Looking for a nice relaxing break to wind down while in Canada? Why not visit one of the many natural hot springs!
Canada is filled with natural hot springs and has over 30 of them for you to enjoy.
Hot springs come from geothermal heat from the Earth’s interior.
They are generally safe to swim in, rich in minerals such as sulfur but be careful and check if they are not too hot before you get in!
Lots of people tend to visit hot springs to relax as they are known for reducing stress.
It is always important to plan your trip and be safe.
Make sure to be well equipped when visiting a natural hot spring as many are remote or in the middle of a forest!
Always travel in at least a group of 2 and be on the lookout for bears!
If you want to know more, keep on reading to find out about the top 10 Canadian hot springs you must visit while in the country!
1. Miette Hot Springs, Alberta
If you love bathing in hot steamy baths then this is the spring for you! The Miette Hot Springs are known to be the hottest springs in the Rockies.
You’ll find these springs in the Jasper National Park.
The water heats up to 53 degrees and cools to about 39 degrees Celsius as the water runs down from the mountain to the pools where it cools along the way.
The top 5 five minerals you will find in the water are calcium, sulphate, sodium, magnesium and bicarbonate.
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2. Banff Upper Hot Springs, Alberta
Located in the Banff National Park just at the top of Sulphur Mountain, the springs are filled with hot mineral-rich water.
It apparently has healing properties for you to soak in and relax in the outdoor pool.
You can also see the Rocky Mountains with breathtaking views from here. The water temperature ranges from 37 and 40 degrees Celsius.
Unfortunately, Banff Upper Hot Springs is closed at present to help minimize the spread of Covid-19.
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3. Liard River Hot Spring, British Columbia
This is the second-largest natural hot spring in Canada. You will find it inside Liard River Hotsprings Provincial Park.
It is the ideal rest stop for drivers travelling the Alaska Highway. Throughout the park, you will witness the beautiful boreal forest the park has to offer.
The temperature of the 8 hot springs range from 42 to 52 degrees Celsius.
This means it is hot enough to soak it up all – year round as they are open for visitors to enjoy.
It’s recommended to visit during the off-season in winter as it is less crowded.
This way you can also enjoy the nearby forest, covered in snow – just magical!
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4. Canyon Hot Springs, Alberta
A stunning resort set on 200 acres is located in the mountains between Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. You can find this park alongside the Trans Canada Highway.
There are two luxury pools filled with hot rich mineral water for you to enjoy.
The temperatures of the pools vary from 32 degrees Celsius (86F) and 40 degrees Celsius (104F).
This is a great place to visit if you wish to camp or are travelling in an RV as they offer a campground and RV park.
They also offer accommodation in chalets, suites and log cabins – there is something to suit everyone’s preference!
More activities at the resort include hiking, golf, boating and fishing.
5. Hot Springs Cove, British Columbia
Remote and rustic – does this sound like it’s for you? You’ll find this cove in the Maquinna Provincial Park.
However, you will have to hike for about 30 minutes through a dense rain forest and trail to find these hot natural springs at the end.
Keep an eye out for names carved into trees from previous visitors.
The temperature is 109 degrees Fahrenheit so it will keep you warm all day long! You can catch a glimpse of wildlife including seals, whales, puffins and explore 20 miles of coastline and beautiful beaches.
Be sure to pack for the day as this adventure will take you the whole day to explore.
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6. Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia
Situated only 27 kilometres southeast of Invermere you will find Canada’s largest thermal hot spring famous for its healing powers. It is located at the bottom of Harrison Lake.
The pools were discovered by the local Sts’ailes long before the Europeans in the 1800s. The Sts’ailes are traditional indigenous people from the lower mainland part of British Columbia.
Most springs are in the Harrison Hot Springs resort where you will have to be a registered guest to use.
However, there are hot pool springs in the center of the village that are open to the public at a charge.
There are two types of hot springs here – Potash (40 degrees Celsius) and Sulphur (62 degrees Celsius) respectively.
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7. Lussier Hot Springs, British Columbia
This is the most popular spring located within the Kootenay Rangers of the Rocky Mountain area in the wilderness with a variety of different hot spring pools. Some of them are hot and some are freezing! You can access the location from Highway 93/95.
As it can be a very busy spot, it is recommended to visit early in the mornings or just before the sunsets.
It is a great place to clear your mind and enjoy the scenic background.
While you are here, you may spot some rainbow trout fisheries on the way to the lake!
*Note: no dogs are allowed at this site and are patrolled by park rangers.
8. Ahousat Hot Springs, British Columbia
On the south side of Flores Island on the shores of Matilsa Inlet, you will find the natural warm Ahousat hot springs known to have therapeutic powers.
To go here you can hire a floatplane or water taxi from Tofino to Flores.
Once you reach the village of Ahousay, you will have to hike through the Wild Side Trail to reach the warm springs.
This trail is about 6km so make sure you have your hiking boots!
The water is odourless and clear with the spring’s highest temperature ranges up to 25 degrees Celsius.
9. Kraus Hot Springs, Northwest Territories
This spring gets its name from a couple who lived here around the mid-1900s.
Relax in the soothing waters of Kraus Hot Springs near the Nahanni River. The water reaches 32 degrees Celsius in temperature. There are many springs here for you to enjoy.
The springs are known to have an unpleasant smell of sulfuric. However, this spring makes for an ideal spa-like experience in the wilderness while taking in the best views.
This is one of the less crowded springs so if you want some peace and quiet, this is the perfect retreat for you.
If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of some bison grazing on the shore.
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10. Takhini Hot Pools, Yukon
Located in Whitehorse, you will find these hot pools surrounded by trees with a bright blue sky above feeling at one with nature while you bathe in the water.
The hot water flows down into the pool rich in calcium, magnesium and iron that gives it a hint of red colour.
The temperature is from 36-42 degrees Celsius all year round.
If you visit in February, you may come across an annual hair freezing competition to take part in where people wet their hair until it’s frozen.
Then, they shape it into unique and crazy hairstyles!
So there we have it, our top 10 Canada hot springs you can enjoy!
While we have only mentioned a few of the top natural hot springs, there are many more amazing ones to see all around in Canada.
You will find hot springs in more places like the Spa Scandinave located in Quebec. It features relaxing hot springs. You can also visit Frizzell Hot Springs in British Columbia along the bank of the Skeena River.
Unfortunately, there are no hot springs in Ontario. However, they do have man-made hot pools in Millcroft Inn and Spa in Caledon for you to enjoy!
*Please note – some hot springs may be closed to help minimize the spread of COVID-19, so be sure to check opening hours before you plan your trip to avoid disappointment
