The Top 5 Hot Springs in British Columbia - Natural Soaks from the Kootenays to the Alaska Highway
The Top 5 Hot Springs in British Columbia - Natural Soaks from the Kootenays to the Alaska Highway
Natural hot springs in British Columbia are commonly found in forested environments, settings expectations for a relaxation experience rooted in nature rather than urban spa settings. Credit: Destination BC/Megan McLellan
Quick Facts:
- Five hot springs: Liard River (#1), Lussier (#2), Ainsworth (#2 tied), Halcyon (#4), Harrison (#5)
- Hot spring types: Provincial park wilderness (Liard, Lussier), resort (Harrison, Halcyon), cave/geological (Ainsworth)
- Best for: Wellness retreats, road trips, winter escapes, couples getaways, nature immersion
- Temperatures: 29°C/85°F (children's pools) to 52°C/125°F (Liard)
- Regions: Kootenay Rockies, Northern BC, Fraser Valley
Curated by Destination Canada. Pack your bathing suit and discover why British Columbia is Canada's hot springs capital.
Overview:
British Columbia is blessed with geothermal activity that creates some of North America's most spectacular natural hot springs. Whether you're seeking a resort experience with full amenities, an undeveloped wilderness soak surrounded by forest, or something truly unique like bathing inside a mineral cave, BC delivers. The province's hot springs span from the accessible Fraser Valley east of Vancouver to the remote Alaska Highway near the Yukon border — each offering distinct mineral compositions, temperatures, and settings. These aren't just places to swim; they're gateways to wellness, geological wonder, and some of BC's most stunning landscapes.
Liard River Hot Springs combines wild surroundings with boardwalk access, showing how remote sites can still offer structured entry points. Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Liard River Hot Springs — #1 Fan Favourite
Type: Provincial park wilderness hot springs · Location: Alaska Highway, near BC/Yukon border · Temperature: 42°C–52°C (107°F–125°F) year-round
BC's most beloved hot springs sit in a remarkable setting off the Alaska Highway in Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park. The geothermal activity here has created an unusually warm microclimate where tropical plants flourish — including 14 species of orchids — despite the northern latitude. Follow the boardwalk through this lush environment to reach rustic, natural pools where moose are frequent visitors. Visit in winter for a magical experience: relaxing in steaming water while snow blankets the surrounding forest. The park offers camping facilities, making this an essential stop on any Alaska Highway road trip.
Lussier Hot Springs illustrates a more rugged, self-guided experience, helping readers compare remote soaking with developed resorts. Credit: Asymetric/Jason Van Bruggen
Lussier Hot Springs — #2 Tied (Wilderness)
Type: Undeveloped wilderness hot springs · Location: Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, East Kootenay · Temperature: 44°C/111°F average
For those who prefer their hot springs wild and undeveloped, Lussier delivers an authentic backcountry experience. Located in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, a short hike from Whiteswan Forestry Road brings you to three natural pools enclosed by boulders alongside the Lussier River. The setting is pure wilderness — no buildings, no admission fees, just mineral-rich water meeting cold river in a pristine mountain environment. The contrast of hot pools against the rushing river creates a quintessential BC outdoor experience.
Ainsworth Hot Springs is known for its cave pools, which create a steamy, enclosed soaking experience unlike open-air hot springs. Credit: Destination BC/Kari Medig
Ainsworth Hot Springs — #2 Tied (Cave Experience)
Type: Resort hot springs with natural cave · Location: West shore of Kootenay Lake, Kootenay Rockies · Features: Horseshoe-shaped cave, natural steam bath
Ainsworth offers something no other hot springs in BC can match: the chance to wade through a horseshoe-shaped cave as mineral water cascades from above, creating a natural steam bath. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Purcell Mountains on Kootenay Lake's western shore, this Ktunaxa Indigenous-owned resort combines geological wonder with full amenities. The natural mineral water flows from the cave into outdoor pools below. Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort operates year-round with accommodation and fine dining.
Halcyon Hot Springs appeals to visitors who prioritize scenic lake views alongside mineral soaking, differentiating it from more forested locations. Credit: Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton
Halcyon Hot Springs — #4 (Lakeside Resort)
Type: Resort hot springs · Location: Arrow Lakes, north of Nakusp · Temperature: Hot 41°C/107°F, warm 35°C/95°F, cool 29°C/85°F
Perched on the shores of Arrow Lakes north of Nakusp, Halcyon Hot Springs Resort offers four pools with a unique mineral composition including sodium, lithium, magnesium, calcium, and strontium. The varying temperatures — from hot pools at 41°C to cooler children's pools at 29°C — make this an excellent choice for families. The lakeside setting provides stunning views. Halcyon sits along the famous Hot Springs Circle Route through BC's Kootenay Rockies.
Harrison Hot Springs represents the most resort-oriented experience on this list, helping travelers understand what a fully serviced hot spring visit looks like. Credit: Tourism Harrison River Valley/Andrew Beaumont
Harrison Hot Springs — #5 (Resort Town)
Type: Resort town hot springs · Location: 2 hours east of Vancouver, Fraser Valley · Features: Public pool and resort spa, Harrison Lake access
The most accessible hot springs from Vancouver, Harrison Hot Springs is a complete resort town built around its geothermal waters. Located on scenic Harrison Lake — known for water sports and its dramatic mountain backdrop — the town offers two ways to experience the springs: the public pool or the pools at Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Beyond soaking, Harrison offers beach access, restaurants, and shops, making it ideal for a weekend getaway from the city.