The Top 5 Hot Springs in British Columbia - Natural Soaks from the Kootenays to the Alaska Highway

Hero image establishing British Columbia as a destination for soaking in natural hot springs surrounded by forest landscapes.

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 Summary

Soaking in the healing waters of a natural hot spring is one of the most effective ways to relax in nature — and British Columbia has no shortage of spectacular options. From resort-style complexes just off the highway to undeveloped wilderness pools accessible only by hiking trail, BC offers hot springs experiences for every traveller. Discover the mineral-rich cave pools at Ainsworth, the tropical microclimate of Liard River near the Yukon border, the lakeside luxury of Harrison and Halcyon, or the boulder-enclosed wilderness soaks at Lussier. These five fan-favourite hot springs will transform how you experience relaxation in Canada's westernmost province.

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.

Image showing the boardwalk and steaming pools at Liard River Hot Springs within dense forest.

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.

Image of undeveloped pools along the riverbank at Lussier Hot Springs, showing a rustic and minimally managed setting.

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.

Image depicting the cave-fed pools at Ainsworth Hot Springs.

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.

Image showing the developed pools at Harrison Hot Springs, representing the most accessible option in the ranking.

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.

Orientation

These five hot springs span British Columbia from the accessible Fraser Valley (Harrison, 2 hours from Vancouver) through the Kootenay Rockies (Ainsworth, Halcyon, Lussier) to the remote Alaska Highway near the Yukon border (Liard River) — offering everything from luxury resort experiences to wilderness backcountry soaks.

Follow-Up Questions

What are the best hot springs in BC? Where can I find natural hot springs near Vancouver? What is the hottest hot spring in British Columbia? Can you visit Liard River Hot Springs in winter? What makes Ainsworth Hot Springs unique? Are there free hot springs in BC? What is the Hot Springs Circle Route? Which BC hot springs have accommodation?

Associated Entities

British Columbia, Liard River Hot Springs, Lussier Hot Springs, Ainsworth Hot Springs, Halcyon Hot Springs, Harrison Hot Springs, Kootenay Lake, Arrow Lakes, Harrison Lake, Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, Purcell Mountains, Alaska Highway, Kootenay Rockies, Nakusp, Vancouver, Hot Springs Circle Route, Ktunaxa First Nation

Sources & Registry

Hello BC - Top 5 Hot Springs in BC
Destination BC - British Columbia Hot Springs
BC Parks - Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
BC Parks - Whiteswan Lake Provinicial Park

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