Things to Do in Canada 264

Steam, Snow & Soak: Canada’s Best Hot Springs Escapes

February 18, 2026

Good morning!

Did you know? Canada has over 100 known natural hot springs, with the vast majority found in British Columbia, Alberta, and the Yukon, thanks to mountain geothermal activity.

Speaking of hot springs, Canada may not have a tropical region to escape winter’s chills, but it does have its fair share of Geothermal hot springs — both natural and developed.

Since taking a dip during the cold winter months is even more magical, the 264th edition of the Weekly Goose is all about the best hot springs in Canada.

Let’s go!

Read

The Annual Hair-Freezing Competition at Yukon’s Takhini Hot Springs.

♨️ Canada’s Most Soak-Worthy Hot Springs

Hot springs are one of winter’s greatest loopholes: snow everywhere, steam rising, core temperature restored.

If soaking in a natural hot spring is on your bucket list, you’ll definitely want to make your way to the mountainous regions of Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon. This is where you’ll find the best of the best, including both developed hot springs and “au natural”.

What’s the difference?

🌲 Natural vs Developed — Know Your Soak Style

Not all hot springs are created equal. Pick your adventure level:

Developed Hot Springs

  • change rooms

  • maintained pools

  • consistent temperatures

  • easy winter access

  • great for couples’ trips

Natural / Rustic Springs

  • may require short hikes

  • variable temperatures

  • no facilities

  • more adventurous

  • bigger bragging rights

If your date prefers plush robes → developed.
If your date owns microspikes → rustic.

Nakusp Hot Springs, BC. Photo from Off Track Travel.

Developed Hot Springs

If you’re seeking the best developed hot springs to relax in, here are some of the best to get you started…

• Banff Upper Hot Springs (AB) — Classic mountain soak with historic bathhouse vibes and snowy Rockies views. Easy to reach, open in winter, and reliably steamy. (Note: The hot springs are currently under renovation and are slated to open in early 2026)

• Miette Hot Springs (AB) — Technically developed — but very scenic and more relaxed than Banff Upper. Seasonal operation.

• Radium Hot Springs (BC) — Large mineral pools set against dramatic canyon walls — great road trip stop and winter basecamp soak. (This is our favourite developed hot springs)

• Harrison Hot Springs (BC) — One of Canada’s most famous hot spring towns, with both public pools and resort soaking options.

• Halcyon Hot Springs (BC) — Lake views + hot mineral pools = slow winter perfection.

• Ainsworth Hot Springs (BC) — Known for its natural cave pool — yes, you can soak inside a warm rock tunnel while snow falls outside.

• Liard Hot Springs (BC) — One of Canada’s largest and warmest natural hot springs, featuring long boardwalk access and steamy mineral pools deep in the northern wilderness — open year-round and especially magical in winter.

• Takhini Hot Springs (YT) — Developed pools — but extremely rustic feel and very northern atmosphere. Winter soaking here is next-level, especially under the Aurora Borealis. Bonus: Also home to the hilarious annual hair-freezing competition and Guinness World Record holders for the largest frozen hair competition.

Liard Hot Springs, BC. Photo from their website.

Natural / Rustic Springs

• Lussier Hot Springs (BC) — One of BC’s most famous rustic springs. A series of rock pools beside a river. Drive-accessible + short walk. True wild soak vibe.

• Sloquet Hot Springs (BC) — Remote, culturally significant site north of Harrison. Natural rock pools. Rough road access. More expedition than errand.

• Meager Creek Hot Springs (BC) —Very remote geothermal area with multiple natural pools. Access conditions change — only for well-prepared travellers.

• Hot Springs Cove (BC) — Boardwalk + forest hike to ocean-edge geothermal pools. One of Canada’s most scenic soak settings.

• Dewar Creek Hot Springs (BC) — Backcountry classic. Multi-day ski/touring access in winter. Hardcore category — bragging rights guaranteed.

• Ram Creek Hot Springs (BC) — Natural pools near the river. Semi-rustic. Access varies seasonally. Known among locals more than tourists.

• Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs (YT) — True wilderness geothermal site — fly-in/expedition territory. Not casual travel, but real.

🏔️ Soak + Stay: Make It a Cozy Escape

Hot springs are even better when paired with a nearby overnight stay. Turn a soak into a full cozy escape.

👉 Browse hot spring towns & nearby stays

  • Halcyon Hot Springs Resort — Nakusp, BC: A full hot springs resort with multiple mineral pools and a range of on-site cabins, loft chalets & cottages that put you steps from the springs. Perfect for couples, retreats, or a scenic soak + stay getaway.

  • Fairmont Hot Springs Resort — Fairmont, BC: One of Canada’s largest natural hot springs resorts with pool access included for guests. The resort offers resort rooms & suites, mountainside villas, cabins, and more. Rooms here put you right beside the mineral pools and wellness amenities.

  • Private Hot Springs (BC): Rent your own private cabin with your own private mineral infinity pool overlooking a lake and mountains.

Sponsored

Looking for a gift that’s more memorable than stuff — and way more fun than another dinner out?

Tinggly’s “Fun Together in Canada” experience collection is built exactly for that. Instead of locking into one activity in one place, you’re giving access to a wide range of real adventures across the country — from outdoor experiences and foodie moments to wellness escapes and bucket-list activities.

Here’s why it works so well: you don’t have to pick the exact experience. The recipient does. They browse, choose what excites them most, and book when it fits their schedule. No guessing. No awkward “hope you like this” moments. Just flexibility and actual anticipation.

Watch

It’s quite obvious from the list above that British Columbia is the hot spring capital of Canada, and one of the regions that does it best is the Kootenays. Although the video below isn’t focused on hot springs, we do take you to two of the most famous developed hot springs in the area, including Fairmont Hot Springs and Radium Hot Springs.

International Departures

The Ultimate 10 Day Costa Rica Itinerary

While we ignored Costa Rica for a long time due to its popularity, we finally decided to go and explore some of the best it has to offer. From scuba diving and surfing to sleeping on a coffee plantation and waking up next to a volcano, I wrote this guide to help you plan the best 10-day itinerary in Costa Rica…

www.livelimitless.net/10-day-costa-rica-itinerary

Sponsored

The Science-Backed Solution for Eyebags, Dark Spots & Wrinkles

Reduce eyebags, dark spots and wrinkles with the #1 selling anti-aging solution for men. Based on advanced clinical research, Particle Face Cream ensures you look and feel your best every day. Get 20% off now with the code BH20!

Beaver Bites

  • Want to reach 62,000 Canadian travellers for your brand? Reach out (reply to this email) to sponsor an edition of Must Do Canada.