Hot Springs in The Great Wilderness

These warm waters are formed when rain and snow seep deep into the Earth, where they are heated before being pushed back up to the surface. Their existence—and our interaction with them—teaches us about reciprocity. Hot springs embrace us, releasing stress and softening our muscles. In turn, our appreciation for these healing waters extends to a commitment of care and stewardship for natural spaces, a practice long demonstrated by Indigenous Peoples who regard hot springs as sacred medicine. However you like to soak—short or long, in solitude or with company—it’s impossible to leave without feeling a greater, more gentle connection to yourself and the land.

Liard River Hot Springs | Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain

Soak Amidst Lush Vegetation at Liard River Hot Springs

A road trip along the Alaska Highway offers impressive wildlife, sweeping views of boreal forest, and easy access to thermal hot springs. 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. 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. To the weary building crews of the Alaska Highway, these hot springs were known as “Tropical Valley,” a rare place of rest and comfort. To the Kaska Dena, whose Traditional Territories span the vast Liard Corridor, they are simply Tū Tīkōn—”hot water”—once a vital source of winter game and medicinal plants.

Today, Liard draws visitors, locals, and wildlife all seeking the life-giving properties of its waters. 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. A modern bathing facility and handrails have been added to make the springs more accessible. Remember, this area is a sanctuary for many; keep watch for bears, moose, and birds.

How To Get 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, 300 km (186 miles) northwest of Fort Nelson, and 200 km (125 miles) south of the Yukon Border.

Along the Alaska Highway near Toad River | Ryan Dickie

Watch for Wildlife at the Mineral-rich Toad River Hot Springs

Vast and green, the Toad River Valley stretches across a lush boreal forest to meet the foothills of the Muskwa-Kechika, a landscape rich in biodiversity. It’s here, tucked deep within this protected area, that you’ll find Toad River Hot Springs Park. These geothermal pools are a powerful reminder that hot springs nourish more than just humans. Toad River functions as a natural seep, attracting wildlife looking to supplement their diets in the spring’s mineral-rich deposits. While the journey into Toad River is challenging, the reward is great: near solitude, save for what wildlife you encounter (including moose and Stone’s sheep), and a landscape so enormous, its scale defies expectations. You’ll need to travel by helicopter, riverboat, or on horseback, so we’d suggest calling a local guide operator like Peak Wyld or Northern Rockies Adventures. Aim to visit in summer when the days are long and the conditions are favourable.

How To Get Here: Toad River Hot Springs Park is located along the Toad River within the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area, about 160 km (100 miles) west of Fort Nelson. The hot springs are situated on the left bank of the Toad River upstream from its confluence with the Racing River. Access is via helicopter, river boat, or horseback.

Experience Solitude at Prophet River Hot Springs

South of the Toad River Valley, in the eastern part of the Muskwa Ranges, lies Prophet River Hot Springs Park. To the Prophet River First Nation, part of the Treaty 8 First Nations, they’re a place of great significance. Here a steady stream of hot water spouts from a hillside spring that cascades over the south bank of the Prophet River. Tufa mounds—mineral deposits caused by the excess limestone and silt present in the water—cover the rocky terraces. Similar to Toad River, these mineral-rich springs are mostly frequented by wildlife. Prophet River can only be reached by foot or on horseback via trails from Redfern-Keily Provincial Park. As you trek through boggy lowlands and stands of blue spruce and pine, keep watch for moose, caribou, elk, bears, and more. Wilderness camping is permitted, though visitors should be prepared and self-sufficient as there are no facilities available.

How To Get Here: Prophet River Hot Springs Park is located in the upper reaches of the Prophet River, some 60 km (36 miles) west of the Alaska Highway and about 250 km (155 miles) northwest of Fort St. John. The area is not accessible by road, but there is a horse and hiking trail up the Prophet River from Redfern-Keily Park.

Hlgu Isgwit Hot Springs | Northern BC Tourism/Abby Cooper

Reflect on the Land and Lore of Hlgu Isgwit Hot Springs

Nisg̱a’a legend has it that Hlgu Isgwit Hot Springs is the dwelling place of the great Sbi Nax̱nok, a supernatural being whose presence is marked by the scent of sulfur. Like most places in the Nass Valley, the site of these hot springs is steeped in more than just beauty—it offers a chance for deeper reflection and connection. For generations, the Nisg̱a’a have used Hlgu Isgwit for ceremonial, medicinal, and spiritual purposes. Today, visitors can find their own reason to soak in one of two large cedar tubs. As you bask in these hot waters surrounded by the whispers of the forest, you’re invited to reflect on the long history of this place and the ongoing role of the Nisg̱a’a in caring for it. Hlgu Isgwit is located west of the village of Gitwinksihlkw. A short forest boardwalk leads to a changeroom and the pools. A small admission fee is required, which supports the Nisg̱a’a’s management plan and stewardship of the area.

How To Get Here: These hot springs are Stop 14 along the Nisg̱a’a Lands Auto Tour, an 18-stop self-guided adventure along the Nisg̱a Highway that showcases the history, culture, and stories of the Nisg̱a’a Nation.

Trek to the Iskut River Hot Springs

The long, loping Iskut River is the largest tributary of the mighty Stikine River, the lifeforce of this corner of The Great Wilderness. The Iskut River Watershed sits within the Traditional Territories of the Tahltan and Iskut First Nations. These rivers cut through an immense landscape marked by deep valleys, soaring peaks, spindly hoodoos, and cinder cones. Stringing them together deep underground is the Stikine Volcanic Belt, also known as the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province. This fiery belt is responsible for the region’s surreal landscape, including the rust-coloured ridges of Mount Edziza Provincial Park and the geothermal waters of Iskut River Hot Springs Park, which flow in a steady stream from a rocky embankment into a shallow river below. While the waters of the river are not deep, bathers can find sections to soak in. As with most places in the far-reaching corners of the Stikine, these hot springs can only be accessed by helicopter, horseback, or on foot. Plan a trek to see them, and along the way journey through incredible scenery in the company of wildlife, experiencing nature in its rawest form.

How To Get Here: Iskut River Hot Springs Park is located approximately 100 km (62 miles) south of the community of Iskut and 6 km (3.7. miles) west of Highway 37. Access to the park is very limited. Foot access is difficult and there is no developed trail. Helicopter and boat access are possible.

Bishop Bay-Monkey Beach Conservancy | Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain

Bask in Coastal Views from Bishop Bay-Monkey Beach Hot Springs

The opposing forces of water—hot and cold, wild and still—make their presence known at these oceanside pools. Situated in Haisla Territory deep within the Great Bear Rainforest—at the doorstep to The Great Wilderness—the rustic Bishop Bay-Monkey Beach Hot Springs are a draw for boaters and kayakers looking for restorative warmth along the chilly North Coast seas. A wooden bathhouse decorated with marine floats provides shelter from the elements and includes a small change room. Tucked within, you’ll find two deep concrete soaking pools that face the ocean. As you sink into the temperate 38-degree-Celsius (100-degree-F) waters, listen for the sounds of ḡʷey̓ém (humpback whales) vocalizing in the bay and the soft warble of ’iksduquqia (eagles) as they keep watch in the trees overhead. The truly adventurous can cool off with a mid-soak dip into the ocean (recommended only in summer when temperatures are mild). A public dock and aluminum walkway offer easy access to the bathhouse, and there are mooring buoys, a composting pit toilet, and tent pads for those looking to spend the night.

How To Get Here: Bishop Bay-Monkey Beach Conservancy is only accessible by boat or floatplane. It is located about 25 km (15 miles) east of Hartley Bay and 75 km (46 miles) south of Kitimat along the east side of Ursula Channel, east of Gribbell Island.

Weewanie Hot Springs Provincial Park | Northern BC Tourism/Abby Cooper

Day Trip to Weewanie Hot Springs

Weewanie Hot Springs are tucked within a semi-sheltered bay in Haisla Territory, just 38 kilometres (24 miles) from the town of Kitimat. Their close proximity to town make them a popular destination for kayakers, boaters, and fishing charters who frequent the springs after a day of adventure on the water. Inside the wood-and-concrete bathhouse, set back a few metres from the water, is a small soaking pool. At low tide, the rocky shoreline reveals all manner of marine life, from seaweed to shellfish—traditional foods for the Haisla who, for millennia, have harvested only what is necessary. In turn, their enduring stewardship continues to protected marine sites like Weewanie Hot Springs, a clear demonstration of their respect for nature’s providence.

How To Get Here: Weewanie Hot Springs Park is located on the east side of Devastation Channel, approximately 38 km (23 miles) south of Kitimat. Access is by boat only. The closest communities to this park are Kitimat and Kitamaat Village.

Shearwater Hot Springs Conservancy | Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain

Shearwater Hot Springs: Where Land Meets Sea

The people of the Haíɫzaqv Nation are guided by Gvi’ilas, the laws of their ancestors. Their oral tradition is rooted in the belief that all living matter is interconnected, and that natural resources—gifts of the Creator—are to be respected and honoured. Keep these principles in mind as you boat along the silty blue-green water of Gardner Canal to Shearwater Hot Springs Conservancy, a marine-only accessible hot spring located deep within Haíɫzaqv Territory. Boaters will find safe anchorage along with limited facilities, including a rustic bathhouse. Immerse yourself as you gaze over a quiet inlet surrounded by snow-capped peaks shaped millions of years ago, and marvel at the deep connection between land and sea.

How To Get Here: Shearwater Hot Springs Conservancy is only accessible by boat or floatplane and is located about 45 km (27 miles) east of Hartley Bay and 65 km (40 miles) south of Kitimat. It is located along the north side of Alan Reach in Gardner Canal, on the north side of a small bay between Shearwater Point and Europa Point.

Embracing the Hot Springs in BC

Hot springs are more than just natural wonders; many are places of cultural significance, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the land and its original stewards. As you explore these remarkable sites, remember to approach each one with respect, following the principles of Leave No Trace and AdventureSmart, and acknowledging the First Nations history that enriches every corner of this extraordinary region.

In The Great Wilderness, you’re not just visiting a place, you’re becoming part of a story that stretches back through time. One that’s written in the waters (hot and cold), the mountains, and the enduring cultures of the Indigenous Peoples who call this place home.

GETTING HERE

The scale of The Great Wilderness can sometimes be hard to grasp. There are several gateways into these awe-inspiring lands. Starting on the west coast of British Columbia, Prince Rupert is a Pacific Ocean port city accessible by both highway and by BC Ferries. From here, you can travel north towards the Yukon and Alaska borders, or east towards the town of Terrace and northwestern BC. Further inland, the outdoorsy city of Prince George is a prime base camp to the north, connecting to both the Stewart-Cassiar Highway and Route 16. Those travelling into the Northern Rockies or to Tumbler Ridge can begin their trip at Dawson Creek (Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway), or further north in Fort St. John with frequent flights into the North Peace Regional Airport.