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Visit 6 of the best hot springs in British Columbia

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The pressure was on. I was trying to impress a visiting Australian friend when I suggested we visit the Lussier Hot Springs in the East Kootenays. It would be beautiful British Columbia at its finest — mountain peaks, a roaring river, and an all-natural hot tub experience.

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There was only one catch — I’d never been there.

As I drove my truck up the winding forestry road, I started to worry. What if this was one of those situations where the pictures are totally different than real life? What if all the Instagrammers were already on-site, photo sessions in full force? Or worse, what if the “natural” hot springs were actually encased in manmade cement blocks?

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Luckily, none of these things were true. Lussier Hot Springs was exactly as advertised — pristine, and far enough off-the-beaten path that it was only moderately busy. (The aforementioned gravel road into Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park and the short walk down to the riverside makes this one trickier to get to than your average roadside attraction.)

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Within 20 minutes, it had all but cleared out and we had the whole place to ourselves. We gleefully circuited through the pools Nordic-style, jumping from warm to hot, before immersing ourselves in the glacial river waters — and I breathed a sigh of relief at having successfully provided my Aussie mate a quintessentially Canadian experience.

Looking to soak it all in? Here are five other hot springs in BC worth checking out.

Liard River Hot Springs

Have you ever seen a picture of hard-won adventurers soaking in a hot pool, surrounded by lush greenery covered in frost? You’re probably looking at a picture of the Liard River Hot Springs. If you’re on the road to Alaska, these pools — where the temperature ranges between 42 and 52 degrees Celsius — are a must-visit.

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Despite the park’s proximity to the 60th parallel, the springs have created a micro-climate (known as “Tropical Valley”) where unusual plants thrive, including species of orchids. Intrepid wintertime visitors are even in for a few extra treats: fewer mosquitoes, fewer people, fewer bears and more northern lights.

Radium Hot Springs

If you’re not into the smell of sulphur (and really, who is?), you’re in luck. BC has its fair share of odourless mineral pools, including Radium Hot Springs.

Only a 1.5-hour drive from Banff, these mineral pools don’t require a nose plug. They’re also not hard on the eyes, being surrounded by natural rock walls. Managed by Parks Canada (the site is in Kootenay National Park), you’re looking at shelling out just $7.30 for a day at the baths.

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Halcyon Hot Springs

If you’re looking for the ultimate road-trip tour of hot springs in BC, take the route between Nelson and Revelstoke. Hugging the shores of the Arrow Lakes (which are actually a widening of the Kootenay River), it seems like there’s a hot spring around every corner.

Halcyon Hot Springs, just north of Nakusp, is one of the best. These man-made pools have epic views of the lakes and the Monashee Mountains, as well as a range of accommodation options. Adult dips start at $17, which includes towel rental.

Hot Spring Cove

This series of ocean-side rock pools, complete with cascading waterfall, is nestled in an old-growth rainforest in Clayoquot Sound. However, you can’t just drive in to this magical location in Maquinna Marine Provincial Park — it can only be accessed by a 1.5-hour boat ride, or 20-minute seaplane ride from Tofino.

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Multiple tour companies offer day trips, but despite the adventurous spirit that it takes to get here, don’t expect it to be a hidden treasure. If you want to avoid the crowds, book a night at Inn Chanter, a floating bed and breakfast located in a 1920s heritage vessel. Or, pitch your tent at nearby Hot Springs Cove and Campground, which is 100-per cent Indigenous-owned and operated.

Fairmont Hot Springs

Fairmont Hot Springs, a 20-minute drive south of Invermere, is an institution. It’s been in use since the early 1900s by those seeking wellness, and in 2019 it underwent renovations to upgrade its facilities. Open daily to visitors (including Christmas Day), day passes start at $14.95, with discounts for late-night swimmers.

A family-friendly destination, a visit here isn’t limited to soaking in the mineral-rich waters. Try a round of golf, go kayaking, or sign your kids up for swimming lessons. But really, if you’re just here to relax, rent a poolside cabana and book-in for a Thermal Mud Wrap therapy at the spa.

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