Hot springs in British Columbia: complete guide and road trip

British Columbia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. The volcanic and tectonic activity that shapes the province’s dramatic landscape — the Coast Mountains, the Cascade volcanoes, the earthquake zones — also heats groundwater deep below the surface in hundreds of locations. That geothermal energy percolates up through rock fissures to emerge as hot springs, and BC has more of them than any other province in Canada.

The spectrum runs from completely wild natural pools with no infrastructure (some requiring a difficult backcountry approach) to developed resort operations with filtered pools, day spas, and accommodation. In between are the provincial park hot springs — maintained to a basic standard, open to the public, and among the best travel experiences in the province for the combination of scenery, value, and authenticity.

This guide covers the best across the full spectrum.

Liard River Hot Springs (northern BC)

Location: Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, 650 km north of Fort St. John; 1,100 km from Vancouver
Temperature: 42–52°C (Alpha pool); 36–39°C (Beta pool)
Type: Natural provincial park
Access: Road (Alaska Highway)

Liard River Hot Springs is the finest natural hot springs experience in Canada, full stop. The springs produce an enormous volume of hot water — enough to fill two large natural pools in the boreal forest — and the contrast between the tropical-feeling water temperature and the northern forest setting (black spruce, permafrost in the surrounding terrain) creates a surreal quality unique to high-latitude thermal springs.

The Alpha pool is large and hot, naturally vegetated at its edges with tropical-looking aquatic plants that thrive in the warm water. The Beta pool downstream is cooler and even larger, with boardwalk access through a steam-filled marsh. Moose regularly visit the springs to eat the aquatic vegetation — moose sightings from the water are a real and remarkable feature of Liard.

The provincial park campground adjacent is modest but functional. The springs themselves are free to access for campers; a small day-use fee applies for non-campers. There are no resorts, no upcharges, no spa packages — just hot water in the northern wilderness.

Getting there: Liard is on the Alaska Highway between Fort Nelson and Watson Lake (Yukon). A northern BC road trip combining the Alaska Highway with Liard River Hot Springs and the extraordinary scenery of Stone Mountain Provincial Park and Muncho Lake is one of the great Canadian drives.

Ainsworth Hot Springs (Kootenays)

Location: North shore of Kootenay Lake, 17 km north of Kaslo
Temperature: Main pool 38°C; Cave pool up to 42°C
Type: Commercial resort
Access: Road (Highway 31)

Ainsworth is the most unusual hot springs experience in BC by virtue of the cave pool — a horseshoe-shaped former mine tunnel that the hot springs flow through, creating a dark, steamy, cavernous soaking experience unlike anything else in Canada. You walk into the cave, which gets progressively hotter and more humid as you go deeper, and emerge into the outdoor pool system.

The resort has expanded around the springs to include an outdoor pool, change rooms, and basic services. Accommodation is available in Kaslo (17 km south) or at the resort itself.

Ainsworth pairs naturally with a Kootenay Lake road trip — the vehicle ferry between Balfour and Kootenay Bay (the longest free ferry crossing in the world) and the heritage city of Nelson, one of BC’s most charming small cities, are within easy reach.

Best for: Those who want the cave experience and the full Kootenay Lake circuit. Combine with Nelson (50 km south) and the Salmo-Creston section of Highway 3.

Harrison Hot Springs (Fraser Valley)

Location: Harrison Hot Springs, 130 km east of Vancouver
Temperature: 38–42°C (resort pools)
Type: Resort-based
Access: Road (Highway 7)

Harrison Hot Springs is the most accessible major hot springs resort from Metro Vancouver — a 1.5-hour drive to the village at the north end of Harrison Lake. The Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa (a historic property dating to the early 20th century) manages the spring water and pipes it into a public pool and the resort’s private pool complex.

The natural feature here is Harrison Lake itself — a 60 km-long fjord lake of exceptional beauty, flanked by snow-capped peaks and fed by glacial streams. Hot springs bathing followed by a kayak on the lake or a hike in the surrounding Provincial Parks is an excellent weekend itinerary.

The public pool (operated by the village) is significantly cheaper than the resort pool and uses the same spring water. It is a reasonable option for day-trippers.

Harrison is also famous for its sand sculptures (annual World Championship of Sand Sculpture in September) and the Sandblast event in spring.

Best for: A short-haul Vancouver-area weekend. Not the most authentic hot springs experience in BC, but the most convenient.

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Radium Hot Springs (Rocky Mountains)

Location: Village of Radium Hot Springs, Gateway to Kootenay National Park
Temperature: 35–40°C (main pool); 18°C (cool pool)
Type: Parks Canada operated
Access: Road (Highway 93, Highway 95)

Radium Hot Springs is operated by Parks Canada within Kootenay National Park. The pools sit in a narrow canyon of the Sinclair Creek, with the canyon walls rising vertically above and bighorn sheep frequently visible on the cliffs overhead. The main pool holds approximately 500,000 litres of water, making it Canada’s largest natural mineral pool.

The setting is less dramatic than Liard in terms of wilderness character, but the combination of the canyon scenery, bighorn sheep watching, and proximity to the spectacular Kootenay National Park makes Radium an excellent base for a Rocky Mountain road trip.

Parks Canada pass holders: A valid national park entry pass covers the hot springs admission fee.

Best for: Combining with Kootenay National Park (Paint Pots, Stanley Glacier, Marble Canyon), Banff (90 km east), and the Windermere Lake area.

Nakusp Hot Springs (Arrow Lakes)

Location: 12 km north of Nakusp, BC
Temperature: 41°C (main pool); 37°C (cooler pool)
Type: Municipal facility
Access: Road (Highway 23 / Nakusp area)

Nakusp Hot Springs offers a clean, unpretentious soaking experience in an Arrow Lakes setting that is among the most underrated touring regions in BC. Two outdoor pools, basic change rooms, and beautiful mountain scenery. No resort packaging, no spa menu — just excellent hot water at a modest entry fee.

Nakusp itself is worth the visit: a small heritage town on Upper Arrow Lake with BC Ferries connections across the lake and access to the Galena Trail cycling route.

Halcyon Hot Springs (Upper Arrow Lake)

Location: Highway 23, north of Nakusp
Temperature: 37–45°C (various pools)
Type: Resort
Access: Road (Highway 23)

A resort operation on Upper Arrow Lake with four pools of varying temperatures, a spa, and cottages. The lakeside location is beautiful. The resort is smaller and more personal than Harrison or Radium, with a loyal repeat clientele from the Kootenay and Okanagan regions.

Wild and backcountry hot springs

BC has numerous wild hot springs accessible only by trail or boat. These have no infrastructure and varying degrees of accessibility:

Sloquet Creek Hot Springs: 150 km north of Pemberton, accessible by a rough forest service road plus 4 km hike. Pools on a creek bank with a range of temperatures. Primitive but authentic.

Keyhole Hot Springs: Near Pemberton, unfortunately prone to closure due to flooding. When open, a classic wilderness soaking experience on a creek in the Coast Mountains. Check current status before planning.

Clear Creek Hot Springs: Near the Bella Coola Valley, accessible by boat up the Dean Channel or by floatplane. Remote and extraordinary.

Meager Creek Hot Springs: Northeast of Pemberton, periodically closed due to road conditions and landslide hazard in the Meager Creek valley. Check BC provincial park or backcountry forum updates for current access.

A BC hot springs road trip

A circuit connecting the Kootenays’ hot springs makes one of the finest 7–10 day BC road trips:

Day 1–2: Vancouver → Harrison Hot Springs (soak, overnight)
Day 3–4: Harrison → Nakusp via Hope and the Monashees (Nakusp Hot Springs, overnight Nakusp)
Day 5: Nakusp → Ainsworth Hot Springs via Kaslo and Kootenay Lake (overnight Kaslo or Ainsworth)
Day 6: Ainsworth → Nelson (city exploration, overnight)
Day 7–8: Nelson → Radium Hot Springs via Creston and Cranbrook (overnight Radium)
Day 9–10: Radium → Banff → return via Trans-Canada (or extend into the Rockies)

This circuit combines hot springs soaking with the BC Ferries Kootenay Lake crossing, the heritage character of Nelson and Kaslo, Kootenay National Park, and the full variety of BC’s inland mountain scenery.

Practical tips

Timing: Hot springs in BC are open year-round. Winter soaking in snow conditions is a uniquely satisfying experience — the contrast between freezing air and hot water, particularly at Liard in January, is memorable. Summer is busiest, especially on long weekends.

What to bring: Swimsuit, towel, sandals for the change room (mandatory at most facilities), water bottle (you dehydrate faster in hot water than you realise), and cash at smaller facilities.

Children: Hot pools above 38°C are not recommended for young children (under 5) or for extended soaking for older children. The cooler pools at Radium and Ainsworth are more appropriate.

Medical considerations: Pregnant women, people with cardiovascular conditions, and those on certain medications should consult a doctor before extended hot spring soaking. Hot water raises heart rate and body temperature — moderate your time in the water.

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Costs

Hot springs	Admission (CAD)
Liard River (day use)	$5–10
Ainsworth Hot Springs	$22–28/adult
Harrison Hot Springs (public pool)	$12–18/adult
Harrison Hot Springs Resort (private)	$30–50/adult
Radium Hot Springs	$8–13/adult (NP pass applies)
Nakusp Hot Springs	$12–16/adult
Halcyon Hot Springs	$20–30/adult

Related guides

• Okanagan wine guide — combine Kootenay hot springs with Okanagan wine touring on a loop trip
• Duffey Lake Road guide — for the Pemberton/Squamish area before a Sloquet Creek soak

Frequently asked questions about Hot springs in British Columbia: complete guide and road trip

Are the hot springs in BC natural or treated?

Varies significantly. Liard River and wild backcountry springs are completely untreated natural hot springs. Most developed springs (Harrison, Ainsworth, Radium, Nakusp) are filtered and treated with minimal chlorination to meet provincial health standards while maintaining the natural mineral character.

Can I visit Liard River Hot Springs in winter?

Yes, and it is spectacular. The Alaska Highway is maintained year-round and the springs operate in all weather. In winter, the steam clouds over the pools in cold air create extraordinary atmosphere. Dress for extreme cold (-20 to -40°C possible in January) for the walk between the parking area and the springs.

What minerals are in BC hot springs?

Composition varies by location. Radium Hot Springs are high in sulphate and calcium. Ainsworth has sodium, calcium, and sulphate minerals. The mineral content contributes to the characteristic feel (silky, or slightly sulphurous) of different springs.