The Top 5 Hot Springs in BC

By Destination British Columbia February 1, 2023

Liard River Hot Springs | @FieldandForest

Soaking in the healing waters of natural hot springs is one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to relax in nature, and BC boasts several options. Whether you’re looking to experience a resort-like hot springs complex just off the highway, soak in an undeveloped pool in the woods, or unwind in the seclusion of hot springs accessible only by water, BC has you covered.

Here are five of the province’s best.

Harrison Hot Springs Resort | Tourism Harrison River Valley/Andrew Beaumont

Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot Springs is a popular resort town located a couple of hours east of Vancouver. The town sits on ultra scenic Harrison Lake, known for water sports and its gorgeous mountain backdrop. Hike long lush forested trails, paddle on the lake, and check out cute shops and restaurants.

Visit Harrison

Know Before You Go

The hot springs themselves can be accessed at the public pool, or at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort. The resort maintains several pools, some indoor and some outdoor, that are fed by the hot springs.

Pool deck with two hot springs pools, one big one small, the big one the shape of an amoeba. In the distance is a huge lake and mountains behind the lake.

Halcyon Hot Springs Resort | Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton

Halcyon Hot Springs

Pretty Halcyon Hot Springs Resort is perched on the shores of the Arrow Lakes, north of Nakusp. The springs’ four pools contain a unique combination of minerals, and they vary in temperature from the hot pools at 41°C/107°F to the cooler children’s pools at 29°C/85°F.

Visit Halcyon

Know Before You Go

Drop-in use of the Hot Springs is available at a limited capacity. Hot Springs access is included with all spa treatments, and the resort offers a number of accommodation options.

The rounded edges of an empty hot springs pool at dusk. Lights illuminate a teepee structure at the far end of the pool, and in the distance there is a lake and some trees. The sky is cloudy.

Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort | Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton

Ainsworth Hot Springs

Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort site along the west shore of Kootenay Lake. The natural mineral water flows from a horseshoe-shaped cave into the pools below. Bathers can wade through this cave as mineral water falls from above, creating a natural steam bath.

Visit Ainsworth

Know Before You Go

The pools and the cave are open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, but be sure to reserve your spot. The resort is open year-round, offering great accommodation and fine dining.

An aerial shot of a large hot springs pool with 20 or so people in the water. In the distance the sun is setting over the mountains and there are some evergreen trees just beyond the pool.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort | Kari Medig

Fairmont Hot Springs

Set in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is the largest natural hot springs in Canada. Play a round of golf in the summer—or ski in the winter—and then look out over the mountains as you relax in their soaking pool with its average temperature of 39°C (102°F).

Visit Fairmont

Know Before You Go

Day use of the hot springs requires a one-day membership, and you’ll want to book ahead. Accommodation options include rooms at the resort, cabin rentals, and even camping options for tents or RVs.

A steaming natural hot springs pool is surrounded by forest with a wooden deck and a wooden building on the left. Twenty or so people are in the water, with another five or six on the deck.

Liard River Hot Springs | Andrew Strain

Liard River Hot Springs

Liard River Hot Springs Park sits off the Alaska Highway near the BC/Yukon border. Follow the boardwalk to a rustic pool, and watch for the tropical and exotic plants that flourish here (including 14 species of orchids), as well as moose, who are frequent visitors.

Visit Liard

Know Before You Go

Year-round temperatures range from 42°C to 52°C (107°F to 125°F), and a winter visit means relaxing in the steaming pool as the snow covers the surrounding trees. Camp at the provincial park, or stay at the nearby Liard Hot Springs Lodge.

Originally published in October, 2015.