Canada is often thought of as a cold country, and in many respects, it is. From the outside world, this North American country has a reputation of wintry spells and chilly breezes, often comforting, at times, it gets too much. But how does one warm up in such a place?
During the dead of winter, how do tourists and locals alike thaw and stay warn in what might be one of the coldest countries in the world? Is going to the warmer states in the US a likely solution? Not necessarily! There are still some spots in Canada that people can still warm up, many of them are hot springs.
Canada is one to take care of their environment, leading many hot spring hotspots to emerge. These thermal areas make for great destinations to escape the harshest of winters and to simply relax and take a load off. In British Columbia alone, there are so many to go to. Here are some worth visiting when you get the chance!
Ahousat Hot Springs
Not all great things are easy to get to. In the middle of Gibson Marine Provincial Park lies one of the most relaxing hot springs in British Columbia, the Ahousat Hot Springs. But to get to them, you’re going to need to travel by boat, plane, or hike there.
It’s not as easily accessible from the highway as some of the other hot springs in Canada, especially the hot springs in Vancouver where they’re practically in the middle of the city. Here, you have to go through a lot of nature to enjoy these soothing thermal pools, but the adventure is very much worth it!
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort
You’d think that going near the Purcell Mountains in southeastern British Columbia is not exactly one of the best places for some hot springs near Vancouver, BC. But you’ll find that once you’re there, it’ll all make sense.
The Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is one of the most prominent of its kind in this area. They take the idea of hot springs BC to a whole new level, with its special cave that visitors can wade through and some stunning waterfalls. And for a feast for your eyes, the resort gives a stunning view of the Purcell Mountains right from your comfortable thermal pool.
Dewar Creek Hot Springs
Want to go to more natural hot springs in BC Canada? Head on over to Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park and hike towards the Dewar Creek Hot Springs. Similarly to the Ahousat Hot Springs, you’re going to have an adventure finding the precious thermal creeks that make up this relaxation haven.
Along the way, you might find some woodland animals joining you in on the fun, so always be prepared for what to do when faced with such creatures. Although they don’t mean any harm so let them join you in soaking up in creeks surrounded by interesting rock formations.
Halcyon Hot Springs
On the shores of the Arrow Lakes, near the Selkirk Mountains, you’ll be able to find what might be the most luxurious hot springs in British Columbia: the Halcyon Hot Springs Resort. Here, a mountain lodge with multiple thermal pools waits for those who want to themselves off during the dead of winter.
This is arguably one of the most sophisticated establishments of its kind, rivalling even the hot springs on Vancouver Island. Once you see all the stunning accommodations, as well as the magnificent view, you’ll understand what makes this place so special and so visited every winter!
Harrison Hot Springs
One of the most popular hot springs in Vancouver (or in fact, the most popular hot springs in Canada) is the Harrison Hot Spring Resort. Not only does it have a massive thermal pool for the public, as well as a flurry of smaller ones for private use, but it also has a day spa where people can relax and rejuvenate.
Sometimes, the warm water of the hot springs is not enough, and here, you get to have a massage, spend time in a sauna, and even work out. It’s a haven for those who want a leisure weekend away from their work troubles and home problems!
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
For many hot springs-goers, the thermal pool is not enough to impress them. The whole ambiance of the area has to be natural and nurturing, and for this, only one place comes to mind: Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park. Regarded by many as the best hot springs in BC Canada, this area takes the hot springs experience to a whole new level.
First off, the thermal pool here is so large and rustic that it actually looks like a lake, while the exotic plants that surround it help keep up the illusion. And since the area is primarily remote, you won’t get any disturbances from within miles away! When you want a hot springs Canada escape, this is where you go!
Lussier Hot Springs
Whistler hot springs are just as good, some might argue even better, than hot springs in Vancouver. One particular place that can attest to this is the Lussier Hot Springs in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. Here, it’s all about giving you a nature-bound experience of relacing in thermal pools.
In fact, the thermal pools here are relatively untouched and actually look like pond, puddles, and creeks from a time when humans didn’t overpopulate the earth. You get to be truly one with nature once you dip yourself into their many rock-formed hot springs.
Gandll K’in Gwaay.yaay Hotspring Island
When the hot springs are used for medicinal purposes, you know it’s worth visiting! Such is the case for Gandll K’in Gwaay.yaay Hotspring Island in the Haida Gwaii in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve. Surrounded by all sorts of exotic flora and interesting fauna, you get to immerse yourself with the stunning nature of Canada here.
The thermal pools are so warm and soothing that you might not ever want to get out! And to add to that, they give you a beautiful view, from a luscious rainforest to the pristine pool of warm water. No other hot springs in British Columbia comes quite close to this special island!
Want to feel warmth in Canada? Go to any or all of these amazing hot springs in BC Canada. You’ll be so warm you’ll forget all about the cold!