7 Best Hot Springs to Visit in Western Canada (Complete Guide)

We've been fortunate to find ourselves on road trips through Western Canada multiple times, and lucky for us, this is where you can find many of Canada's best hot springs. Between the more "man-made" hot springs near Banff National Park and the more rugged hot springs along the Alaska Highway, there's a perfect find for anyone. Read on for our honest review of each hot spring, and remember to bring a towel and water bottle to stay hydrated.

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What to Expect at Canadian Hot Springs

It might sound a little funny to be discussing "Hot Springs Etiquette" but in order to make the best of your adventures in Canada we wanted to share three of our best tips and tricks when we visited these hot springs.

• Bring Cash, Not Valuables - Each hot springs costs a certain amount of money, and the easiest way we found to pay for each admission ticket was to just bring cash, especially for the hot springs that a bit more remote. However, most hot springs do not recommend bringing valuables with you. Even though there were lockers at each one we visited, not all of them were locked, so it's best to leave your valuables somewhere else.
• Stay Hydrated - Hot springs can really dehydrate you, so of course it's important to try and stay hydrated. We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle with you, and most hot springs we visited had no issues with us bringing our bottle out to the springs with us!
• What to Wear - We recommend wearing your swimsuit and loose fitting clothes to the hot springs - and bringing a change of clothes for after. Most of the hot springs have areas where you can shower and "get ready" for any activities you have planned for the rest of your day. You might also want to bring a pair of slipper shoes if you don't want to walk the wet exteriors, and a towel.

Our Favorite Tours in Banff : 
- The Banff Gondola
- Banff Day Trip to 4 Lakes
- Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Canada's Best Hot Springs

1. Liard Hot Springs
I'll be honest, this one is pretty far from anywhere else, but there's a reason it's our favorite. We make a stop every time we drive the Alaska Highway, which ends up being about once a summer. They've done quite a few updates in recent years but they've left the rugged feel, and there's stories of visitors seeing bears, moose, and even buffalo as you walk the boardwalks to the hot springs. Once you get to the hot springs, you'll find a restroom, changing spots, and open cubbies for your belongings. There are two main pools, the upper pool being hotter and busier, and the lower pool being cooler and emptier. The pool ranges from 42ºC to 52ºC (108ºF to 126ºF).

Located at the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, you can either camp there or stay across the road at the Liard Hot Springs Lodge & RV Park. Once you get to the entrance of the park (which is entirely surrounded by an electric fence) you'll pay the entrance fee. Adult passes are $5 CAD, children passes are $3 CAD, or $10 CAD for a family day pass.

2. Radium Hot Springs
Our second favorite hot spring in Canada is Radium Hot Springs, located right outside Kootenay National Park and 1.5 hours from Banff National Park. Although it's very man-made, the views are incredible, and we loved how this hot spring wasn't as crowded as the others in the national parks area. Open year round, there are 3 pools here - one hot springs pool, one regular swimming pool, and one cold pool the size of a hot tub. For adults, a single entry is $8 CAD and includes a single use token for the lockers onsite. There are showers before you enter the hot springs where you're asked to rinse off with soap and water, as well as life jackets & towels available for rent. The water temperatures at Radium Hot Springs ranges from 37ºC to 40ºC (98ºF to 104ºF).

3. Fairmont Hot Springs
About 2 hours south of Banff, you'll find the Fairmont Hot Springs. Located inside the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort visitors that are staying at the Resort have free access included during their stay, otherwise you'll have to pay the $25 CAD per adult fee. They have 3 pools that average 39ºC (102ºF) that are open to all guests, and one extra pool that is hidden away and for resort guests only.

4. Banff Upper Hot Springs
Located right outside the town of Banff and right next to the Banff Gondola, this hot springs is also very manmade, but the views are stunning! There is only 1 pool here, so it was pretty tight with the amount of people enjoying the warm water. The admission price for this hot spring is similar to the other hot springs within the National Parks and was $9.25 CAD for adult entry. Admission includes a single use token for the lockers, and swimsuits and towels are available for rent if you don't have your own. The water temperature at Banff Upper Hot Springs ranges from 37ºC to 40ºC (98ºF to 104ºF).

​5. Lussier Creek Hot Springs
If you continue your journey from the Fairmont Hot Springs about an hour further South, you'll find yourself at the Lussier Creek Hot Springs - the most natural hot springs and the only free hot springs on this list. With 4 total pools that have been designed using the boulders from the river, temperatures range from 34ºC (94ºF) to 47ºC (118ºF). Because of the rocky surface, I would be extra careful here of slipping, and since it is all natural and free - it's essential to leave it how you found it and pack out everything you bring with you.

6. Miette Hot Springs
Located on the north end of Jasper National Park, it's about a 4 hour 15 minute drive from the town of Banff. This hot spring closes during the winter season, and is very busy when open in the summers, when we visited we were almost shoulder to shoulder. There are 4 pools here, all with different temperatures - 2 warm pools and 2 cold pools. Prices are similar to the other hot springs in the national parks - $7.75 for an adult entry with a single use token for the lockers. Swimsuits and towels are also available to rent onsite. The water temperatures here ranges from 37ºC to 40ºC (98ºF to 104ºF).

7. Harrison Hot Springs
The very last hot springs on our list is another resort hot springs. Harrison Hot Springs Resort has 5 different, luxurious pools onsite - 2 indoor and 3 outdoor pools. Over half of their pools are adults only, and range in temperature from 30ºC (87ºF) to 40ºC (103ºF). This is by far the nicest hot springs on our list, and could even be considered more of a spa experience. If you're looking for the ultimate spot to relax and soak in the warm minerals, then this is the one!

Watch our Adventures in Canada here!

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Other posts you might be interested in :
​-> Best Places to Eat in Banff
-> Banff Gondola Guide
-> Lake Minnewanka Cruise Guide

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