A Guide to Western Canada's Natural Hot Springs
Western Canada, an untouched tapestry of glaciers, mountains, and vibrant forests, also holds a hidden treasure trove: a network of natural hot springs waiting to soothe your soul and refresh your spirit.
From the sulfurous havens nestled amidst Rocky peaks to the turquoise paradises cradled by coastal rainforests, these thermal wonders offer a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.
Indigenous communities in Western Canada have revered hot springs for centuries, utilizing their warmth for healing, bathing, and spiritual ceremonies. The Ktunaxa people of the Kootenays, for example, believed the spirits resided in the steaming waters, while the Stoney Nations of Alberta saw them as places of rejuvenation and purification. European settlers later discovered these thermal wonders and established bathhouses and resorts around them, transforming them into popular destinations for wellness and leisure.
Lussier Hot Springs
Hike deep into the Kootenay wilderness to discover this hidden gem at Lussier hot springs. Bathe in emerald pools while cascading waterfalls serenade you, enveloped by the pristine beauty of the surrounding forest.
Fairmont Hot Springs is 40 minutes to the south. Stay nearby at The Raven's Nest Resort & Campground where you can enjoy your own kitchen, outdoor fireplace, play area, seating area, and picnic area. Stay in a wood cabin overlooking the valley.
The temperatures of the pools vary from as hot as 47°C (118°F) down to around 34°C (94°F).
The springs are located between Canal Flats and Whiteswan Lake in the East Kootenays of south eastern BC. The four hot spring pools have been naturally constructed right beside Lussier River using stones and boulders and are easily accessible via Whiteswan Forestry Road.
Lussier Hot Springs are 100% natural and 100% free and are typically open and accessible year round. There is a change room and toilet located at the parking lot right off the road.
Tip: Arrive early on weekdays for a tranquil experience.
Liard River Hot Springs Park
Liard River Hot Springs Park may be the second largest hot springs in Canada, but its location near BC’s northern border means only locals and roadtrippers can be found soaking here. A major attraction along the Great Northern Circle Route, these hot springs are found within Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park on the Alaska Highway.
The Liard region was home to people speaking the Athapaskan and Kaska tongues, with original groups including the Beaver, Sikanni, Nahanni, and the Dog Rib. Moose was a mainstay of these peoples and they travelled the rivers of the region by canoe.
Of the eight hot pools—which run between 42 and 52 degrees Celsius—only one is available for public bathing. Visitors can access it from the campground via a wooden boardwalk that winds over spongy, delicate muskeg.
Visitors are required to stay on the boardwalk at all times in this area so as not to disturb the sensitive habitat. Watch for moose feeding in the warm water swamps.
From April 1 to October 31, there is a day-use fee of $5 for adults, $3 for children or $10 for families. Annual passes cost $10 for adults and $20 for families.
The park gate is open year-round, from 7 am to 11 pm, daily.
Check camping and facilities for additional dates.
Note: The park is such a popular stop over for tourists that the campground fills up early each day during the summer months.
Unlike most hot springs, which slip seamlessly into rivers and streams, these pour into a complex boreal swamp system creating a lush year-round microclimate of ferns and orchids, many of which only grow here because of the thermal waters.
The vegetation here is very interesting and often overlooked. Aquatic plants include the bladderworts, butterwort and sundews which are all carnivorous plants. The carnivorous plants are likely due to the low nitrogen content of the spring water. Several species of orchids and the uncommon Kalms lobelia (Lobelia kalmii) are found on tufa islands.
Prophet River Hot Springs
Embark on a backcountry adventure and discover this remote oasis. Witness a natural geothermal spectacle where boiling water bubbles from the earth, creating steaming pools amidst the untouched wilderness. To the Prophet River First Nation, part of the Treaty 8 First Nations, they’re a place of great significance.
Prophet River Hot Springs Park is located in the upper reaches of the Prophet River some 60 km west of the Alaska Highway and about 250 km northwest of Fort St. John. Note that the hot spring is shallow and only about a foot deep, in bedrock.
Tip: Pack sturdy boots and be prepared for a moderate hike.
This wilderness park, accessible by hiking, horse or helicopter, is surrounded by the Eastern Muskwa Ranges and protects locally significant hot springs.
The ideal time to visit Prophet River Hotsprings Provincial Park is during the warmer months, from late May to early September, when the weather is most conducive for soaking in the hot springs. Winter can be harsh, with heavy snowfall limiting access to the park's natural wonders.
ORVs including ATVs, off-road motorcycles, snowmobiles and side-by-sides are not allowed.
Stones sheep, elk, moose, deer, black bear and grizzly bear frequent the area.
Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs is an idyllic mountain town nestled between the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies and Purcell Mountains, with the Columbia River running down its spine. Visitors enter the Village of Radium through the iconic Sinclair Canyon where they are immediately greeted with pristine views and vistas.
Unwind in the world's second-largest natural hot spring pool. Immerse yourself in the therapeutic waters, said to be beneficial for joint pain and muscle tension, while enjoying stunning mountain vistas. Open rockfaces surround the pools, and the Bighorn sheep can occasionally be seen grazing or wandering nearby.
The Village of Radium Hot Springs lies only 90 minutes west of Banff National Park, or a scenic 3 hour drive from Calgary. Stay at nearby Bighorn Meadows Resort with a golf course, seasonal outdoor heated pool with a hot tub and rooms include free Wi-Fi.
Located on the “Warm Side of the Rockies”, Radium Hot Springs enjoys milder temperatures and longer seasons of hiking, biking, golfing, camping, and playing outside than our neighbours to the east.
Tip: Visit during sunrise or sunset for a magical light show.
Miette Hot Springs
Miette Hot Springs, located in Alberta’s Jasper National Park, feature the hottest hot springs in the Canadian Rockies. The natural hot springs water flows from the mountain at 54°C (129°F), the water is then cooled to a comfortable temperature of 40°C (104°F) as it enters the hot springs pool. Stay nearby at the Miette Mountain Cabins with a sofa, fireplace and hot tub.
Miette Hot Springs, located in Alberta’s Jasper National Park, feature the hottest hot springs in the Canadian Rockies. The natural hot springs water flows from the mountain at 54°C (129°F), the water is then cooled to a comfortable temperature of 40°C (104°F) as it enters the hot springs pool.
There are also 2 cold plunge pools at Miette Hot Springs, with water temperatures of 20- degrees Celsius or 68 Fahrenheit, and 10- degrees Celsius or 50 Fahrenheit.
From Jasper, proceed east on highway 16 for 44 km to the Pocahontas Bungalows and the Miette Road junction. From Hinton, proceed west on highway 16 for 34 km to Pocahontas Bungalows and the Miette Road junction. From there, proceed south on the Miette Road. Miette Hot Springs are at the end of Miette Road, 17 km ahead.
Luxuriate at this resort-style haven set on the shores of Upper Arrow Lake at Halcyon Hot Springs Resort. Relax in infinity pools overlooking breathtaking scenery, indulge in spa treatments, and enjoy on-site dining. Hot Springs are also open to non-registered guests at the resort.
Geothermal heating for the lodge is provided by natural hot springs water. The springs have a unique combination of minerals including: sodium, magnesium, calcium, strontium and a high lithium content – which are believed to have therapeutic healing properties.
Its purity is such that Halcyon is one of the few hot springs in the world where the water is still able to be bottled and drinkable today. The first bottling works was erected in 1898. The water itself was proven to be six times stronger in Lithia than any other spring in North America. Large orders were received from places as far away as London, England.
Plenty of lodging is available from private, exquisite cabins to family-style cottages to grandiose loft chalets, our accommodations provide that exclusive luxury during your stay at our resort. All are within walking distance to the hot springs and front lobby.
Enjoy the outstanding cuisine in the Alcedo Kitchen & Bar or a pampering treatment at the Spa at Halcyon. The restaurant, Chanterelle, offers fresh, local food, and farm-raised meats – along with tasty seafood and delicious desserts.
Tip: Book a private dip at the Cliffside Bath for an unforgettable experience.
Toad River Hot Springs Park
Located within the scenic Toad River valley of the Muskwa Foothills, Toad River Hot Springs Park protects a regionally significant hot springs ecosystem.
Toad River Hot Springs Park is located along the Toad River within the Muskwa – Kechika Management Area, about 160 km west of Fort Nelson and 25 km east of Muncho Lake Park. The hot springs are situated on the left bank of the Toad River about 1 km upstream of its confluence with the Racing River. The three main hot springs originate in the middle of an extensive muddy area.
You can get to the springs by river boat or horseback. Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. Land access is most easily accomplished by horse or by hiking from the Stone Mountain Safaris parking lot.
Note: There is no actual bathing pool; visitors are advised to not attempt bathing, as heavy mud is a strong presence in the area.
Visitors to the area will most likely observe wildlife, such as moose, supplementing their diets with minerals found at the hot springs. Moose and stone sheep are common to the area as are wolves, and other large predators such as black and grizzly bear.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
At Banff Upper Hot Springs relax in the outdoor pool among the jagged peaks of Rundle and Cascade Mountains is a magical experience that has drawn visitors to Banff since 1886. At 1,585 meters of elevation (5,200 feet), Banff Upper Hot Springs is the highest in Canada. Stay nearby at The Hidden Ridge Resort with full kitchens and wood-burning fireplaces while enjoying outdoor hot tubs and sauna while the snow falls on the tree limbs. .
The bath house is a federal heritage building. Interpretive exhibits celebrate the glorious history of this iconic place and help visitors learn about the nature of hot springs.
The water temperature is kept between 37ºC and 40ºC or 98ºF and 104ºF.
The flow of natural spring water in the Banff Upper Hot Springs is currently insufficient to fill the pool. Until natural flows increase in springtime, heated municipal water will be added to the pool.
Pleiades Massage and Spa expands offers a range of services to visitors.
From downtown Banff take route 1 “Sulphur Mountain”. Buses run every 20 minutes during our regular hours of operation. Get a thermal water pass to get a 2 for 1 deal to hot springs nearby.
Parking at Banff Upper Hot Springs is limited and fills quickly.
The top five minerals found in the Banff Upper Hot Springs are:
Best Time to Go
Each season offers a unique perspective on Western Canada's hot springs:
Spring (May-June): Enjoy mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and vibrant landscapes as nature awakens from its winter slumber.
Summer (July-August): Escape the heat with a cool dip in some springs, especially near waterfalls. Be prepared for larger crowds, especially on weekends.
Autumn (September-October): Witness the breathtaking foliage of maple trees while soaking in the warmth. Enjoy a quieter experience as summer crowds recede.
Winter (November-April): Experience the stark beauty of snow-capped mountains and frozen waterfalls while soaking in the inviting warmth. Some springs may have limited access or be closed during this season.
Mineral Benefits
Sulfur: Springs like Lussier Hot Springs and Radium Hot Springs are rich in sulfur, known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits for skin conditions.
Magnesium: Miette Hot Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs boast high magnesium content, known for its muscle relaxation and stress-relieving properties.
Silica: Halcyon Hot Springs and Ainsworth Hot Springs are notable for their silica content, known for its skin-softening and rejuvenating properties.
