5 hot springs in BC that you need to visit this winter to soak your worries away in (PHOTOS)
Scattered around B.C. are natural hot springs, set back into some of the most picturesque scenery you could dream up. Lay back with steam rising around you and soak in the mountain views along with the mineral-rich waters of the springs.
Some of these hot springs in B.C. are tucked away in lush forests, tricky to reach, while others require less effort but still give you the welcomed warmth.
The scenery of these places paired with a fresh blanket of snow and frosty air in the winter makes for an extra magical experience and is the perfect reason to venture outside in the colder months.
If you want a little adventure this winter and a spa-like experience while you're at it, then visit one of these natural hot springs in B.C.
Lussier Hot Springs
There's a peacefulness here that rivals any pricey thermal spa you could visit, with nature as the soundtrack and a thick forest enclosing the springs.
The river rushes past the pools on one side, offering a full experience if you want to step into the chilly waters, before jumping into the hot springs — which usually sit around 34 and 47 degrees. The hot springs here are free, but it's a journey to experience them.
Located in Whiteswan Lake Park, the hot springs are near the entrance "at the 17.5km marker on the Whiteswan forest service road," the BC Parks website said. So, if you make the trip here go prepared with a car that can handle the service road.
It's about 10 hours from Vancouver, so calls for a little vacation if you're coming from the city.
Radium Hot Springs
The ease of visiting these hot spring pools makes the $17.50 entrance fee worth it. There's no off-the-beaten-path road to navigate or hike to take on — you just pull up and hop in.
The pools don't have the same rustic appeal as other spots on this list, but they are still filled with the natural minerals and benefits of the springs. Plus, this area is as beautiful as it comes. Set in the Rockies it's about 1.5 hours to Banff, and a scenic drive at that, so you can really make a getaway out of visiting here.
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
This hot spring has that perfect balance of being maintained and having amenities while feeling like an escape into nature.
It's actually the second largest hot springs in the country, and a popular stop for many on the long trip to Alaska — as it's set off the Alaska Highway.
A boardwalk will leave you through the boreal forest which is teeming with wildlife, until you reach the idyllic setting of the hot springs. It's big enough to swim around here, really taking in the spectacular scenery and immersing yourself in the natural environment. The hot springs have made for a unique environment with lush greenery all around, and mixed with the trickle of the water and frosty trees, this place is a winter oasis that can't be beaten.
Adults have to pay a user fee of $5 from April 1 to October 31, or you can get an annual pass for $10.
Sloquet Hot Springs
Consisting of several small pools this hot spring is another one that will immerse you in breathtaking nature. This one isn't too far from Vancouver — about a four-hour drive away — and is two and a half hours from the popular town of Whistler.
The naturally formed hot springs are on the traditional territory of the Xa’xtsa First Nation and are used for spiritual and cleansing ceremonies.
Open year round you can visit the beautiful springs in the winter, for a fee of $10. Make sure to bring cash because it's first come first serve, and pay on-site.
The hot springs website notes that "in keeping with the spiritual history of the hot springs, the Xa’xtsa people request that people using the pools always wear bathing suits and never consume alcohol while in the pools," and to keep the area clean by leaving nothing behind.
Nakusp Hot Springs
Nestled among striking mountain scenery, these pools are full of natural minerals, fed by the springs set back in the forest. They sit at around 41 degrees in the winter so will heat you up, and you get an unmatched view while you're at it.
The area itself is ripe for exploring with some amazing hiking trails, and you can make a vacation out of it by staying at Nakusp Hot Springs, Chalets & Campground.
It costs $14 per adult to take a dip, or you can pay $21 for the day.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
