Three Hot Springs To Visit in British Columbia, Canada

 A few years ago I found an article detailing a hot springs loop in British Columbia, Canada. If you know me, you know I'm a hot springs lover. So I passed it on to a friend and we used that loop to plan a trip to Canada's Alberta and British Columbia. It was an awesome road trip full of mountains, wildlife, natural wonders and....hot springs. These are the 3 - very different - hot springs that we visited. 

Halcyon Hot Springs, Nakusp, BC

These lithia-rich mineral pools are located on Upper Arrow Lake and are the centerpiece of the Halcyon Hot Springs Resort. Located in the town of Nakusp, there are hot or warm pools, a cryo-therapy cold pool and a seasonal mineral pool. Drop in admission is $18 per adult or family admission for $45. (Adults only from 9 to 10pm) 

There is a cap on how many people are allowed in so you may have to wait - I think we did for only a few minutes - and there are changing rooms with lockers and showers available. (The changing rooms are quite small and we were here during the height of summer season) We, also, had a really cloudy, misty day - I think our experience would have been improved by better weather and less crowds. The mineral pools on the upper deck were quite crowded and the seasonal pool on the lower deck wasn't crowded at all but not very warm. I love a good hot spring so I still enjoyed it but the experience could've been a bit better - some things are just beyond your control.

A rainy view of the lake

By the way, if you're interested there are accommodations here along with a spa and restaurant. 

Lucier Creek Hot Springs, Cranbrook, BC

Lussier Creek Hot Springs was the only "natural" hot spring that we visited. Down an 18 km very narrow - and active - logging road inside White Swan Lake Provincial Park (Canada's "state parks"), this is the closest undeveloped hot spring to Banff. They are 100 percent natural and 100 percent free, plus family friendly with swimsuits required. 

It's a popular spot

There is a gravel parking lot and a changing room/pit toilet for your changing needs. The hike down to the hot springs is steep, but short - about 5 minutes downhill. 

Once down the hill, there are 3 pools that are all rock walled and gravel bottomed that flow into the adjacent river. You can leave towels, shoes or other items on the rocks while you take your dip. And if you prefer cold water, you can cold plunge into the river. 

We very much enjoyed our soak and our timing was fantastic - after we walked back up the hill a park ranger was arriving to close the hot spring. It seems that the water was rushing over the rocks and creating a dangerous situation. So good timing for us, not so much for everyone who had just arrived.

Radium Hot Springs, Kootenay National Park

Set in the small town of Radium, these hot springs are filled with naturally heated water containing minerals said to relax and rejuvenate you. Located in Kootenay National Park and run by Parks Canada, these hot springs are open year round and are in a beautiful mountain setting.

This historic hot springs was constructed in 1914 including the concrete bathing pool and bathhouse. The Aquacourt was added in 1951 with major renovations undertaken in 1997. In 1993, the hot springs is merged with Miette and Banff Hot Springs under Parks Canada to become the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs. They are very popular and it was quite crowded the day we were there. (We also had some excitement on our visit - a fully clothed lifeguard had to jump in and save a child)

 It's a family friendly facility that includes the hot pool and a cooler swimming pool.  For entry:

-There are mens and womens locker rooms with showers and restrooms (locker token is included with your entry fee)

- entry is first come, first serve - no reservations available. 

- appropriate swimwear required and you can rent a towerl if needed

-water in reusable bottles is the only food or beverage allowed in

- Single entry is $19.75 CAD for adults, $17.75 for seniors, $17.25 for kids (under 3 is free) with family entry set at 64.25.

As I said before, I love a hot springs! So this hot springs loop was perfect for me - and it was in one of the most beautiful areas of the world. I've run out of words to describe it - stunning, beautiful, gorgeous - they all fit. Now to find some more hot springs loops... I'm in!

Linking up with: My Corner of the World at Photographing New Zealand!