Imagine dipping into a natural hot tub while the scenery around you glistens with freshly fallen snow. It’s the perfect antidote to the winter blues, and Canada offers some of the most spectacular spots to soak your bones in geothermal bliss. Let’s tour the best Canadian hot springs that become a little slice of heaven in wintertime.

Banff Upper Hot Springs, Alberta

Perched high in the Rockies, the Banff Upper Hot Springs are as iconic as they are therapeutic. At an elevation of 1,585 meters, they are the highest hot springs in Canada. As you simmer in the steaming waters, you’re treated to an alpine backdrop that’s nothing short of majestic. Winter adds an extra layer of beauty, frosting the surrounding peaks in white.

Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia

Nestled in Kootenay National Park, Radium Hot Springs is a family-friendly option that’s equal parts accessible and stunning. In the winter, the steam rising from the pool creates a magical vibe as the mineral water relaxes your muscles. Plus, the nearby village of Radium offers charming accommodations and dining, rounding out the experience. Keep your eyes open for the town’s famous bighorn sheep while you explore!

Liard River Hot Springs, British Columbia

For the intrepid explorer, Liard River Hot Springs in northern British Columbia offers an off-the-beaten-path destination. The second largest hot spring in Canada, this natural oasis is open year-round and is enveloped in a lush boreal forest. Getting there is an adventure in itself, as the hot springs are located off the Alaska Highway. The remote setting also means wildlife sightings are common!

Hot Springs Cove, British Columbia

Hot Springs Cove is a splendid retreat located north of Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This hidden gem is accessible only by water taxi or seaplane, adding to the exclusivity and excitement of the visit. The hot springs themselves flow out of the ground at around 50°C and cascade down a waterfall into a series of natural rocky pools, which cool to a comfortable temperature as they near the ocean.

Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa, Saskatchewan

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, might not be the first place that springs to mind for geothermal activity, but Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa boasts a geothermal mineral pool that draws water from an ancient seabed. The main pool is enclosed in a stunning atrium, making it a year-round destination. The outdoor rooftop pool also provides a unique experience where you can swim surrounded by the prairie winter scene.

Takhini Hot Springs, Yukon

Up in the breathtaking expanse of the Yukon, the Takhini Hot Springs offer a unique northern adventure. Just a short drive from the city of Whitehorse, these hot springs are a local favourite. The water here is rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron, and flows into two pool sections at 36°C and 42°C, respectively. Winter is a magical time to visit, as you might catch the northern lights dancing overhead while you bathe in the mineral-rich waters.

If you’re willing to embrace the cold air for a few seconds before slipping into thermal nirvana, the Canadian winter hot spring experience is definitely worth it. A perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty, it’s a warm memory that will last you through the rest of winter.