5 natural hot springs to visit in BC this summer

Jun 26 2017, 3:39 am

Hot tubs are great… but sometimes the splashing kids, floating bandaids, and questionable chemicals can put off even the most professional bathers.

Thank goodness we live in BC, hey?

This beautiful province just keeps giving by providing the perfect alternative to those soggy, rec centre watering holes—Natural hot springs.

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If you’ve ever seen those picturesque places your more adventurous friends post on Instagram and thought “Man, if only I could be there…” you should probably pack up the car and just do it already.

No, you won’t have to put “Wanderlust” into your Insta bio, but yes, you should probably take a few pictures; You’re going to want to remember these trips down the line.

Here’s a few hot spots (forgive me) to take a dip at around BC.

Hot Springs Cove

Awesome day at Hot Springs Cove with @speckaaaa

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Where: Maquinna Provincial Park, Tofino

It’s not like you need another excuse to visit Tofino, but next time you’re there be sure to take a break from the surfing and the overeating of tacos to check out Hot Springs Cove. It is about an hour and a half north of Tofino by boat (tours are offered from Tofino). Bring some water shoes though—it can get slippery!

Pitt River Hot Springs


Where: Northern Pitt River, Fraser Valley

You’re going to need a few things to get to this one: A boat, a bike, a good sense of direction, and a lot of time. While Pitt Lake is relatively close to Vancouver, to say these hot springs are a skip and a hop away is an understatement… but that means they will probably be all your’s once you get there.

Sloquet Hot Springs

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Where: Roughly 75 km up the Lillooet Lake Road, north of Harrison Lake

These ones are a little more accessible than the Pitt River Hot Springs, and more inexpensive than Harrison Hot Springs. The affordable price of $15 gets you a camping spot and access to the hot springs, though if you aren’t planning on spending the night it’ll only cost you a fiver. At a four and a half hour drive away from Vancouver, a day trip is definitely in the cards.

Lussier Hot Springs


Where: Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, East Kootenay E

Usually there is only one pool available during the summer months (the other two being submerged under high waters) but that one pool is large enough to accommodate the crowds that are drawn to the area. What better way to make some friends than by basking together in the glory of the outdoors?

Harrison Hotsprings

Image: Kenneth Chan / Daily Hive

Where: 100 Esplanade Avenue, Harrison Hot Springs

If you’re not quite ready to rough it in one of BC’s more rugged retreats then you can always take the easy option and head on over to Harrison Hotsprings. Sure you might not be able to get that awesome ‘Gram shot, but at least you’ll get to enjoy the centuries old springs with all the mod-cons you need to find your zen.

Chandler WalterChandler Walter

+ Great Outdoors
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