In Japan, visiting onsen (hot springs) is treated as an almost mandatory time to relax, reflect and treat your body.
Mineral hot springs are natural wonders that can refresh the mind, body and spirit, but you don’t need to book a flight to experience their benefits. The fresh air, steamy water and panoramic mountain scenery found in the Columbia Valley combine for an unforgettable experience.
Soak in these four BC hot springs, then enjoy a variety of activities in the great outdoors, all available in our own backyard.
Fairmont Hot SpringsÂ
As the largest natural hot springs in all of Canada, the Fairmont Hot Springs have been attracting visitors from around the world for over 100 years. With over 1.2 million gallons of mineral water flowing through the pools daily and scenic views of the Rocky Mountains, expect a relaxing, serene experience. Rejuvenate in the 39 Celsius pool or dive and do laps in the larger 32 Celsius swimming pool.
After soaking in the springs, take advantage of the many all-season amenities and activities available at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. During the winter, take the family skiing or snowboarding, or test out the brand-new tube park. Glide on the world’s largest skating path at the Lake Windermere Whiteway or try snowshoeing, snowmobiling or ice-fishing. In the summer, swing your clubs at three award-winning golf courses or go mountain biking, white-water rafting, horseback riding, all-terrain vehicle touring or hiking on the Hoodoo trail.
Radium Hot Springs
The relaxing mountain village of Radium offers charming places to eat and plenty of activities to experience, but their most notable attraction is the Radium Hot Springs. Natural rock walls and mountain views surround two family-friendly pools: a spacious hot pool, maintained around 39 Celsius, and a cooler swimming pool with a diving board, kept at around 27 Celsius.
Keep an eye out for the bighorn sheep on the rock cliffs of Sinclair Canyon surrounding the mineral pools. Since you’re already there to relax, take advantage of the on-site spa and enjoy massages, aromatherapy and other wellness treatments.
The springs are a unique and relaxing pit stop after a day spent on the slopes at the nearby Panorama Ski Resort, golfing at one of the 15 courses located within a 45-minute drive or mountain biking on the world-class trails. Stop at the Visitor Centre for more information on events happening during your stay, like The Music & Market on Main and the Classic Car show.
Lussier Hot Springs
These lesser-known wildland hot springs are worth the drive off the beaten path. Not only will you get a chance to dip into all-natural, undeveloped hot springs, but you can also enjoy the untouched mountain scenery and the short hike along the Whiteswan Forest Service Road.
Nestled into the landscape as they are, the springs are surrounded by rocks and have a gravel bottom. The hottest pool can reach temperatures of 43 Celsius, with the water cooling as it flows into three other small pools towards the Lussier River. Complete your stay by camping in the many year-round campsites of the Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park and spend a quiet night gazing at the stars and listening to the sounds of the running river.
Panorama Mountain Resort
Visiting the Panorama Springs Pools is the perfect aprs activity for visitors to the Columbia Valley. Canada’s largest slopeside hot pools offer Panorama lodging guests a unique opportunity in the winter to relax in the naturally warm waters while surrounded by the falling snow.
The resort includes one large cold pool, a warm pool simmering at around 32 and two hot tubs heated to 36 and 38. Parents staying at the resort can relax in the sauna as their kids enjoy the two waterslides and splash pad, or the whole family can trek to the Toby Pool in the lower village when it opens in the summer.
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