea lions. The water temperature here is 50°C but cools down when it gets mixed with the Pacific waters. The closer the sea, the cooler the waters become. There is an outhouse and changing room near the hot springs cove. Don’t forget to bring slippers as the pools can be slippery.
11. Halcyon Hot Springs Resorts, B.C.
These geothermal hot springs are in Nakusp, West Kootenays, on Upper Arrows Lake. Here, the 4 pools overlook the Monashee Mountain ranges. The waters in the pools have a temperature range from 37°C to 40°C. But there is also another seasonal mineral springs pool. The mineral contents of these waters include high lithium concentrations. These waters are very effective in their healing properties and they were once bottled and used as a tonic.
You can even stay here overnight in the chalets, cottages, studio suits, and much more that is available there. There are other activities like Spa, biking, hiking, golf yoga, and even a good restaurant.
12. Radium Hot Springs, B.C.
The Radium Hot Spring is in Sinclair Canyon just next to Highway 93 near the southern end of Kootenays National Park. The water temperatures in one swimming pool are always 27°C to 29°C. This pool also has slides and a surfing board. And the other pool, also the bigger one, has water that is 39°C. The water here is highly radioactive as it contains radium, but it is not harmful to people.
13. Kraus Hot Springs, Northwest Territories
These pretty hot springs are hidden in the River Nahanni in Nahanni National Park, Northwest Territories. Kraus Hot Springs are also known as a secret paradise, the total area of the park and the hot springs are 30,000 or so square km.
The only con of the hot spring is the odour. The waters here can exert a pungent smell of rotten eggs due to the high content of Sulphur. These springs are also the hardest to reach as you have to fly from Simpson Fort or Paddle down the river. Keep in mind that, these springs can be only used in the spring, so plan it accordingly.
14. Canyon Hot Springs, B.C.
Canyon Hot Springs is a resort with lodging and spreads across its 200-acre land. It is found in the Selkirk Mountains, also, there is an entry fee to enjoy the springs. But, If you are nearby, I suggest not skipping this one. And I have many reasons for this.
- There are 2 great luxury pools, also, the water of the hot pool waters is 40°C and the swimming pool is 32°C.
- You can also find many accommodations like chalets, log cabins, and campsites.
- There are also RV Parks and also tent camping, and more than 200 campsites at the resort.
- You can boat, hike, go rafting, climb mountains, golf, trail riding, and much more.
15. Ainsworth’s Hot Springs, B.C.
Ainsworth Hot Springs is also a resort with a large pool or horseshoe-shaped caves, located near the shore of Kootenay Lake in the Kootenay Mountain range. The water’s temperature in the large outdoor pool can be almost 35°C and the water in the 150ft cave pool can be hot to 40°C, there is also a cold pool where you can relax.
The mineral-rich waters have magnesium, calcium, silica, potassium, and lithium. Due to the fast flow of the water in the cave, the water changes constantly. You can rent out bathing suits and towels and get lockers for free with the entry admission.
Canada is famous for their diversity of landscapes, and one of these iconic landmarks is hot springs. Canada’s hot springs are one of the loved places. While most of the hot spring pools have an entry fee, it is worth it as the view of the most springs is marvellous. Make sure to visit these marvels of nature and have a great time, but first, check the schedules of Hot Springs.
The Canada Hustle team talked to Alex Veka, CEO of Vibe Adventures, about how hot springs’ operators and visitors can ensure sustainability while providing a memorable experience. Here is what he said:
“One of the measures we like to take when travelers go to Tolantongo (famous hot springs in Mexico) is always to avoid going down with food or food packages that can harm not only the cleanliness of the waters but also the endemic species that inhabit these areas full of nature.
It is necessary that as operators, we promote from our values as a company the care of the environment and how, through this, locals and travelers benefit, both economically and emotionally.
I consider that this is a complex job since education always begins at home and in families; however, as a tour operator, our work will always be:
- Encourage environmental care through blogs and content that demonstrates the importance of having a culture of cleanliness in any natural environment where we go.
- Help the locals attract more tourism. This will give them enough economic resources to clean the natural space that corresponds to them.
- To be always respectful of nature and the environment, no matter the country we are going to.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1. How many Hot Springs are there in Canada?
Ans- More than 30 hot springs are spread across the various provinces of the country.
Q.2. Are there natural hot springs in Canada?
Ans- There are many natural hot springs in Canada, and Western Canada has the hottest springs.
Q.3. Where is the biggest hot spring in Canada?
Ans- The Fairmont Hot Springs Resort holds the title of being the biggest and the most natural hot springs.
Q.4. Which is the busiest spring in Canada?
Ans- Liard River Springs is one of the busiest hot springs.
Q.5. How sanitary are the Hot Springs?
Ans- Waters of hot springs are often safe in the case of carrying disease-causing organisms. However, some of the springs have PAM, which is a very rare but threatening infection caused by bacteria in the springs. Just be careful and take a shower after being in the hot springs.
Q.6. Do these springs have an odour?
Ans- Some of the springs have a pungent odour. While these springs are relaxing and can be beautiful with the nature around them, they can smell like rotten eggs.
Last Updated on May 31, 2024 by Saket
