British Columbia indeed holds a treasure cove of natural wonders, and one of the highly sought-after experiences both for locals and tourists alike is BC hot springs. Whether tucked deep within pristine wilderness or lying near bustling cities, these natural hot springs serve just about the right get-away for anyone seeking to unwind. From naturally unique hot springs to accessibility that provides the ultimate in relaxation, we will explore the best hot springs in British Columbia. Whether you are looking to escape deep into the mountains or take a short trip from Vancouver, BC has some of the best hot springs that one should not miss.
Introduction
British Columbia is a haven for nature lovers, replete with a number of experiences which give succor to the soul. Of the several natural wonders, hot springs in BC stand out as an unforgettable way to unwind, relax, and connect with pristine wilderness. Be it for the healing properties of mineral-rich waters or merely to get away from life’s hustle-bustle, the hot springs in BC have something special on offer.
We are about to dive into some of the best hot springs that British Columbia has to offer. Five must-visit destinations await you in this comprehensive guide, which features easily accessible hot springs near major cities to the most remote natural hot springs in the wilderness, offering unique experiences that make BC a must-return-to destination for every relaxation enthusiast. Whether it is hot, therapeutic waters inside the arc of great mountains, dense forests, or serene lakes, this guide takes one to the best hot springs in BC.
Keep in mind that these natural hot springs in BC differ from one another before getting into the details of each. Whether you’re visiting hot springs near Vancouver or making your way to the more secluded locations, you’re sure to have an experience that leaves you refreshed and revitalized.
Why Hot Springs in BC Are Perfect for Relaxation?
The use of hot springs throughout human history has predominantly been for healing and relaxation, and that goes way back many centuries; BC is no exception. It’s the natural warmth of the waters and their mineral content that provides therapeutic benefits beyond mere relaxation. Hot springs have been known to ease muscle pain, improve circulation, and even help to relieve stress and anxiety.
What’s uniquely special about BC’s hot springs is their surroundings: picture soaking in a pool of naturally heated water, with towering mountain peaks above, lush forests, or waves crashing against a rocky coastline. The experience is immersive and grounding, offering just the right balance between relaxation and adventure.
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Such hot springs in BC vary from utterly accessible to somewhat more involved to get to, each set in its own particular environment. Let’s explore five of the best hot springs in British Columbia, from most accessible to most remote.
Top 5 Must-Visit Hot Springs in BC
Harrison Hot Springs
Only a 90-minute drive from Vancouver, Harrison Hot Springs is one of the closest and more accessible hot springs from Vancouver. This is the perfect venue if someone wants to get away from metropolitan life without compromising comfort and convenience. Nestled in the village of Harrison itself, this resort town has been built up around the natural hot springs in BC. People come to this place for sightseeing and therapeutic water throughout the year.
Why Harrison Hot Springs is a Must-Visit?
Harrison Hot Springs is full of history, its origins tracing several centuries back. The hot springs were used originally by the Sts’ailes First Nations people for their healing properties. During the early 1900s, the springs became developed as a resort that would, in very little time, become one of the favorite destinations for relaxation.
From all the great hot springs in BC, Harrison stands out for sure-not only for relaxation but also for adventures. The resort features five different pools, all at different temperatures, so that you can easily find your perfect fit according to your mood. Be it time to spend inside the hot mineral pool or a refreshing outdoor pool with a view of Harrison Lake and surrounding mountains, the relaxation is just assured.
Tips for Visiting Harrison Hot Springs
If you’re planning to visit, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- When to go: Harrison Hot Springs is open year-round, and it is highly recommended to spend a visit in spring and fall when the temperature is not too hot or too cold. Additionally, there are fewer crowds during this period. However, for those who like the scenery of snow-covered sights, winter is a magical backdrop.
- Where to stay: The main feature is the Harrison Hot Springs Resort with luxurious accommodations and access to the private hot spring pools. Budget options were available in-town, including motels and vacation rentals.
- Nearby activities: Sure, the hot springs bring them in, but there’s plenty to do in the way of hiking trails, boating on Harrison Lake, and even a short trip to nearby Sasquatch Provincial Park for a day of outdoor adventure.
Harrison Hot Springs is one of the best hot springs in BC that is close to Vancouver for relaxation with a little adventure. Whether you are solo, coupled up, or with family, it has something for everyone.
Liard River Hot Springs
Liard River Hot Springs is one of those most remote, yet immensely popular stops for travelers along the Alaska Highway in northern BC-a spot that caters to the urge for a real wilderness experience. As one of the largest natural hot springs in BC, Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park is a nature lover’s dream, no doubt, surrounded by beautiful surroundings and tranquility.
Why Liard River Hot Springs is Special?
What really makes Liard River Hot Springs different is the seclusion it offers, a sense of being affixed to nature. This hot springs in BC is literally in the middle of the boreal forest and teem with wildlife everything from moose and beavers to birds of every shape and size. The pools themselves are set against a backdrop of lush vegetation and towering trees, so it is like stepping into some sort of hidden paradise.
The main attractions to Liard River Hot Springs involve its size. Its Alpha Pool, essentially the main soaking area, is large enough that many visitors can be present without crowding. Temperatures range from 42°C (108°F) near the source to cooler temperatures at the far end of the pool, where you can choose your perfect spot.
Tips for Visiting Liard River Hot Springs
Liard River Hot Springs is more remote than other hot springs in BC, so a bit of planning is required:
- When to go: This hot springs in BC is open year-round; however, the best time to visit is during the summer and fall season, when the weather is more predictable and the hiking trails are open. Winter can be quite beautiful, but the conditions along the Alaska Highway may make it difficult.
- Getting there: The hot springs are located along the Alaska Highway, approximately 3 hours north from Fort Nelson. Those driving a car or RV should be sure to check the road conditions in advance and fill up on gas, as services are limited in this area.
- Camping and accommodations: For campers and RVers, Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park has a maintained campground with basic facilities. For those who would like a touch of comfort, there are a few lodges and motels lining this part of the Alaska Highway.
Liard River Hot Springs is perfect for the hot spring in BC enthusiast in search of an off-the-beaten-path adventure to one of most beautiful natural hot springs with combined wildlife and wilderness and warm waters.
Ainsworth Hot Springs
Nestled in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, Ainsworth Hot Springs is an enchanting blend of history and relaxation amidst a kaleidoscope of scenic beauty. The hot springs have been one of the most popular destinations for many centuries due to their healing properties, first utilized by the indigenous Ktunaxa. Today, those springs have become a part of Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, maintaining a deep connection with nature while blending in modern amenities.
What Makes Ainsworth Hot Springs Unique?
Among the many striking features of Ainsworth Hot Springs is the natural limestone cave. The cave leads into an underground experience with hot spring exploration where the temperature increases as one proceeds further into the depth of the cave, therefore creating a steam room-like atmosphere that is so relaxing and therapeutic. The main attraction is the cave itself, but there are other things to do here, too, like the outdoor pool, where one can soak in a mineral-rich bath and take in the stunning panoramic views across Kootenay Lake and the surrounding peaks.
History, natural beauty, and therapeutic waters-make Ainsworth one of the best hot springs in BC, both for relaxation and exploration.
Tips for Visiting Ainsworth Hot Springs
If you’re planning a trip to Ainsworth, here are some tips to make the most of your visit:
- When to go: Ainsworth Hot Springs remains open all year round, but autumn and winter are truly spellbinding months with snow dust on the surrounding mountains. Spring and summer are other perfect times to visit and combine your hot springs in BC visit with outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or boating.
- Nearby attractions: Ainsworth joins the other Kootenay attractions: charming Kaslo with historic buildings and the SS Moyie Sternwheeler; a scenic drive over the International Selkirk Loop; and hiking and wildlife viewing at Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.
- Accommodations: The easiest place to stay is right at the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, with rooms sporting views out across the lake and mountains. For those on tighter budgets, a number of motels, inns and vacation rentals can be found in Kaslo.
Anyone willing to mix relaxation with a bit of history and adventure around the natural hot springs in BC should not miss visiting Ainsworth Hot Springs. The pool and the cave create a very special combination found nowhere else, which makes this place among the best hot springs in BC.
Nakusp Hot Springs
Tucked away in the Monashee Mountains is one of BC’s most peaceful natural hot springs: Nakusp Hot Springs. Folding its arms, this hideaway natural spring invites guests for a quiet retreat far from masses of people, hence making it an excellent place for those who really want to relax in the great outdoors.
What Makes Nakusp Hot Springs Stand Out?
Nakusp Hot Springs features two main pools: one warm soaking pool and another, hotter therapeutic pool. Both pools are filled with warm mineral-rich water that bubbles up from deep beneath the Earth’s surface to soothe and heal. The pools are lined with lush forests and mountain views; it is fairly easy to disengage from the outside world and bond with nature.
What truly sets Nakusp aside from the other hot springs in BC is its serene atmosphere. Since it’s a little off the main track, it’s less crowded than some of the more popular ones, so you can truly relax without the hustle and bustle associated with larger resorts.
Tips for Visiting Nakusp Hot Springs
Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit to Nakusp:
- When to go: Nakusp Hot Springs are available all year, but the best time to come here is during fall or winter, with the pools surrounded by beautiful foliage of autumn colors or a blanket of snow. Spring and summer are pretty good when it comes to exploration of the surrounding hiking trails and nearby lakes.
- Getting there: The Nakusp Hot Springs in BC are about 2.5 hours east of Revelstoke or 3 hours north of Nelson. The drive itself is very scenic, taking you through the heart of the Monashee Mountains.
- Accommodations: The hot springs offer basic but comfortable cabins that can be spent overnight in, or you can camp at the on-site campground. If you want more amenity options, you may want to base yourself in the town of Nakusp with its range of cozy inns and vacation rentals.
Nakusp Hot Springs is a proper hot-springs secret for those seeking the famous therapeutic BC experience. Serenity of surroundings and therapeutic waters make it one of the best places to relax and rejuvenate.
Lussier Hot Springs
Smack in the middle of the gorgeous Kootenay lies Lussier Hot Springs, one of those sudden surprises offering its guests a gentle recession into the wild. Close to the hamlet of Canal Flats, the natural hot spring is just right for those who want to shed off worldly pressures in a quiet setting.
What Makes Lussier Hot Springs Special?
Lussier Hot Springs are developed around a series of natural soaking pools along the banks of the Lussier River. Rich in minerals, the water from a nearby hot spring source offers an exhilarating soak to relax sore muscles and rejuvenate the spirit.
What makes Lussier even more inviting is its quiet surroundings. This hot springs in BC is located amidst a forest, which gives privacy and allows one to immerse into the chaotic sounds of nature. You get to soak in the hot pools with views of the surrounding mountains and the river flowing by, which makes for a perfect combination of relaxation and natural beauty.
Tips for Visiting Lussier Hot Springs
Here’s what you should know before heading to Lussier:
- When to go: This hot springs in BC is open year-round, but summer and early fall are the especially lovely times for enjoying the outdoors. The warmer months allow for hiking and exploring the nearby trails in addition to soaking.
- Getting there: From the town of Canal Flats, the Lussier Hot Springs is easily reached within a short drive. The road leading to Lussier Hot Springs is generally well-maintained but on gravel. It is best accessed by a vehicle with decent ground clearance, especially during winter visits.
- What to bring: As a more rustic site, be sure to pack everything you need for a comfortable visit. Bring your own towels, snacks, and plenty of water. There are no facilities at the springs, so plan accordingly.
Lussier Hot Springs offer great surroundings for your relaxation in one of the most beautiful natural settings hot springs in BC have to offer. Its serene surroundings make it an excellent choice for those looking to get away from crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors.
Final Thoughts
British Columbia is host to some of the most remarkable hot springs in the world, a sure lure for travelers in search of rest, rejuvenation, and nature. From easy resort-style access, like Harrison Hot Springs, to more rugged adventures, there is a fit of hot springs in BC for every kind of traveler.
Natural beauty combined with therapeutic waters and unique surroundings makes the hot springs in BC ideal for any traveler who is in need of relaxation and adventure. So why not plan your next trip to one of these top hot springs in British Columbia and experience it for yourself?
If you have visited any of these hot springs in BC or suggest others, be sure and leave a comment below. We would love to hear any advice you have from your visit for your fellow travelers!
