Before you start looking for hot springs near Vancouver, can you remember what it would feel like to soak in hot water amidst cold temperatures? While heating water every time and anytime is not always possible, especially when camping out, it indeed is possible to find hot springs near Vancouver, the largest city in British Columbia. These hot springs in BC are known for their breathtaking beauty.
1. The What, How, and Why of Hot Springs!
Hot Springs are very fascinating subject when it comes to their formation and the benefits related to them. It may be as fascinating as finding a hot spring to take a bath in! So let’s find out more about it.
1.1. What Is A Hot Spring? How Is It Formed?
Before you camp around or visit hot springs near Vancouver. A hot water spring or geothermally heated water is a naturally formed spring that is formed due to groundwater being heated by the earth’s internal heat.
Molten magma when comes in contact with the groundwater or is close to the water table, heats the water that comes out from the earth’s crust in form of natural hot springs. These kinds of springs are found mostly in the volcanic active zones on the earth.
1.2. What Are The Benefits of Bathing in Hot Spring?
Hot spring bathing is known to have many surprising health benefits. Since ancient times, natural hot springs baths have been known for their beauty and healing abilities.
The most prominent known benefit is the rejuvenating property of hot water. Let us see what are the health benefits of hot spring baths.
- Improving blood circulation: Hot water bath improves blood circulation in the body, which may relieve hypertension and nervous imbalance.
- Stress reduction: Hot water springs are the natural source of heated water that is mostly located in scenic places on the earth. Going to such places will act as a mental and physical stress buster.
- Skin healing abilities: Hot water springs are found to be a rich source of Sulphur and magnesium which exhibit healing properties for skin infections and skin problems like dermatitis or eczema.
- Relief from pain and sore muscles: Hot spring baths are known for reducing pain and relaxing sore muscles due to their therapeutic mineral water. It may also give relief from joint pain such as arthritis.
- Boost Immunity: Naturally heated waters are believed to be enriched with iron along with sulphur, magnesium, and other minerals.Soaking in mineral-rich hot springs for some time increases immunity.
2. Finding A Hot Spring Near Vancouver
Vancouver, situated in the western part of Canada, is known for its most scenic places which include hot springs as well. British Colombia is an area known for its abundance of hot springs which are not only located in beautiful places but also of different shapes and sizes.
These springs are located in undeveloped areas, away from human influences, in the lap of nature which makes these natural geysers the most eagerly sought after. Naturally heated water in the cold region of British Columbia is soothing not just for the body but also for fun activities.
Here are the 8 most beautiful hot springs near Vancouver that one can visit any time of the year.
2.1. Hot Springs Cove
This unique and splendid hot water spring is located in Maquinna Provincial Park which is about 27 miles away from Tofino on Vancouver Island. Hot springs Cove is quite popular among the people here due to its remote location in northern BC, in the region of Clayoquot Sound.
This spring forms beautiful cascading pools of hot water with a temperature ranging from 100 degrees Celcius to 45 degrees Celcius which makes it very hot. Its location closer to the Pacific Ocean makes the water slightly cooler due to the incoming oceanic surf. There is a beautiful waterfall formed by these hot springs near Vancouver under which you can stand for a hot shower.
Once you reach Tofino, tour guides or companies can take you by boat or even seaplane. You can then trek an easy 30 minutes to the spring for a rejuvenating bath. Hot Springs Cove is a slightly busy area due to its popularity.
2.2. Keyhole Spring
Keyhole hot springs are located about 100 kilometers away from Whistler near Pemberton. This place can be reached by road in 3 to 4 hours from Vancouver. Although in winter, heavy snowfall can cause blockage on the usually properly maintained roads. There has been a new road to this spring, known as Lillooet River Trail, which leads to this mesmerizing hot water spring.
Due to its beauty and its location, Keyhole hot springs near Vancouver, is usually busier on holidays. It is situated on the bank of river Lillooet and is in the form of a hot tub pool. There are four pools of hot water in this spring with varying temperatures that can be considered from too hot to warm. The cold water flowing from Lillooet lake brings about a spectacular view with a cooling effect. You have the privilege to switch from the hot water of spring to a cold rushing river.
Keyhole hot springs near Vancouver will give you the feel of bathing in any luxurious spa with a scintillating view. The hiking part to the 4-kilo-meter spring trail makes it an even more wonderful experience. This spring is also referred to as Pebble Creek Hot Springs.
2.3. Harrison Hot Springs
One of the most popular hot springs near Vancouver is Harrison Hot Springs, due to its easier accessibility. The luxurious hotel resort here is named Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa. This spring is on the shore of Lake Harrison and has multiple pools. These pools although reserved for people staying in the hotel for a spa but there is a public pool also which is larger.
The mineral-rich hot water is cooled by the pool artificially and provides a soothing experience. You can reach here by taking the Trans Canada Highway which will take a rough 2 hours from Vancouver to reach this beautiful Harrison Hot Springs cost minimum on the pocket.
2.4. Skookumchuck Hot Springs
Skookumchuck hot springs are also known as Tsek hot springs. It is also referred to as St. Agnes Well hot springs. It is located near Skatin, which is an indigenous community of Skookumchuck, which maintains these springs.
Surrounded by beautiful scenic meadows these hot water springs are located near the Lillooet river in Pemberton. There is a common belief that bathing in these hot water springs can clean the body and soul of a person. These hot springs near Vancouver are open to the general public as well who can camp here and take a refreshing natural hot pool.
2.5. Dewar Creek Hot Springs
Located in the undeveloped area of Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park which is situated near Kimberly, Dewar Creek Hot Springs is too hot to handle. Due to its tough terrain location which needs to be hiked around, reaching these hot pools is quite an adventure for many.
The average water temperature of this pool is above 80 degrees Celcius. Reaching this place may take one whole day of hiking following the Dewar Creek Road.
2.6. Radium Hot Springs
Radium hot springs pools are located in Kootenay National Park and are the largest hot spring in Canada. These springs are the best hot springs near Vancouver because of their beauty and accessibility. Many resorts are mushrooming here in the small town. Radium hot springs are the lifeline for the village as is provides a livelihood for the local people.
Radium hot springs have two hot springs which are maintained at different water temperatures for the swimming and diving pool at 27 degrees while the larger pool is maintained at 39 degrees. These pools are surrounded by Sinclair Canyon’s red walls which provide a relaxing soak for its visitors and are open year-round.
This is the largest hot spring near Vancouver which is free from the Sulphur smell and thus can be categorized as the best hot spring which offer on the spot spas and hot spring resorts. Due to its location within Kootenay national park, these natural wonders have so much for their visitors.
2.7. Canyon Hot Springs
Another hot spring near Vancouver, is situated in the Albert Canyon of British Columbia, these are located in the Selkirk mountains. These hot springs in BC consist of two hot springs from which, one hot pool is for a soak and the cold plunge pool is for swimming and diving activities.
The Canyon Hot Springs resort is open in the summer months as well which is an excellent option for those who could not make it in winter. There is a huge camping space near the Canyon Hot Springs with a splendid view of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. One can stay in their camps or can check in the resort here.
2.8. Halcyon Hot Springs
Halcyon hot springs are located on the bank of upper arrow lake. The hot springs in BC are rich in minerals like magnesium, sodium, lithium, and calcium which makes them beneficial in curing many inflammatory problems and they can heal joint pains like arthritis.
Halcyon hot springs are known for their spectacular view of alpines, blue and beautiful lakes and rivers with lively wildlife surrounding these hot springs. With such scenic beauty, Halcyon Hot Springs is one of the best hot springs in BC. These BC hot springs near Vancouver are another suitable example of a hot spring that is open for visitors year-round.
2.9. Nakusp Hot Springs
Nakusp hot springs are located in the same area around upper arrow lake at the bottom of the rushing river Kuskanax. These BC hot springs consist of two large pools that are semi-circular in shape and are of different temperatures of 37 degrees and 41 degrees Celsius.
Nakusp hot springs in bc are developed for visitors’ attraction and comfort in a proper comfortable way that can entertain many fun activities.
Some Other Hot Springs in BC
Apart from all of these mentioned BC hot springs, Canada is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural hot water springs. If you have already visited some of these, here are some more to add to your visiting hot list.
3.1. Ainsworth Hot Springs
Ainsworth hot springs, located near Kootenay lake is a horse-shoe-shaped hot spring near Vancouver that has three pools which are 150 feet alpha pools. The other two pools are the main lounging pool which is suitable for swimming and diving activities. The third one is a stream-fed cold plunge pool.
The Ainsworth hot springs resort has perfect sightseeing from it which faces towards Kootenay lake and Purcell mountains spectacular view.
3.2. Fairmont Hot Springs
Fairmont hot springs are located in the region between the Purcell mountains and the Canadian rocky mountains. The water of this spring is free from any smell and this makes it one of the best hot springs near Vancouver to bath in for people who like odorless water.
Fairmont hot springs resort is a tourist attraction as it has golf courses and many spas. The water of the spring is clear and one of the best hot springs near Vancouver.
3.3. Mount Layton Hot Springs
Mount Layton hot springs are also known by the name Lakelse Hot Springs. This multi-pool spring is situated in the lap of the Kalum-Kitimat Valley.
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3.4. Lussier Hot Springs
Situated near the western boundary of Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, is the Lussier Hot Springs. A walking trail leads to this spring from the Whiteswan forest roads. This is also open year round even in summer months.
3.5. Liard River Hot Springs
The second largest hot spring in Vancouver is the Liard River Hot Springs. This river hot spring is the second largest hot spring in Canada after the Deer River Hot Springs which is situated 15 km southeast.
Are you Ready to Soak?
There are numerous natural hot springs near Vancouver. Some of them are the best place for younger guests as they are full of adventure and hiking trails.
Eucott bay hot springs near Vancouver is another famous hot water geyser to go to. All these water geysers are great for solo as well as group and family activities. One can either dive deep into the main pool or can soak in the comparatively colder ones.
All that is needed is bath towels, water shoes, hiking ropes, and some adventure mood. British Columbia is just the right place to be at. Whether one lives in other corners of the world or a native of Canada, these scintillating places are wanderers’ heaven.
The naturally heated water of these geysers will rejuvenate, heal and bring a sense of peace to your aching body and soul.
