Tucked in the southeast corner of British Columbia, the Kootenay Rockies is a backcountry adventurer’s dream. Tall, snow-capped mountain ranges tower over forested valleys, pristine lakes, and a network of rushing rivers. Logging roads and backroads extend from the highways and lead to viewpoints, historic sites, waterfalls, and backroad attractions, all clearly marked and described in detail in our brand-new 9th Edition Kootenay Rockies Backroad Mapbook.
The Kootenay Rockies region is also known for its large amount of natural hot springs, which are springs produced by the emergence of geothermally heated groundwater onto the surface of Earth. Essentially, they are natural hot tubs! Hot springs tourism has formed quite an industry in the Kootenay Rockies, and hot springs resorts such as Ainsworth Hot Springs, Fairmont Hot Springs, Halcyon Hot Springs, and Nakusp Hot Springs allow visitors to soak in natural hot springs while also having the comfort of lodging and restaurants nearby.
For those who want to escape the crowds and soak up more of a backcountry experience, there are a handful of harder-to-reach and more rustic natural hot springs just waiting to be explored in the Kootenay Rockies region. Below, we highlight some of the most secluded and scenic natural hot springs that are accessible by hiking, off-roading, or bushwhacking. Best of all, these hot springs are free!
1. Buhl Creek Hot Springs
These small, creekside natural hot springs are located 44 km (27 miles) up the Skookumchuck Forest Service Road, near the confluence of Buhl Creek and Skookumchuck Creek, outside of Canal Flats. The rustic hot springs, which feature boulder-edged pools to soak in, are visible from the road, just before the bridge that crosses the creek. The springs are best visited in the late summer or fall, as the pools become flooded by the stream during the spring run-off.
The water temperature can reach 40 degrees Celsius during the summer and fall, and the remoteness of the area means visitors will often have the pools to themselves. Gravel pull-outs and side roads are located along the forestry road and make for good truck camping opportunities, and there is a beautiful wilderness campground located just a short walk from the springs. Found about 46 km (28 miles) up the Skookumchuck Forest Service Road is the Skookumchuck Creek Rec Site, which features two small sites and a short trail to a viewpoint overlooking rapids.
2. Halfway River Hot Springs
Although access to these remote hot springs can be a challenge, those who make the effort will be rewarded with three wooden and boulder-lined pools near the river. Water temperatures are very warm, ranging from 42 to 65 degrees Celsius. There is a shelter for changing and six outhouses on site, along with 20 vehicle-accessible campsites and 10 walk-in tenting sites nearby. BC Parks manages the recreation site, and there is a small fee for overnight camping.
From Nakusp, drive north for about 26 km (16 miles) to the Halfway River Road, and look for an old road which branches left off the main road at about the 11 km (6.8 mile) mark. A steep trail starts at the end of the old road and leads down to the hot springs.
3. Lussier Hot Springs
Located in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, these natural hot springs are more popular and busier than the other hot springs on this list, but for good reason. These hot springs are located between Canal Flats and Whiteswan Lake and are easily accessible via a short, well-maintained trail that leads off the Whiteswan Lake Forest Service Road. A large parking area, change rooms, and toilets are located just off the main road.
Four naturally constructed and boulder-lined pools are nestled beside the beautiful, turquoise-coloured Lussier River. The temperature of the pools varies between 34 and 47 degrees Celsius. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as this remote area is incredibly scenic!
Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park also features five frontcountry campgrounds with amenities, while backcountry camping is permitted at Cave Creek, which can be accessed by canoe, boat, or by hiking in from the Home Basin Campground. There are also wilderness car camping opportunities on Crown land off the Whiteswan Lake Forest Service Road.
4. St. Leon Hot Springs
Located off Highway 23 between Nakusp and Galena Bay, St. Leon Hot Springs was one of several developed in the early days, with recordings of advertisements that date back to 1898. Now, the remote springs feature a concrete pool and a three-metre-deep grotto in the rock.
To get to the springs, turn onto the Forest Service Road just after the rest area on Highway 23, about 23 km (14 miles) north of Nakusp. Continue down this road until you come to the spot where the road forks and plunges steeply down on the left. If you do not have a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle, it is best to park here and walk down to the hot springs. Please respect private property and all signs in the area, including trail signs.
Are you ready to explore all of the exciting backroad attractions the Kootenay Rockies region of British Columbia has to offer? Be sure to pick up a copy of the brand-new 9th Edition Kootenay Rockies Backroad Mapbook today. Also, be sure to check out our GPS Maps and BRMB Maps App, which is downloadable to your smartphone, tablet, or computer, for an on-the-go digital experience.