Looking forward to cooler, crisper days surrounded by colourful foliage? It’s a great time to plan some scenic fall getaways – and what better place to start than at one of BC’s many relaxing natural hot springs? So whether you want to stick with somewhere close to Vancouver or venture off on a cross-province road trip, here are 8 magical hot springs to visit in BC this upcoming season.
Naksup Hot Springs
A popular destination for naturally heated hot springs, Naksup sits at the foothills of the Selkirk Mountains in the Kuskanax Valley, offering guests a variety of outdoor recreational activities in addition to some of the cleanest water in BC. Unwind surrounded by sweeping mountain vistas and beautiful foliage, and take advantage of the two natural mineral springs-fed pools for just $16.50 for the whole day.
When: Opens Sunday, September 23rd
Where: 8500 Hot Springs Road, Naksup
Cost: $12 per dip or $18 for day pass
Harrison Hot Springs
By far the easiest to get to from Vancouver, Harrison Hot Springs are also a world-class hot springs destination, so it’s a win-win. They’ve got 5 different hot-spring-fed mineral pools, each at a different temperature. Convenience can be pricey though – it’s a minimum of $100 per person to get a day pass, but the experience is well worth it.
When: Open year-round
Where: 100 Esplanade Avenue, Harrison Hot Springs
Cost: $55 for a 20-minute session
Hot Springs Cove
There’s a beautiful boardwalk trail near Tofino that meanders through old-growth forest before arriving at Hot Springs Cove, British Columbia – a series of geothermal hot springs that date back thousands of years ago.
Located at Maquinna Marine Park (a 1.5-hour boat ride or 30-minute flight from Tofino), the natural hot springs are truly a sight to behold, with six naturally heated mineral pools awaiting park visitors.
Where: Maquinna Marine Park, BC
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Ainsworth Hot Springs
Ainsworth Hot Springs was first discovered by the Ktunaza First Nations, who embraced the hot mineral waters (nupika wu’u) for their healing and rejuvenating powers. Now, the property is owned by Yaqan Nukiy, the Lower Kootenay Band of Creston – and the hot springs are a huge draw in the region. Situated on Kootenay Lake, this location features a regular hot spring-fed pool, with the real draw for us being the natural caves that are open to guests.
The pools are open to the public by reservation only from 10 am to 7:30 pm Wednesdays through Sundays, and on Mondays from 10 am to 2 pm. Registered hotel guests have complimentary access to the hot springs from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
When: Open year-round
Where: Central Kootenays, 45 minutes east of Nelson
Cost: $18 for Adults
Halcyon Hot Springs
The second furthest from Vancouver, Halcyon Hot Springs’ focus lies on the healing qualities of their mineral-rich pools. With reasonable day rates and a waterfront location on Upper Arrow Lake, Halcyon Hot Springs is definitely worth planning a trip around.
When: Open year-round, but go in the summer if you want to take a dip in the lake
Where: Central Kootenays, near Naskup
Cost: $30 for an adult day pass, or $15 with any spa treatment
Radium Hot Springs
Located on the border of Kootenay National Park, Radium Hot Springs is home to a plethora of hiking trails, tasty food, and outdoor activities, which of course include access to its famous, naturally heated hot springs.
As well, visitors can take advantage of the free-to-access Lussier Hot Springs about 17 km down the logging road.
The hot springs are open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 10:30 a.m. on weekends. Note that entry is first-come-first-serve, and they do not accept reservations.
When: Open year-round
Where: 5420 Highway 93, Radium Hot Springs
Cost: $16.50 for single entry, $25.50 for a day pass
Lussier Hot Springs
Situated in the scenic Whiteswan Lake Park next to two shining mountain lakes is Lussier Hot Springs, which are completely free to access.
When: Open year-round
Where: Whiteswan Lake Park, BC
Cost: Free to access
Liard River Hot Springs
Situated in the Liard River Hot Springs provincial park, these hot springs are the second largest in Canada, providing road trippers with a quality place to unwind after a long day on the road. Open year-round, the hot springs are surrounded by lush forests, complete with a public Alpha pool with water temps ranging from 42°C to 52°C.
From April 1st to October 31st, there is a day-use fee of $5 for adults, $3 for children or $10 for families. Annual passes are also available onsite for $10 for adults and $20 for families.
When: Open year-round
Where: Kilometre 765 of the Alaska Highway
Cost: $5 per adult
So there you have it, BC! If you’re looking for some relaxing fall getaway options, you know where to look.
