15 of the Best Hot Springs Across Canada
Few travel experiences feel as restorative as sinking into naturally heated mineral water while surrounded by mountains, forests or ocean views, especially after a hard hike. Across Canada, particularly in the West and North, hot springs range from historic pools built in the early days of tourism to remote backcountry soaks reached only by hike, boat or floatplane. Some offer spa-like comfort, while others remain rugged wilderness experiences where wildlife awareness and rapidly changing weather are all part of the adventure.
Long before tourism developed around them, many of Canada’s hot springs were known to and cared for by Indigenous peoples, who recognized their healing and restorative qualities. Many of these geothermal sites lie within the traditional territories of First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities, and continue to hold cultural and spiritual significance today. Visitors are encouraged to approach these places with respect and awareness of the Indigenous lands on which they are located.
From the iconic pools of the Rockies to remote geothermal terraces in the Northwest Territories, here are 15 of the best hot springs across Canada.
1. Banff Upper Hot Springs — Alberta
Perched high on Sulphur Mountain, Banff Upper Hot Springs offers one of the most scenic soaks in the country. The historic pool overlooks the peaks of Banff National Park, including Rundle and Cascade, where bathers float in warm mineral water at temperatures between 37 C and 40 C.
Welcoming visitors since the late 19th century, it’s one of the most accessible geothermal pools in Canada. The springs are currently closed for maintenance work but are slated to reopen in early 2026.
2. Miette Hot Springs — Alberta
Located in the remote northern reaches of Jasper National Park, Miette Hot Springs is famed for having some of the hottest mineral water sources in the Canadian Rockies. In fact, it arrives from the mountain at a scorching 54 C and has to be cooled to a more manageable 40 C.
A winding mountain road leads to the pools, which sit amid dramatic peaks and forests. Wildlife sightings, including bighorn sheep and bears, are not uncommon on the drive in. Expect changing rooms, lockers and towels to rent if you forget your own.
3. Mist Mountain Hot Springs — Alberta
One of Alberta’s most beloved but lesser-known backcountry soaks lie in Kananaskis Country. Reaching Mist Mountain Hot Springs requires a hike along the Mist Ridge trail, which climbs into rugged alpine terrain. The pools here are warm, rather than hot, and quite small, so go with someone you don’t mind being close with or take turns!
Visitors should check trail advisories before heading out, as the route passes through known grizzly habitat and can experience sudden weather shifts. Backcountry experience and bear awareness are essential.
4. Radium Hot Springs — British Columbia
Set within the dramatic walls of Sinclair Canyon in Kootenay National Park, Radium Hot Springs is a visually striking pool, thanks to the contrast between its turquoise waters and the surrounding red canyon rock.
Unlike many other hot springs, Radium contains very little sulphur, meaning the water is nearly odourless. Towering cliffs and wide mountain views create a spectacular setting for an easy and relaxing soak. There’s also a cooler pool if you wish to swim laps, and switching between the two creates a pleasant hydrotherapy cycle.
5. Liard River Hot Springs — British Columbia
Deep in northern British Columbia, near the Alaska Highway, Liard River Hot Springs is one of the largest natural hot springs in Canada. The waters here range in temperature from 42 C to 52 C, and although there is a composting toilet and changing rooms, there aren’t any lockers provided or other amenities. This spring has a rustic feel and wildlife in abundance, including moose and bears.
The springs are especially popular with travellers exploring northern road trips, and even residents of nearby Yukon communities often make the journey south to soak here.
6. Fairmont Hot Springs — British Columbia
The community of Fairmont Hot Springs has been welcoming visitors to its geothermal pools for more than a century, which are billed as Canada’s largest natural mineral hot springs. The soaking pools are maintained at 39 C, while the larger swimming pools range from 30 C to 32 C.
Today, the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort features several pools of varying temperatures along with panoramic views of the Columbia Valley. Families often combine a soak with skiing in winter, or hiking and golf in summer.
7. Hot Springs Cove — British Columbia
Few hot springs feel as adventurous as the ones at Hot Springs Cove near Tofino. Accessible only by boat or floatplane, visitors follow a cedar boardwalk (which can be slippery after rainfall) through coastal rainforest to find six small natural rock pools along the ocean’s edge. This is an all-day adventure and shouldn’t be rushed, with most guides and outfitters allowing for a 6-hour trip.
8. Ainsworth Hot Springs — British Columbia
Ainsworth Hot Springs sits beside Kootenay Lake and is best known for its unique horseshoe-shaped cave pool. You’ll enjoy the warm waters, which arrive at 47 C but are cooled to an average of 42 C for the cave pool and 35 C for the main lounging pool.
Inside the cave, mineral water drips from the rock ceiling into steaming pools, creating a one-of-a-kind soaking experience that feels almost otherworldly.
9. Harrison Hot Springs Resort — British Columbia
The village of Harrison Hot Springs has long been a destination for relaxation, and the springs here were used for generations by the Coast Salish people. Harrison Hot Springs Resort offers five mineral pools fed by nearby geothermal sources. There’s also a full-service spa, lounge and relaxation area where you can linger after your treatments, sip herbal teas and soak in the calming atmosphere with views across Harrison Lake.
10. Nakusp Hot Springs — British Columbia
Nakusp Hot Springs feels wonderfully remote despite its comfortable facilities, and retains a quieter, more natural vibe. The main mineral pool is surrounded by tall evergreens and mountain views, providing a peaceful place to unwind after a day of hiking, paddling or exploring the region.
The springs emerge from deep beneath the Selkirk Mountains and feed two outdoor pools within Mount Revelstoke National Park. The experience is often described as a return to nature rather than a spa‑style visit, with soothing mineral water, birdsong and rustling trees creating an atmosphere of calm.
11. Hlgu Isgwit Hot Springs (Aiyansh Hot Springs) — British Columbia
The Hlgu Isgwit Hot Springs (Aiyansh Hot Springs) is a unique hot spring that lies within the dramatic volcanic landscape of the Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park. Managed by the Nisg̱a’a Nation, it is recognized as a culturally and spiritually significant site located in the Nass Valley of northern British Columbia.
Soak in forested cedar tubs, in mineral-rich waters that bubble up amid stark lava formations, creating one of the most unusual geothermal settings in the country. Then take the Nisg̱a’a Lands Auto Tour, a self-guided journey with 18 stops along the Nisg̱a Highway, where each stop highlights the rich history, vibrant culture and enduring stories of the Nisg̱a’a Nation.
12. Halcyon Hot Springs — British Columbia
Overlooking Upper Arrow Lake with stunning views of the Monashee Mountains, Halcyon Hot Springs offers hot and warm mineral pools, a jetted swim channel and a cold plunge pool. Rich in minerals, including lithium, the waters are believed to support relaxation, mood and overall wellness. In summer, a seasonal mineral pool and splash area provide fun for families, while the pristine lake nearby offers a refreshing swim.
13. Rabbitkettle Hot Springs — Northwest Territories
Located within Nahanni National Park Reserve, Rabbitkettle Hot Springs are known for their rare limestone terraces, including Canada’s largest tufa mound, a type of porous limestone created when mineral-rich spring water deposits calcium carbonate over thousands of years.
They could be better described as lukewarm pools rather than hot springs, as the temperature sits around 21 C. Extremely fragile, the delicate tufa can easily crumble underfoot, so visitors must be accompanied by park wardens and access is tightly controlled. Guides and guests climb the hillside barefoot, preserving the intricate limestone structures for future generations. Rabbitkettle Hot Springs, also known as Gahnhthah, has deep significance for Dene and Métis communities, and visitors traditionally left offerings such as tobacco or matches to bring good fortune.
14. Kraus Hot Springs — Northwest Territories
Fly into the community of Fort Simpson to enjoy Kraus Hot Springs along the remote South Nahanni River, a small but striking natural spring. Though challenging to reach, the soak rewards visitors with views of the steep canyon walls and surrounding boreal forest, framed by the wild Nahanni River. The springs are named after Gus and Mary Kraus, a couple who lived in the area from about 1940 to 1971 and became well-known to early river travellers and explorers.
A distinctive sulphur scent permeates the water, and access is sometimes restricted during peak bear season, so planning ahead is essential.
15. Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs — Yukon
Just outside Whitehorse, Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs offers a modern take on the traditional hot spring experience. Formally Takhini Hot Springs, the retreat features a Nordic spa circuit with hot pools, cold plunges and relaxation areas. Mineral-rich water emerges from the ground at 45.6 C, with pools maintained between 37 C and 41 C.
It draws on global spa traditions including Japanese stone pools, Icelandic cleansing rituals and Scandinavian thermotherapy.
Soaking Safely in Canada’s Hot Springs
While many springs are easy to access, others require careful planning. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, and wildlife, including bears, may be present. Backcountry routes often receive limited maintenance.
Always check local park advisories before visiting remote springs and follow Leave No Trace principles to help protect these fragile geothermal environments.
From quiet backcountry pools to cozy spa retreats, Canada’s hot springs are perfect for slowing down, soaking in the scenery and letting the warm water do the rest.
