Discover 5 Secret Canadian Winter Retreats with Hot Springs
Canada is home to over 30 hot springs, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation and health benefits in a picturesque environment.
A hot spring is a natural source of heated water that emerges from the earth’s interior and forms a pool on the surface. Soaking in these pools is an excellent way to relieve stress and relax, while the minerals in the water offer natural detoxification benefits.
Keyhole Hot Springs
Located about 100 kilometers from Whistler, Keyhole Hot Springs can be found next to the Lillooet River. Visitors can enjoy the view of the swirling river from the hot spring, creating a unique atmosphere. The area is also known as Pebble Creek Hot Springs due to its proximity to the creek. There is an outhouse and a rustic campground nearby, and the hot springs are closed annually from April 1 to November 15.
Lussier Hot Springs
There are four naturally constructed hot springs near the Lussier River in the East Kootenays of southeastern B.C. The pools vary in temperature from 47°C down to around 34°C and are housed within rock walls and gravel. The site is open year-round and has toilets and change rooms in the parking area, with only a short five-minute walk to the pools.
Ram Creek Hot Springs
Another remote natural hot spring worth visiting is Ram Creek Hot Springs, located at the base of a mountain with pools surrounded by rocks. Visitors will need to hike a short distance to reach the pools, which are situated 25 kilometers from Lussier Hot Springs.
Liard River Hot Springs
Located in B.C.’s boreal spruce forest, Liard River Hot Springs is the second largest in Canada and offers a nearby campground, change rooms, and an outhouse. The hot springs are open year-round and offer a scenic boardwalk leading to the pools, showcasing the diverse plants and animals of the boreal forest.
Kraus Hot Springs
Situated in Nahanni National Park Reserve in Yellowknife, Kraus Hot Springs were named after homesteaders Mary and Gus Kraus. The hot springs are located on the edge of a river and may be overtaken by high water at times. The site also features a food cache and an outhouse and prohibits camping in August and September due to the presence of black bears.