Looking for some of the best natural hot springs BC has to offer? Because if you’re emphatically nodding your head “yes” right now then this is the post for you.
After all, who doesn’t love a good soak in one of the best natural hot springs in BC after a long day spent hiking through the wilderness?
I know I do! And since I’ve visited some of the best hot springs BC is known for more times than I can count, I want to share all my exoert tips and tricks with you.
This way, you don’t make the same mega epic mistakes I did and can enjoy all of the top hot springs in BC like an uber-rad local.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Best Natural Hot Springs BC is Known For
1. Ahousat Hot Springs
This hot spring can be found in Gibson Marine Provincial Park, and you need to be fairly determined if you want to visit.
See, the route to one of the best natural hots springs BC is known for is wet and overgrown. So, the only realistic way of reaching Ahousat Hot Springs is by boat or air.
And once you arrive at Ahousat Hot Springs, you might need to adjust your expectations a little.
After all, this is no luxurious 5-star spa/resort. Instead, a concrete tank fills with warm water from an underground spring – water that has the faintest odor of sulfur.
However, don’t let any of this deter you since the waters at Ahousat Hot Springs, BC, are clear and fresh.
Additionally, Ahousat Hot Spring is a hidden gem that’s perfect if you want to avoid the more popular and crowded hot springs of British Columbia.
And if you want to stay a little longer, Gibson Marine Provincial Park features several rustic campsites, hiking trails, and beaches for you to enjoy.
Address: Hire a boat or plane to Tofino and hike from there along a 7.5 mile out-and-back trail.
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
2. Dewar Creek Hot Springs
A journey to Dewar Creek Hot Springs, also known as Ram Creek Hot Springs, takes you on a 3-4 hour hike through the grounds of Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park.
If you want, you can always take a four-wheel-drive vehicle or travel on horseback for part of the journey.
But, the last 4 km can only be reached by foot. And it can be a tricky journey – that totally worth the effort IMHO since this is easily one of the best hot ssprings BC has to offer.
Plus, early in the morning, Dewar Creek springs tends to be a pretty quiet location. In fact, if you arrive early enough, you stand a good chance of enjoying this hot spring all by yourself.
However, this area is rich in wildlife including elk, deer, and moose – all of which use these mineral-rich waters.
If that happens, you may need to move on or just enjoy the scenery instead.
By the way, some of the human visitors to the springs choose to enjoy the waters without swimsuits. In that case, just avert your gaze.
Pro Tip: Because of snow melt from the surrounding area, this is one of the best natural hot springs in BC that is usually flooded until mid-June.
Address: Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
3. Hot Springs Cove
To reach the aptly-named Hot Springs Cove, you’ll first need to hire a boat, rent a kayak, or take a floatplane over to Maquinna Provincial Park.
Next, you’ll need to embark on a 1.5 km walk down to the very hot natural springs. And because this area is so remote, do be on the look out for whales, bears, and sea lions along the way.
And while the pools at Hot Springs Cove aren’t very big, they’re popular. So, the area gets pretty busy during peak season.
However, because the water reaches a piping-hot 50°C/122°F, people don’t typically hang around for too long. So, this is one of the best natural hot springs BC has to offer that never feels too crowded.
Plus, this BC hot spring even has its own steaming hot natural waterfall. And, a visit to Hot Springs Cove is the perfect way to revive relieve any aching muscles after a day of surfing in Tofino.
Address: Maquinna Marine Provincial Park (northwest of Tofino)
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
4. Harrison Hot Springs
If you’re looking for a more luxurious hot spring, Harrison Hot Springs in British Columbia is the spot for you.
After all, the resort village of Harrison Hot Springs has multiple hot spring pools for visitors to choose from.
And while some of these are restricted to resort guests, there’s an indoor public pool that is available to all visitors for a nominal fee.
However, five of their private hot spring pools are open only to guests staying at Harrison Hot Springs Hotel.
Plus, some of these hot spring pools are indoors, some are outdoors, and each has a slightly different water temperature – making for the best natural hot springs BC has to offer.
Therefore, this allows you to cycle through the pools and enjoy each in turn. Heck, there’s even an on-site spa for a little extra pampering and a lap pool for any visitors who might be in the mood to exercise.
But if you don’t plan to stay at the resort or don’t want to use the spa facilities, you could use the public pool instead.
It’s kept at a comfortable 38°C/100°F and is open 7 days a week to all visitors.
Address: 100 Esplanade Ave, Harrison Hot Springs, BC V0M 1K0, Canada
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Price: Starts at $9.00 CAD per adult.
5. Ainsworth Hot Springs
Ainsworth Hot Springs is another one of the more popular resort-style hot springs in BC since it overlooks the beautiful Kootenay Lake.
The waters here are rich in minerals like magnesium, lithium, and sodium and the pools constantly refill themselves naturally. This means that the water is replaced between 4 and 6 times each day.
And visitors to Ainsworth Hot Springs resort can choose to relax in the lounging pool, which has an average water temperature of 35°C/95°F, or head to the natural pool where the water reaches 42°C/108°F.
Then, when you feel the need to cool off, take a dip in the naturally fed cold plunge pool that will refresh and revive you.
Additionally, you have the option to either pay to visit Ainsworth for the day or to have your visit included in a stay at one of the local hotels.
Address: 3609 Balfour-Kaslo-Galena Bay Hwy Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC V0G 1A0, Canada
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Price: Starts at $11.50 per adult.
6. Halcyon Hot Springs
The remote resort of Halcyon Hot Springs is in an idyllic location overlooking the Monashee Mountains and Upper Arrow Lake.
Once inside, you’ll uncover three pools for visitors to choose from, including the hot pool at 40°C/104°F, a slightly cooler warm pool at 37°C/99°F, and a refreshingly chilly plunge pool.
And if you want to get some laps in, there’s also a moderately warm swimming pool. Plus, all of these pools are open all year round to guests staying at the resort as well as day visitors.
So, Halcyon Hot Springs is an ideal spot for a relaxing break since the estate comes complete with cute cottages, cabins, and outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, and canoeing.
Plus, there’s no mobile phone reception in the resort so if you ignore the WiFi signal, you can switch off from the outside world and relax completely.
Address: 5655 BC-23, Nakusp, BC V0G 1R0
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Price: Day passes start at $20.00 CAD per adult.
7. Fairmont Hot Springs
Fairmont Hot Springs resort is the largest hot spring in Canada and if you love resort-style hot springs then this is one of the best natural hot springs BC has that is not to be missed!
With stunning views that stretch out over the Rocky Mountains, Fairmont Natural Hot Springs in BC has been welcoming visitors for over 100 years.
However, its hot spring pools are currently only open to guests at the Fairmont Hot Springs Lodge.
And you’ll love that the resort’s crystal clear pools are filled with fresh, odorless hot spring waters, rich in minerals like magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, and calcium bicarbonate.
So, visitors can easily relax in a range of pools including a soaking pool kept at 39°C/102°F, a swimming pool kept at 32°C/89°F and a dive pool kept at a warm 30°C/86°C.
Address: 5225 Fairmont Resort Road, Fairmont Hot Springs, BC, V0B 1L1
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Price: $20 CAD per person for a one-day membership.
8. Keyhole Hot Springs
If you’re a hot spring lover looking for a more rustic experience then Keyhole Hot Springs should definitely be on your list. of the best natural hot springs BC has to offer.
Also known as Pebble Creek Hot Springs, this remote hot spring is only open to visitors between mid-November and April, in support of the local grizzly bear population.
And if you want to visit Keyhole Hot Springs for yourself, you first need to hike 4km through the snow to reach the pool, which is carved naturally into the riverside.
Also, be prepared for a relatively steep hike that is made even trickeir by the snow. So, using crampons is 100% recommended.
But, once you get there and immerse yourself in the hot springs, all that hard work will have been well worth it!
Address: 100 km from Whistler.
Hours: Open daily from May through Mid-November.
Price: Free
9. Weewanie Hot Springs Provincial Park
Weewanie Hot Springs Park lies in a semi-sheltered bay in northern BC, and this is the BC hot spring to visit when you want to get completely away from modern, everyday life.
Just know that access to the park is by boat only and you’ll find that the facilities at Weewanie are quite basic.
So, there’s really only a solitary mooring buoy, a pit toilet, a campsite with a picnic area, and a bathhouse where you can soak in the hot spring.
The water temperature at Weewanie Hot Springs also sits around 44°C/111°F at the hillside source and 38°C/100°F at the bathhouse.
Address: Kitimat-Stikine C (Part 2), BC, Canada
Hours: 24/7
Price: Camping here is $12.00 CAD per night.
10. Lussier Hot Springs
When it comes to ‘wild’ hot springs, Lussier Hot Springs is one of the best hot springs in BC. And you’ll find Lussier Hot Spring in the East Kootenays, near Canal Flats and Whiteswan Lake.
It’s also super easy to get to Lussier Hot Springs BC, but it does get pretty muddy here so a four-wheel drive vehicle and hiking boots are highly recommended.
Thankfully though, the hot springs are a short walk from the parking lot, where you will find a small changing room and toilet.
You’ll then uncover four pools that have been constructed next to the Lussier River using local stones and boulders.
The hottest pool is around 47°C/117F and the coolest one is around 34°C/93F. But, if you start to feel a bit too warm then you can also use the Lussier River as a cold plunge pool to replicate the alternating hot/cold temperatures of a Nordic spa.
Plus, this is one of the best natural hot springs BC has to offers that is generally open all year round and that is free for all visitors to use.
Address: Cranbrook, BC V1C 7E2, Canada
Hours: Open from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Price: Free
11. Gandll K’in Gwaay.yaay
The hot waters at Gandll K’in Gwaay.yaay (also known as Hotspring Island) have long been used in traditional medicine by the Watchmen.
Therefore, these waters are highly valued for their healing and nurturing properties.
Sadly though, in 2012, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Haida Gwaii and emptied the pools. But, three of these pools were rebuilt and are now welcoming visitors again.
So, visitors flock to Gandll K’in Gwaay.yaay to soak in the waters and drink in the beautiful views over Juan Perez Sound and Haida Gwaii.
After all, the salty hot water springs are rich in minerals and the temperature of the water ranges from a comfortably warm 32°C/89°F to a scalding hot 77°C/170°F.
So, moral of the story? Be careful when taking a dip at some of the best natural hot springs BC has to offer.
Pro Tip: You can only access this island by helicopter or floatplane from Moresby Camp or Alliford Bay on Moresby Island.
Address: Hot Springs Island.
Hours:
Price: Free
12.Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
Located in the far north of the country, close to the Yukon border, Liard River Hot Springs is one of the largest hot springs in British Columbia.
So, park up and walk down the boardwalk from the parking lot to the natural pool with its spring-fed waters that range from 42°C/108°F to 52°C/126°F.
Then, feel free to relax and float around the pool until you find a spot with your ideal temperature.
And while this is one of the best natural hot springs BC has to offer that is open year round, it gets very busy in summer.
So, making a reservation is definitely recommended. Plus, Liard River Provincial Park is a popular campground where you can also go hiking, biking, and birding.
Just remember that bears have been seen in the area and you should take reasonable precautions when visiting.
Address: 497 Alaska Hwy, Liard River, BC V0C 1Z0, Canada
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Price: $5.00 CAD day-use fee for adults, $10 CAD for families, and $3.00 CAD for kids.
13. Halfway Hot Springs and St Leon Hot Springs
Halfway Hot Springs and St Leon Hot Springs are often named two of Canada’s best natural hot springs.
And you’ll find the best natural hot springs BC has to offer in the Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia, pretty close to the village of Nakusp on Upper Arrow Lake.
A good map will help you locate the logging trails that take you down to the water but be prepared for a steep hike. You’ll also definitely need to have snowshoes handy throughout the winter.
The trek is worth it though because the steaming hot spring pools are breathtaking.
The water bubbles right out of the hillside into natural pools that invite you to sink into the water and let all your stresses melt away.
And if you want to extend your stay in the forest, camping spots are dotted around the site, and some are even accessible by vehicle.
Address: Central Kootenay K, BC V0G 1R1, Canada
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
14. Prophet River Hot Springs
Whether you travel to Prophet River Hot Springs on foot, on horseback, or by helicopter, the adventure of the journey there is just part of the pleasure.
Then, upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views, a wealth of wildlife, and the park’s locally significant hot springs.
See, Prophet River Hot Springs Provincial Park is located on the banks of the Prophet River, in northeastern British Columbia.
And the freshwater hot spring here pours out from the hillside, with mineral deposits from the springs contributing to the local landscape by creating towering mounds of tufa (limestone).
Backcountry camping is also allowed in the park, but it’s not possible to reserve a campsite and there are no facilities on-site.
Address: Peace River B, BC, Canada
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
Additional Canada Resources You’ll Love
Map of the Best Natural Hot Springs BC is Known For
There you have it! That just about wraps up this guide to the best natural hot springs BC has to offer.
Tell me, did your picks for the best hot springs in BC make the list? If not then let me know in the comments below.
And if you found this post useful, be sure to sign up for our email list before pinning this post now so that you can read it again later.
