International
Canada Hot Springs: Banff, Radium, Liard and BC's Kootenays
Last updated October 22, 2026 · 2 min read
Almost all of Canada’s natural hot springs are in the west, in the Rocky Mountains and the ranges of British Columbia and Yukon. Several are run by Parks Canada and have been popular since the railway era.
The Rockies: Banff and Radium
Banff Upper Hot Springs sits on Sulphur Mountain above the town of Banff, at about 5,200 feet. The pool has views across the Bow Valley. The discovery of springs nearby in the 1880s led to the creation of Canada’s first national park.
Radium Hot Springs in Kootenay National Park has a hot pool and a cooler swimming pool at the mouth of Sinclair Canyon. Unusually, the water has little sulfur smell.
Jasper’s Miette Hot Springs is the hottest in the Canadian Rockies at the source. Check Parks Canada for its current operating status before planning a visit.
The Kootenays of BC
The Kootenay region has several springs within a day’s drive of each other: Ainsworth, with a horseshoe-shaped cave of hot water; Nakusp and Halcyon on the Arrow Lakes; and Fairmont, one of Canada’s largest hot springs resorts. Wilder options include Lussier Hot Springs in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park and Halfway River Hot Springs near Nakusp.
Northern BC and Yukon
Liard River Hot Springs is a provincial park on the Alaska Highway. A boardwalk crosses a warm marsh to pools in boreal forest. It is open year round. Bears visit, so follow park rules.
Coastal BC
Hot Springs Cove in Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, reached by boat or floatplane from Tofino, has pools where hot water meets the Pacific. Meager Creek near Pemberton has been closed for long periods after landslides.
Nordic spas are different
Quebec and Ontario have many excellent Nordic spas, but most heat their water. If a natural thermal source matters to you, check before you book.
See the full Canada map, and hot springs near Vancouver.
Springs in this guide
- Banff Upper Hot Springs104°F
- Radium Hot Springs104°F
- Liard River Hot Springs126°F
- Meager Creek Hot SpringNot recorded
- Halfway Hot SpringsNot recorded
Listed Canada hot springs
See all 29 Canada springs on a map.
| Hot spring | Water temp | Type | Nearest town |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radium Hot Springs | 104°F | Developed | Invermere, BC (8 mi) |
| Hlgu Isgwit Hot Spring | Not recorded | Developed | Terrace, BC (53 mi) |
| Banff Upper Hot Springs | 104°F | Developed | Banff, AB (2 mi) |
| Circle Wellness Spa | Not recorded | Resort | West End, BC |
| Etta's Pool Free | Not recorded | Developed | Pemberton, BC (38 mi) |
| Liard River Hot Springs | 126°F | Developed | Watson Lake, YT (101 mi) |
| Tallheo Hot Springs | Not recorded | Natural | Port McNeill, BC (112 mi) |
| Nordik Spa-Nature | Not recorded | Resort | Saint-Alexandre, QC (3 mi) |
| Amerispa | Not recorded | Resort | Cantley, QC |
| August Jacob's Hot Spring | Not recorded | Natural | Whistler, BC (35 mi) |
| Meager Creek Hot Spring | Not recorded | Natural | Pemberton, BC (34 mi) |
| Pitt River Hot Spring | 127°F | Natural | Squamish, BC (20 mi) |
| Strøm | Not recorded | Developed | Saint-Raymond, QC (3 mi) |
| Halfway Hot Springs | Not recorded | Natural | Nakusp, BC (18 mi) |
| Job Creek Warm Springs | 70°F | Natural | Pemberton, BC (41 mi) |
| The Spa @ Elmhirst's | Not recorded | Resort | Peterborough, ON (11 mi) |
Frequently asked questions
Are the Banff hot springs natural?
Yes. Banff Upper Hot Springs is fed by a natural spring on Sulphur Mountain. The water is collected and piped into a managed pool run by Parks Canada.
What is the best hot spring in British Columbia?
Liard River Hot Springs is often named the best natural soak, with boardwalk access to pools in boreal forest. In southern BC, the Kootenay region has several resorts and natural springs within a day's drive of each other.
Are Nordic spas in Quebec hot springs?
Usually not. Nordic spas such as those around Montreal and Ottawa use heated water for hot-cold-rest cycles. They are excellent, but the water is not from a natural thermal spring.