Thankfully, Western Canada has some great hot springs. In fact, all of the hot springs in Canada are in British Columbia, Alberta, and Yukon Territory. Sorry Eastern Canada – we win this one 🙂

In this guide, I’ve got info and directions for the best hot springs in Canada. These hot springs are all easy to access by car, although some require a short hike or an easy to arrange boat tour.

Note: There are dozens of other hot springs in Canada, but they require hours of bushwhacking or they are really more warm springs, than hot, so I left them off this list.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Hot Springs Etiquette

Hot springs exist in unique and fragile ecosystems. If you visit an undeveloped hot spring, tread lightly to minimize your impact. Some hot springs in British Columbia have gotten overrun with trash or closed due to human-bear conflicts. Learn about Leave No Trace to protect our hot springs.

Here are some basic tips for hot springs etiquette:

• Pack out all trash with you. Avoid bringing glass bottles to hot springs.
• Use washrooms or outhouses. Every hot spring on this list has a toilet nearby. Please use them to prevent the spread of disease, which can get into the hot springs.
• Do not use soap or shampoo in the hot springs. It pollutes the pools, kills plants and fish, and creates gross algae blooms.
• Keep your dog out of the water. Dogs carry diseases like leptospirosis that thrive in warm water.
• Be considerate of other users. Many people come to hot springs to relax, not to party.
• Bring a water bottle and drink lots of water. Otherwise, you can get dehydrated or overheated easily.
• Bring some flipflops or sandals to wear around the pools. Undeveloped springs often have sharp or uneven rocks. At commercial springs, sandals are nice to have for sanitary reasons.
• At natural springs, be prepared to see some nudity. It’s often not officially permitted, but it’s still very common, especially at night. But please keep things PG if you visit the hot springs with a partner!
• If you plan to travel on backroads or hike to hot springs, leave a trip plan with a friend and carry the 10 Essentials.

Hot Springs Resources

By far the best book about Canada’s hot springs is Hot Springs of Western Canada. I used an earlier edition of this book for years and recently picked up the 4th edition. It has tons of info on every hot spring, including tons of really obscure ones that are hard to reach.

If you plan to visit any of the undeveloped hot springs in Canada, you’ll have to drive on some remote logging roads. These roads have lots of confusing junctions, which makes navigation difficult. And there’s usually no cell service out there. I always bring a copy of the Backroad map book to prevent getting lost.

I’ve also made a custom hot springs Google map for you. It includes the location of every single Canadian hot spring I mention in this post. Click the map to navigate around. As you can see, most of the hot springs on the map are in British Columbia, or very close to it.

Hot Springs in the Vancouver Area

There are several hot springs near Vancouver and in the Sea to Sky corridor near Whistler.

Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot Springs is a small resort community in the Fraser Valley just east of Vancouver. The springs bubble up along the lakeshore, then are piped into a series of pools at the Harrison Hotsprings Resort as well to a public community pool.

The Harrison Hot Springs Resort is a hotel with a spa. They have two indoor pools and three outdoor pools of varying temperatures. The whole thing has a resort/spa atmosphere with rock features and deck chairs. It’s a family-friendly place, but there is an adults-only pool if you don’t want to share space with splashing kids.

You must book a room at the hotel to access the pools. Unfortunately, there are is no day-use access. I’ve never soaked here, but my husband did a charity bike ride that included access to the hot springs. He said it was amazing after riding over 100km!

You can soak in the exact same water in a less luxurious setting at the Harrison Hot Springs Public Pool. It’s basically an indoor community centre-style pool that happens to be naturally hot.

How to get to Harrison Hot Springs: From Vancouver take Highway 1 east. Then take Highway 9 to Harrison Hot Springs. Once you are in town it’s easy to find both the resort and the public hot springs pool. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Public Pool Cost: Prices are not posted online anywhere, but the last info I have says it is $15 for adults.

Resort Cost: Rooms start at $179/night and include access to the hot springs.

Where to Stay: Harrison Hot Springs Resort

Keyhole Hot Springs (Lilwatatkwa7)

Note: Keyhole Hot Springs has been closed since November 2023 due to slope destabilization from a a wildfire and have no re-opening date. The springs are usually closed between April 1st and November 15th each year due to bears.

The picturesque Keyhole Hot Springs were seldom visited until a few years ago when they got REALLY popular thanks to social media. Part of their popularity is that these hot springs are not too far from Vancouver and Whistler. They are located west of Pemberton on gravel logging roads.

A 2-kilometre long trail leads down from the road to the banks of Pebble Creek. (The hot springs are also sometimes called Pebble Creek Hot Springs.) There are a few small pools wedged against the steep bank. Each holds one or two people. The lower pools can sometimes be flooded by the river.

There is an outhouse at the parking lot and a campground on the trail to the pools. Unfortunately with increased use and some very careless campers, the area started to attract black bears and grizzly bears. After a few scary incidents, the entire area is now closed from April 1st to November 15th each year.

Getting to Keyhole Hot Springs:  Since the hot springs are located on a remote backroad that isn’t plowed, you need a 4wd and winter driving experience or a snowmobile to get to the hot springs during the months they are open.

From Pemberton, drive Pemberton Meadows Road for 23.5km, and then turn right on Lillooet Forest Service Road. Stay on this road for 20km then watch for the sign for the hot springs on the right-hand side.

Cost: Free

Where to Stay: You can walk into the unofficial campsites near the springs, but be prepared for winter camping conditions. Alternatively, book a hotel in Pemberton.

Tsek Hot Springs

Note: As of December 2024, Tsek Hot Springs remains closed. The St’át’imc First Nation have chosen not to reopen the springs following the pandemic.

The Tsek Hot Springs are located on a remote (but accessible) forest service road east of Pemberton, BC. They are also known as Skookumchuck Hot Spring or St. Agnes Well. In the last decade, these hot springs have reverted to their traditional name, Tsek, pronounced “chick”. It means water droplet or dripping water.  

Tsek Hot Springs have been run by the St’át’imc First Nation for the last decade or so. The waters of the springs are important to their culture and spirituality, so you need to be respectful if you visit. I haven’t visited these springs, but I hear they have a rustic feel.

Water from the hot spring is piped into 11 tubs. Four of them are hot water and the rest are hot water with a cold water tap so you can adjust the temperature. There’s also a cold water tub with water from a nearby creek. There is a change house and outhouses.

How to get to Tsek Hot Springs: From Pemberton, go north on Highway 99 through Pemberton and Mount Currie. Shortly after the Lillooet Lake Bridge, go right onto In-SHUCK-ch Forest Service Road. This is a gravel road, but it is in good shape and is fine for all vehicles. Follow this road for 47km along the shores of Lillooet Lake and the Lillooet River. The drive will take about 1.75 hours. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $7.50; Seniors and Youth: $5; Children 15 and under: free

Where to Stay: Camp at the springs or stay in nearby Pemberton.

Sloquet Hot Springs

Sloquet Hot Springs are just down the road from Tsek. It can be a bit of a party spot with drunken campers and loud music. (I had a pretty sleepless night there about 15 years ago.)

However, for the last decade, the local Xa’xtsa First Nation has managed the site on behalf of Sites and Trails BC. I’ve heard it has calmed down a bit now that there is an on-site caretaker. It’s still really busy on long weekends though.

To reach the springs, you’ll have to take a short but steep trail down to the banks of the Sloquet River. The hot springs bubble down over a hot waterfall into a small, shallow pool that is too hot for most people. From there, the water trickles into a series of natural rock pools towards the river, getting cooler as it goes downhill. It’s a pretty gorgeous setting.

There’s no change house here, so get your suit on in your car. Outhouses are located up the hill in the campground.

How to get to Sloquet Hot Springs: From Pemberton, go north on Highway 99 through Pemberton and Mount Currie. Shortly after the Lillooet Lake Bridge, go right onto In-SHUCK-ch Forest Service Road. This is a gravel road, but it is in good shape and is fine for all vehicles.

Follow this road for 76km to a bridge over the Lillooet River, passing Tsek Hot Springs. Turn left onto Lillooet West Forest Service Road and drive for 4km. Next, turn right onto Sloquet Forest Service Road. Follow this road for about 8.5km to the hot springs. Note: In winter the Sloquet Road is not plowed and will be impassable.

Cost: $10

Where to Stay: Camp at the springs or stay in nearby Pemberton.

READ NEXT: 40 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler

Hot Springs on Vancouver Island

There is only one hot spring on Vancouver Island: Hot Springs Cove near Tofino.

Hot Springs Cove

Hot Springs Cove is a unique hot spring is located in Maquinna Provincial Park in Clayoquot Sound on the west side of Vancouver Island. The nearest town is Tofino.

Hot water bubbles up through the bedrock into a large fissure in the rocks, before flowing into the ocean. There are a series of natural rock pools that descend all the way to the sea. At high tide, only a few of the pools are exposed. This hot spring has been on my bucket list for a LONG time, so I can’t wait to visit it.

The hot spring is at the end of a 1.5km long boardwalk trail. There is an outhouse and a change room near the springs. Apparently, the rocks can be slippery and you may need to do some clambering around to get into the pools. Bring water shoes or sandals to make it easier.

How to get to Hot Springs Cove: The only way to get to Hot Springs Cove is by boat or plane from Tofino. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to arrange with several tour operators offering trips. The boat ride takes about 1.5 hours and the plane ride is about 20 minutes. Many of the boat rides can also be combined with whale watching tours.

Cost: There is a day-use fee of $3 to access the provincial park. Boat tours cost about $240/person for adults. Floatplanes start at about $375/person.

Where to Stay: Tofino has lots of hotels and rental condos.

Hot Springs in the Kootenays

There are tons of hot springs in the Kootenays, many of them in adorable small towns.

Canyon Hot Springs

Canyon Hot Springs are located right along Highway 1 so they make a good road trip pit stop. Unfortunately, I’ve never had time.

The hot springs bubble out of the mountain at a temperture of about 25C. They are piped to the nearby resort where they are heated slightly for better soaking. There are two pools. The family pool is 32C, while the soaking pool is 40C. The resort was built in the 1970s and looks to be showing its age a bit. The pools are only open between May and September.

How to get to Canyon Hot Springs: Canyon Hot Springs is located on Highway 1 in between Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park. It’s 33km east of Revelstoke and 116km west of Golden. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $16.50, Kids and Seniors: $14.25, Kids 4 and under: free

Where to Stay: Canyon Hot Springs Resort has cabins and camping on site. But you’ll find nicer accommodations in Revelstoke.

Halcyon Hot Springs

Halcyon Hot Springs is on Highway 23 in the West Kootenays. It sits just above the shore of Upper Arrow Lake. The pools at Halcyon Hot Springs are some of the nicest resort-style pools I’ve been to. (Although I have to admit I only stopped in for a look during a trip to Revelstoke and didn’t have time to actually soak.) Built in the early 2000s, the curved pools have an amazing view of the lake and the Monashee Mountains.

On the upper deck, there is a 42C hot pool, a 37C warm pool, and a cold plunge pool. There’s also a lower deck with a 30C warm pool and a children’s spray park. They also have a spa and a restaurant.

How to Get to Halcyon Hot Springs: The springs are located on highway 23 in between Revelstoke and Nakusp. From Revelstoke take Highway 23 south for 70km. The journey includes the free Arrow Lakes ferry, which runs every hour. From Nakusp, take Highway 23 north for 35km. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: $15/person

Where to Stay: Halcyon Hot Springs Resort has cabins and camping on site. You can also stay in Revelstoke, which is about an hour away.

Halfway River Hot Springs

The hot springs at Halfway River are one of my favourite natural hot springs in Canada and one of the reasons I love going to Revelstoke. The springs are near Arrow Lake and Halcyon Hot Springs south of town.

There are several pools lined with river rocks near the rushing Halfway River. There are also a few pools on the edge of the river itself. Some of the pools are really hot, but most are about 42C. If you get too warm, go for a plunge in the river.

The 10-minute walk to the springs from the parking lot is one of my favourite hikes in Revelstoke. You head steeply downhill on switchbacks and stairs. There is an outhouse near the bottom of the stairs and a changing hut right next to the main pools. 

How to Get to Halfway River Hot Springs: These hot springs are located on a gravel road off Highway 23 in between Revelstoke and Nakusp. From the turnoff on Highway 23, it’s 11km of gravel road driving to the parking lot. The road is fine for 2wd vehicles as long as you go slow and avoid the potholes. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Free

Where to Stay: You can camp on-site either in a car-accessible campground or in walk-in sites that are just steps from the pools. If you prefer something less rustic, the cabins at Halcyon Hot Springs are the closest, or you can book a hotel in Nakusp or Revelstoke.

Nakusp Hot Springs

The Nakusp Hot Springs near the village of Nakusp have the distinction of being the only community-owned hot springs in BC. Unlike other commercially developed springs, these hot springs are the property of the village of Nakusp. There are two outdoor pools: a hot pool at 38-41C and a warm pool at 36-38C.  I’ve never visited this hot spring, but I hear it’s one of the least crowded developed hot springs in BC since it’s not near a major centre. 

How to Get to Nakusp Hot Springs: Nakusp is located on the eastern shore of Arrow Lake along Highway 23. From Nakusp, take Highway 23 north, then turn right onto Hot Springs Road. The springs are 12km up this road. The drive from town takes about 15 minutes. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $14; Seniors, Students, and Kids: $13, Kids 5 and under: free

Where to Stay: You can camp right at the springs, or stay in one of their rustic chalets. There are also hotels and motels in the town of Nakusp.

Ainsworth Hot Springs

If you’re visiting Nelson, you HAVE to visit nearby Ainsworth Hot Springs. I went for a soak in the springs right after a 3-day backpacking trip in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. So relaxing!

It is one of the most unique hot springs I’ve been to. It’s a commercial hot springs with an outdoor pool for soaking, but the interesting part is the caves!

Okay, so they aren’t true caves, but they are really cool. Early settlers dug tunnels into the rock to try to improve the flow of the springs. The tunnels form an “H” shape with two entrances. Inside the water is hotter than anywhere else at the springs and its REALLY steamy. In a few places, hot water cascades down the walls in mini-waterfalls. There are a couple of carved niches where you can sit and enjoy the sauna-like atmosphere. However, it’s way too hot for me to stay long.

The outdoor pool is 36-38C and the waters in the cave are 40-43C. There is also a cold water plunge pool if you need to cool off. They have a spa as well as a restaurant that serves food sourced from local ingredients and indigenous inspired dishes.

The springs are run by the local Ktunaxa First Nation. They have used the springs for cultural and spiritual purposes since time immemorial. The Ktunaxa name for the hot springs is Nupika wu’u which means “Spirit Waters”.

How to Get to Ainsworth Hot Springs: Ainsworth Hot Springs is located on Highway 31 along the shores of Kootenay Lake. From Nelson, take Highway 3A east, then Highway 31 north. The drive takes about 45 minutes. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $18, Seniors: $17, Teens: $15, Kids: $12, Babies 2 and under: Free. Note: You must make advance reservations to use the pools.

Where to Stay: You can book rooms on-site at the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort. Otherwise, there are lots of hotels in Nelson.

Lussier Hot Springs

Lussier Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park near Canal Flats in BC’s East Kootenays. It has beautiful rock-lined pools right next to Lussier Creek. I visited as part of a road trip through the Kootenays and it was one of the highlights of my trip.

The upper pool is the hottest at about 43C. There are also a couple of lower pools that are a bit cooler. When there is less flow in the creek, there are pools right next to the creek too.

To reach the pools you need to walk down a short, but steep trail from the parking lot. There are outhouses at the parking lot but no facilities down at the pools. There is no change house so change in the outhouse or get ready in your car.

How to Get to Lussier Hot Springs: The hot springs are on a gravel road accessed from Highway 93. From Canal Flats, head south on Highway 93 for 5km to the Whiteswan Lake Forest Service Road. It’s a gravel road but unless it is icy or snowy, it should be fine for all vehicles. Follow this road for 17.5km to the hot springs just inside the entrance to Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. The drive from the highway takes about 20 minutes. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Free

Where to Stay: There are several campgrounds in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. There aren’t a lot of hotels in nearby Canal Flats, but there are some cute Airbnbs in the area.

Fairmont Hot Springs

Fairmont Hot Springs is a resort-style hot springs on Highway 93 in the East Kootenays. I haven’t visited these hot springs yet, but I’m sure I’ll visit on my next trip through the area. 

The resort has a hot pool for soaking (39C), a family-friendly swimming pool (32C) and a dive pool (30C) with two diving boards. There’s a spa and several restaurants. If you want to get fancy, you can also book a Miami-style poolside cabana for the day.

If you want to skip the commercialized springs and dip into history, you can take a short hike to the Indian Baths. This 100-year-old stone structure houses small bathtubs fed by the hot springs. It’s also totally free. Find the trailhead in the parking lot.

How to Get to Fairmont Hot Springs: The hot springs are in the village of Fairmont Hot Springs on Highway 93 in the East Kootenays. It’s 23km south of Invermere and 25km north of Canal Flats. From the highway, head east on Fairmont Resort Road for 1.5km to reach the parking lot. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: $17 for adults, $15 for kids and seniors. Kids 5 and under are free.

Where to Stay: Stay on-site at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. They have an RV park and campground too.

Radium Hot Springs

Radium Hot Springs is located in a tight canyon next to Highway 93 at the southern end of Kootenay National Park. There has been a hot spring resort here for over 100 years. The current stone buildings date to the 1950s but underwent a huge renovation in 2023 and 2024.

There are two pools. The hot pool is about 39C. There is a unique island in the middle where the hot water bubbles out. The swimming pool is 27-29C and includes a diving board and slide. The water is the most radioactive in Canada since it contains radium. But the radioactivity is still very, very weak so it won’t harm people. (Don’t worry!)

Getting to Radium Hot Springs: The springs are on Highway 93 just 3 kilometres east of the junction with Highway 95. The village of Radium Hot Springs is right at the junction, but the springs themselves are not. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $17.50, Seniors and kids: $15.25, Babies under 3: free

Where to Stay: There are lots of hotels in the nearby village of Radium Hot Springs. Kootenay National Park’s Red Streak Campground is also nearby.

Hot Springs in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

Canada’s Rocky Mountain National Parks like Banff and Jasper are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. They also have hot springs.

Banff Upper Hot Springs

There Upper Hot Springs in Banff are the most famous hot springs in Alberta.

I first visited these hot springs during a September road trip over ten years. It started to snow so instead of hanging around the chilly campground, we went for an evening soak in the hot springs instead. Magical! Since then I’ve visited a few more times including a visit in November when it snowed again!

It’s a commercialized pool, but the stone buildings are quite beautiful since they were built in the 1930s. If you want to really get into the vintage vibe, you can rent a heritage swimsuit. The 39C outdoor pool has great views of the surrounding mountains. I loved it in the snow! There’s a cafe too.

How to get to Banff Upper Hot Springs: From downtown Banff take Banff Avenue over the Bow River Bridge. Turn left on Spray Avenue, then take the next right onto Mountain Avenue. Stay on Mountain Avenue until it ends at the Upper Hot Springs. You can also take the Roam bus route 1 since parking is limited. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $17.50, Seniors and kids: $15.25, Babies under 3: free

Where to Stay: There are lots of hotels in Banff. The nearest hotel is the Rimrock Resort Hotel which is a 2-minute walk away. My sister used to work there and it’s gorgeous. There are also several national park campgrounds nearby. To save money, consider staying in Canmore, which is a short drive away.

READ NEXT: 9 Beautiful Reasons to Visit Banff in the Fall and Best Things to Do in Banff in the Spring

Miette Hot Springs

Miette Hot Springs is off Highway 16 east of the town of Jasper in Jasper National Park. Besides Banff, it’s one of the only Alberta hot springs. I visited these springs on a chilly fall trip to Jasper. It was a great way to warm up on a cold day.

The spring is one of the hottest springs in the Rockies. It’s 54C at the source, but they cool it down to between 37C and 40C in the pools. There are two warm pools, plus two cold pools. 

The pools and buildings were built in the 1980s and aren’t as picturesque as the other national park hot springs. But the mountain scenery makes up for it. There’s also a cafe if you get hungry.

How to get to Miette Hot Springs: From the town of Jasper, head east on Highway 16 for 43km. Turn right onto Miette Road and drive 16.5km to its end at the hot springs. The drive takes about an hour. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $17.50, Seniors and kids: $15.25, Babies under 3: free

Where to Stay: There are lots of hotels in Jasper as well as National Park campgrounds. The closest accommodation to the hot springs are the Pocahontas Cabins and the National Park’s Pocahontas Campground is the closest to the hot springs.

Hot Springs in Northern BC

Northern BC sees a fraction of the tourist traffic that the rest of the province. Which means that you can visit some spectacular hot springs without worrying about crowds.

G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hot Spring Island)

G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hot Spring Island) is a small island in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve in BC’s Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands). The Haida name for the springs is Gandll K’in Gwaay,yaay, which means “hot water island”.

Historically, there were numerous springs on the southwestern end of the island. But after an earthquake in 2012, the hot springs stopped flowing. Scientists still aren’t sure why. But slowly, the hot water has been returning to the area. In 2017 three new pools were built. There are changerooms and outhouses too.

I visited these springs as part of a four-day tour around Gwaii Hanaas National Park. The water in some of the pools is really hot! But the views are incredible.

How to Get to Hot Spring Island: The only way to get there is by boat, but there are lots of tour operators who will take you. You can also rent kayaks and go on your own if you get a permit from Parks Canada. Most boat trips leave from Moresby Camp on nearby Moresby Island.

Cost: Free, but you do need to pay National Park admission fees

Where to Stay: The closest hotels are in the village of Daajing Giis (Queen Charlotte). You can also camp at Moresby Camp.

Higu Isgwit (Nass Valley) Hot Springs

These hot springs are located in Nisga’a First Nation territory near Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park. Since they are located in the Nass River Valley, they are also known as Nass Valley Hot Springs. In the Nisga’a language, they are called Hlgu Isgwit Hot Springs. This is a culturally and spiritually important site for the Nisga’a so be respectful if you visit. 

It’s a short 5-minute hike on a boardwalk across a marshy area to reach the springs. There’s a large pool with wooden decking and recently the area has been improved by adding a couple of wooden sided tubs. The springs are about 55C, which is too hot for most. Thankfully, there are pipes with cold water you can add to adjust the temperature. There’s an outhouse in the parking lot and a small change house next to the springs.

Visiting these Nisga’s Nation-run springs was one of the highlights of my two-day visit to the Nass Valley. We also hiked to a volcano, walked through lava, visited a great Indigenous museum, and lots more.

How to Get to Higu Isgwit Hot Springs: From Terrace, BC, drive north on the Nisga’a Highway for 96km. Turn left on Nass Road and follow it for 19km. Look for the signed parking area. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for children. You need to reserve a one-hour spot in advance by calling 250-633-3000.

Where to Stay: The closest major centre is the town of Terrace, which has lots of hotels. You can also camp in the provincial park or stay at a bed and breakfast in the nearby village of New Aiyansh or in Nisga’a-run B&Bs in the Nass Valley.

Liard River Hot Springs

Without a doubt, Liard River Hot Springs is the best hot springs I’ve ever visited. That includes visits to hot springs in Canada as well as ones in Iceland and Nepal. This beautiful hot spring is on the Alaska Highway in Northern BC. It’s actually closer to the Yukon border than to any town in British Columbia.

The hot springs are in a natural setting, but the provincial park has improved the pools to add a gravel bottom and some wooden decking. A small waterfall separates the upper pool from the lower pool, which is much more rustic and still has natural earthen sides. The upper pool is hotter, about 52C at the source, and the lower pool is cooler at about 42C. There is a change house next to the pools and composting toilets nearby.

To reach the pools you’ll walk for about 600m on boardwalk across a marsh. Keep an eye out for moose along the way. We spotted one every time we walked to the pools. The park is also an important habitat for bison and you may see them on the highway nearby or even in the campground.

How to Get to Liard River Hot Springs: From Fort Nelson, BC drive 305km north on Highway 97 (the Alaska Highway). The drive takes about 4 hours. From Watson Lake, Yukon Territory, drive 208km south on Highway 97. It’s a 3-hour drive. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for children

Where to Stay: Stay at the provincial park campground since it’s closest to the pools. Plus access to the hot springs is included in your camping fees. If you prefer a hotel, there’s a lodge on the other side of the highway.

Hot Springs in the Yukon

There is only one hot spring in the Yukon: Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs.

Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

This hot spring used to be called Takini Hot Springs, which I visited on a trip to the Yukon back in 2015. The pool and facilities have been completely rebuilt and in 2022 they reopened as Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs.

The new facility is an upgrade over the old concrete pool. I haven’t visited yet but looks really beautiful. There are three pools with a Japanese design that integrates rocks into the pool for lounging and reclining. The largest pool even has a waterfall. The water temperature ranges from 42 to 36C. 

There are also indoor relaxation rooms with heated tile loungers, cold plunges, showers, saunas, and steam rooms.

How to get to Eclipse Hot Springs: From Whitehorse, drive Highway 1 west to the junction with Highway 2. Follow Highway 2 north for 6km. Turn left onto Takhini Hot Springs road and follow it for 9km to the springs. The entire trip takes about 30 minutes. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: $60

Where to Stay: There’s a large campground and a hotel on-site, which is really convenient. Or you can book a hotel in Whitehorse.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: 19 of the best hot springs in Canada. So far, I’ve visited ten of them.

My favourite commercial hot spring is Ainsworth Hot Springs. Liard River Hot Springs is my favourite natural hot springs. When it comes to free hot springs, for me, it’s a bit of a tie between Lussier and Halfway River Hot Springs. And G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hot Spring Island) in Haida Gwaii is special since its so remote.

What’s your favourite? Tell me in the comments.

More Adventures in Canada:

• Best Small Towns in Canada for Outdoor Adventures
• 40 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler
• 15 Things to do in Revelstoke in the Summer
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler
• 37 Things to do in Whistler in Winter
• The Ultimate Guide to the Pacific Marine Circle Route on Vancouver Island
• Chasing Waterfalls in Wells Gray Provincial Park
• 20+ Beautiful Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip
• The Best Canadian Adventure Books
• Cozy Cabins near Vancouver Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

The post How to Visit the Best Hot Springs in Canada appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve wanted to visit Nisga’a territory for years after I heard about their incredible volcanos, picturesque hot springs, and beautiful museum. I spent two days in the Nass Valley (which is sometimes also called the Nisga’a Valley) camping, hiking, visiting cultural sites, and soaking up the beauty.

If you’re in Northern BC visiting Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert, or Terrace, I definitely recommend adding extra time for the Nass Valley. I think it combines the richness of Indigenous culture you can find in Haida Gwaii with the volcanic scenery of Iceland or Wells Gray Provincial Park. And it’s never crowded! I wasn’t sure what to expect before my trip, but now I can say that the Nass Valley is one of my favourite places in BC.

In case you want to visit, I put together a bit guide to the best things to do in the Nass Valley for you. It includes:

• Nass Valley Basics: Where is it? How long to spend? Best time to go? What is the Indigenous and geological context? And lots more.
• Map of the Nass Valley: It includes all the places I mention in this post.
• Best things to do in the Nass Valley: 20 places to stop including museums, waterfalls, hot springs, hikes, villages, viewpoints, and more.
• Where to stay in the Nass Valley including hotels, B&Bs and campgrounds.
• Tips for visiting the Nass Valley: What I wish I had known before my trip.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Nass Valley Basics

Where is the Nass Valley?

The Nass Valley is located in Northwestern British Columbia about 1.5 hour’s drive north of the city of Terrace on the paved Highway 113. The valley includes four Nisga’a villages and Anhluut’ukwsim Lax̱mihl Angwinga’asanakwhl Nisga’a (Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park).

It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from one end of the valley to the other because it is 70 km long.

Indigenous Context of the Nass Valley

The Nass Valley is the traditional territory of the Nisga’a Nation who have lived there since time immemorial. Nisga’a society has four tribes: raven, orca, wolf, and eagle. Traditionally, they lived in rectangular cedar long houses.

Like many First Nations in British Columbia, the Canadian government never signed a treaty with the Nisga’a. I used to work as a lawyer and in law school, I studied Indigenous law. (You can read more about my background on my About page.) The Nisga’a have a very important place in Canadian legal history, which was a big reason why I wanted to visit the Nass Valley.

Starting in 1887 with a 1000-kilometre trip to Victoria to meet with the then-Premier, the Nisga’a campaigned for control over their traditional territories. The Nisga’a worked tirelessly to assert their rights and title to their land for decades, despite it being illegal for Indigenous people to raise money for land claims lawsuits between 1927 and 1951. In 1973 the Nisga’a won the Calder case, a landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision that ruled that aboriginal title to land existed before colonization.

Building off of this case, the Nisga’a negotiated with the governments of British Columbia and Canada to sign the Nisga’a Final Agreement that came into effect in 2000 as the first modern treaty between Indigenous people and the governments. Under the agreement, the Nisga’a govern their own territory including education, health care, social services, forestry, fishing, and other aspects of their economy using a model based on traditional Nisga’a governments. Unlike other Indigenous Nations in Canada, they are no longer governed by the Indian Act.

Today the Nisga’a Nation includes about 2,000 people who still live in the Nass Valley as well as about 5,000 others who live in Terrace, Prince Rupert, and Vancouver. They continue their cultural practices and traditions. Nisga’a territory is one of the best places to experience Indigenous tourism in Canada.

Geological Context of the Nass Valley

The other big reason I wanted to visit the Nass Valley was because of the geology. Did you know that one of the most recent (and deadliest) volcanic eruptions in Canada happened in Nisga’a Territory? Tseax Cone erupted in the late 1600s or early 1700s. Lava from the cone flowed down the slope and along the valley of the Tseax River to the Nass River where it spilled out in a wide plain across the valley floor.

Two Nisga’a Villages were destroyed in the eruption as poisonous gases and smoke killed about 2,000 people. Later, lava up to 12 meters deep (39 feet) covered the villages, burying the dead. The name of the present-day provincial park in the area, Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park, reflects the status of the area sas a memorial and burial ground for those who perished.

There are lots of lava formations to explore in the valley – it reminded me of similar volcanic landscapes I’ve visited in Iceland and Hawaii. You can wander across the fractured lava plain, see the Nass River churn through a lava rock canyon or take a guided hike to the top of Tseax Cone, the source of the eruption. And of course all that geologic activity means hot springs!

How Long to Spend in the Nass Valley

It’s possible to see the entire Nass Valley in one long day as a day trip from Terrace. However, if you want to see the key sites including the hot springs, museum, and guided volcano hike, I recommend spending two days in the valley.

Best Time to Go

The best time to go to the Nass Valley is between late May and early September. The weather is best at that time of year. As well, that is when the Nisga’a Museum is open every day and the Tseax Cone guided volcano cone hiking tours run.

Weather in the Nass Valley

The Nass Valley is in northwestern BC close to the coast so it has a cool and wet climate. The warmest months are July and August with lows of 10°C (50°F) and highs of 22°C (72°F). May, June and September are a little cooler with temperatures of 5-17°C (41-63°F).

It rains a little bit more at the coastal end of the valley in Gingolx compared to further inland at Gitlax’taamiks (New Aiyansh). The driest months are May, June, July, and August.

Cell Phone Coverage

Cell phone service spotty or non-existent in the Nass Valley. Depending on your carrier, you may get coverage in and around the four Nisga’a villages of Gitlax’taamiks (New Aiyansh), Gitwinksilhkw, Laxgalts’ap, and Gingolx. You will not have service anywhere else.

Gas, Food, Supplies, and Public Washrooms

The villages in the Nass Valley are fairly small and quite remote. The Nisga’a Nation is working on developing tourism infrastructure, but right now, it is fairly limited.

There are gas stations in Gitlax’taamiks (New Aiyansh) and Laxgalts’ap, but it’s a good idea to fill up in Terrace before you drive to Nisga’a Territory.

Gitlax’taamiks has a convenience store at the gas bar with regular hours and there are a few small stores run out of people’s homes in each of the four communities. However, supplies are limited so I recommend bringing everything you will need. You can also eat at the restaurant in Gingolx, but they aren’t always open. As well, if you are staying at a B&B, they can often prepare meals and snacks with advance notice.

There are not very many public washrooms in the valley. You can find pit toilets at Lava Lake, Vetter Falls, the Vetter Creek campground and the Tseax River pull-out. There are flush toilets at the gas bar in Gitlaxt’aamiks, the Nisga’a Museum, and the recreation centres in each village.

Nass Valley Map

To help you find your way around, I made this custom Nass Valley Google Map for you. It includes every single place I mention in this post.

Best Things to Do in the Nass Valley

Since most people will drive through the Nass Valley and Nisga’a Territory from south to northwest along Highway 113, I’ve listed each of the things to do below starting in the south and finishing in the northwest at the end of the highway.

If you are just looking to hit the highlights, here are my quick top five things to do in the Nass Valley:

1. Take a guided hike to the Tseax Cone Volcano
2. Walk over the Ukws-Ts’agat Suspension Bridge in Gitwinksihlkw
3. Hike to the Saasak’ Viewpoint in Gitwinksihlkw
4. Soak in Higu Isgwit Hot Springs
5. Visit the Nisga’a Museum in Laxgalts’ap

Nisga’a Auto Tour

The easiest way to see the entire area is to follow the Nisga’a Auto Tour. The 90-kilometre-long route follows Highway 113 from the start of Nisga’a Territory at Lava Lake to the Nass River, and then to the coast at Gingolx.

There are 18 designated stops along the Nisga’a Auto Tour, most of which have interpretive signs. The Nisga’a Lisims Government developed the tour as a way to highlight the natural and cultural features of their territory.

Many of the stops are within Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park, also called Anhluut’ukwsim Lax̱mihl Angwinga’asanakwhl Nisga’a.

You can follow the tour by pulling over whenever you see a sign, or by picking up a copy of the official auto tour brochure. I used a pdf copy of the brochure on my phone on my trip.

Most of the attractions I list below are on the auto tour route, so keep an eye out as you drive. But you will also want to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

The first part of the tour is through the forest, but after you pass Vetter Falls, you emerge onto an other-worldly lava plain. A few minutes past the turn-off for Gitwinksihlkw, the road goes back into the forest and parallels the meandering Nass River, which is out of sight to your right. Watch for wildlife through here – we spotted several black bears!

The road curves and crosses the Nass River on a huge bridge then continues through the forest past Laxgalts’ap and the Nisga’a Museum. From here, the highway heads towards the mouth of the Nass River as it empties into the ocean.

The final 28 km of road was built in 2002. Before that, the only way to get to Gingolx was by boat. This section of the highway has several steep hills and lots of great views of the Nass Rive, Nass Bay, and Portland Inlet.

Lava Lake

As you approach from Terrace, the road follows the shore of Lava Lake, known as Sii T’ax in Nisga’a. There are great views from the road and a few small pull-outs to get a better look.

You can also stop at the far end of the lake at the Lava Lake picnic area in Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park. This is the first stop on the Nisga’a auto tour and there are signs in English and Nisga’a explaining the cultural and geologic significance of the Nass Valley.

During the volcanic eruption in the 1700s, lava flowing down from Tseax Cone dammed the Tseax River, causing water to build up behind it, which formed Lava Lake. From the picnic area, walk down to the shoreline to marvel at the jagged volcanic rocks at the end of the lake.

Crater Creek Trail

Find the trailhead for this hike on the right side of the road. A rough path leads through the jumbled lava to a viewpoint. The trail is only 600 m long and takes 15-20 minutes to walk.

Crater Creek (called Ksi Wil Ksi-Baxhl Mihl in Nisga’a) is the start of the lava flow that cascaded down from Tseax Cone before running down the Tseax River valley and burying two Nisga’a villages. As you walk, be careful not to step on the fragile lichens. These tenacious moss-like organisms are the first plants to grow in the lava fields.

Tseax Cone Volcano Tour

One of the highlights of my visit to the Nisga’a Valley was the Tseax Cone Volcano Tour. Tseax Cone (also called Lava Cone) is the origin point of the lava flows from the eruptions in the 1700s. The area is closed to the public, so the only way to visit is on a guided tour.

Steve Johnson, a local Nisga’a man, owns and operates Nass Valley Tours and is the only licenced tour operator for Tseax Cone. He offers tours a few days a week between late June and early September. You can find tour dates and times on his website. Or ask about tour times at the Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Visitor Centre at the Vetter Creek Campground.

You don’t need to pre-register for tours – instead just show up at the meeting point, which is a gated road on the right side of Highway 113 about 1.4 km north of Lava Lake. Bring cash to pay your guide. In 2023, the rate was $40/adult or $30/senior or student.

The hike is about 6 km long and takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The first part of the hike is downhill, then you climb uphill to the top of the cone. I would rate the difficulty of the hike as moderate.

The hike starts in the forest, passes a unique lake dammed by lava, and then emerges from the trees onto the rocky cone. Steve makes several stops along the way to explain Nisga’a cultural practices and oral history as well as give info about the plants and geology. At the peak of the cone he also shared the Nisga’a legend that explains the eruption.

Be sure to look up the tour schedule in advance and plan your visit to the Nass Valley so that you can take the Tseax Cone guided hike. I am so glad we did as the volcanic history was amazing and Steve was a great guide. I loved how he helped us connect what we were seeing on the land to the Nisga’a culture.

Drowned Forest

The next stop after Tseax Cone is the Drowned Forest (called Dihlaa Nii-Baxhl Aks Sbayt-Gan in Nisga’a). I visited in late June when water levels were high and we could see the Tseax River flowing right through the forest here. The lava rocks are full of holes so the river can easily go underground. There is a short walking path that leads to a viewpoint next to the river. You can also see more of the drowned forest from the highway as you drive past.

Beaupre Falls

The walk to Beaupre Falls is fairly short and so is the waterfall, but it is still really pretty. It takes about 5 minutes to walk to the falls and back. There is a small viewing area that makes for a great photo op.

Vetter Falls

While Beaupre Falls is a class cascading waterfall in a forested canyon, Vetter Falls is a bit more unusual. Called Ts’itksim Aks in Nisga’a, the falls flow across the lava, forming a wide waterfall that is separated into three or four sections (depending on flow levels). The best view is from the main viewing platform. Allow 15 minutes for the walk.

Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Visitor Centre

Known as Wilp T’aam Lax Sankw’ax in Nisga’a, this visitor centre is located at the entrance to Vetter Creek Campground in Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park. (The park is also called Anhluut’ukwsim Lax̱mihl Angwinga’asanakwhl Nisga’a in the Nisga’a language.)

The visitor centre is open daily in the summer and staff can help answer questions about the Nass Valley. But it’s worth visiting just to see the beautiful building. The building is designed to look like a traditional cedar Nisga’a longhouse.

Inside, displays explain Nisga’a culture and history, including the important 2000 Nisga’a Final Agreement, which gave the Nisga’a powers of self-governance.

Gitlax’taamiks (New Aiyansh)

The village of Gitlax’taamiks, formerly known as New Aiyansh, is the first of four Nisga’a villages in the Nass Valley. It is located a few minutes east (right) of the major T-junction on Highway 113. It is pronounced “git-lax-taa-meeks”.

Gitlax’taamiks is the capital of the Nisga’a Nation so you will find the impressive Nisga’a Lisims government building here. The village has a population of about 1000.

In Nisga’a, Gitlax’taamiks means “people of the ponds”. The old name of the town, New Aiyansh meant “fertile valley” and was a reference to the original riverside location of the town of Aiyansh, which was destroyed by flooding in 1917 and 1961.

Gitlax’taamiks is worth a visit to see the totem poles (called pts’aan in Nisga’a). You can also request a tour of the Nisga’a Lisims government building, but they were closed on the day I visited.

If you need gas or supplies, stop at the New Aiyansh Gas Bar near the entrance to town.

Nass Forest Service Road to Cranberry Junction

If you continue east past Gitlax’taamiks, Highway 113 becomes the gravel Nass Forest Service Road. This road is muddy and bumpy, but fine for 2WD vehicles. It is 51 km from the end of the pavement to Cranberry Junction on the Stewart-Cassiar Highway (Highway 37). That makes it an alternate exit from the Nass Valley if you don’t want to return to Terrace the way you came.

Along the way, you will pass Dragon Lake. It has a free campground and locals told us it has good fishing for rainbow trout. The rest of the road has a few views of the Nass River.

But the real reason we chose to drive the Nass Forest Service Road is because we heard it was a good place to spot wildlife. I am happy to report we saw a cow moose! Sadly, I didn’t get any photos as she moved too fast and it was pouring rain.

Tree Cast

This roadside pull-out is the start of a 5-minute walk. When the lava solidified around trees, the wet wood burned slower, creating hollows in the rock in the shape of the old tree trunks. In Nisga’a, this area is called Wil Luu-galksi-mihl Gan.

The path starts out wide and straightforward, but within a few minutes, it gets much less distinct. It’s easy to lose the route in the lava, which in some places is so smooth it looks like a sidewalk. In general, follow cleared areas in the lava straight and slightly to the left until you see the tree cast in a depression on your left.

Gitwinksihlkw

Formerly known as Canyon City, Gitwinkshilkw is one of the four Nisga’a villages in the Nass Valley. The name of the town is pronounced GIT-wink-silk and means place of the lizards because, before the eruption, there were lots of salamanders (ksilkw) here.

Gitwinksihlkw has a unique location on the banks of a lava rock canyon with the Nass River running past it. Today a spur road and modern bridge connect the town to Highway 113. But until the 1990s, the only way to get to Gitwinksihlkw was to walk over a suspension bridge (more on that below).

Like the other towns in the Nass Valley, Gitwinksihlkw is small. Be sure to stop to admire the totem poles at the road bridge as well as the ones in front of Ts’oohl Ts’ap Recreation Centre at the back of the village. If it’s open, you can also stop at the Welcome House Cafe and Gift Shop, next to the suspension bridge. I visited in the late afternoon after it had closed for the day 🙁

Ukws-Ts’agat Suspension Bridge

Walking across the Ukws-Ts’agat Suspension Bridge in Gitwinksihlkw was one of my favourite things to do in the Nass Valley. The old bridge was built in 1969, but there have been bridges across the Nass River in this area for hundreds of years. Until the road bridge was built in the 1990s, everything arrived in Gitwinksihlkw via this bridge – people, groceries, building materials, everything!

The swinging suspension bridge also provides a great view of the lava canyon. Lava from the eruption in the 1700s changed the course of the Nass River by pushing it north. Today the waters cut a canyon through the lava rock, which is fascinating to see from the bridge.

You can also see giant fish wheels in the water below the bridge. The Nisga’a manage their own fisheries in partnership with the Canadian and British Columbia governments. These fish wheels collect salmon and steelhead for monitoring, tagging, and data collection.

Once you cross the bridge, you arrive at an open area at the end of a dirt road. This used to the be main road entrance to Gitwinksihlkw. From here you can also follow trails along the edge of the canyon to several viewpoints.

Saasak’ Trails

One of the best places to get a good perspective on the size of the lava flows in the Nass Valley is from the Saasak’ Trails. This trail network opened next to the Ts’oohl Ts’ap Recreation Centre in Gitwinksihlkw in 2021. While the trails were built for mountain biking, they are multi-use and open to hikers too.

There are three trails in the lower part of the network (Saasak’ Hill Climb, a green downhill trail and a blue downhill trail) and four more upper trails accessed via a gravel road (two climb trails as well as a blue trail and a black trail). Use the maps on the Trailforks mountain biking app to find your way.

Both hikers and mountain bikers shouldn’t miss a trip to Saasak’ Viewpoint, accessed via the Saasak’ Hill Climb Trail. The wooden viewing platform has the best view of the Nass Valley.

You can see Gitwinksihlkw below you along with the Nass Valley canyon. You can also see how the lava flowed down the Tseax River into the Nass Valley and spread out to create kilometres of flat, unforested lava plain. I didn’t appreciate how vast the lava plain was until I saw it from above!

Anhluut’ukwsim Lax-mihl / Dedication Site

This roadside pullout is a good place to stop and explore the lava. The smooth and sometimes ropey rock formations here are called pahoehoe. They form when lava cools slowly as it continues to flow. This spot is also the place where the Nisga’a Lava Bed Memorial Provincial Park (Anhluut’ukwsim Lax-mihl Angwinga’asa’anskwhl Nisga’a) was formally dedicated in 1992.

Higu Isgwit Nass Valley Hot Springs

I love hot springs, so visiting the Higu Isgwit Nass Valley Hot Springs was one of the main reasons I wanted to the Nisga’a Valley. (See my guide to hot springs in Canada for lots more great hot springs!)

The springs are often referred to as Aiyansh Hot Springs or Nass Valley Hot Springs. But in Nisga’a they are called Higu Isgwit, which means “little stinker”, a reference to the sulphur smell. The springs are the dwelling place of a spirit (sbi naxnok) and have been culturally significant to the Nisga’a since time immemorial, so be respectful when you visit. Drugs, alcohol, and pets are prohibited. Pack out all garbage and keep noise to a minimum.

You must book in advance by calling (250) 633-3038. They are open for 1-hour sessions between 9:30 am and 4 pm Monday to Friday only. When you call, have your name, email address, phone number, and number of people ready. It costs $8 per adult and $5 per child. You can pay via credit or debit card at the springs – they do not accept cash.

To reach the springs, you will walk along a boardwalk for about five minutes through a marsh. The springs are located in a boggy area near a creek. There is a change room at the springs but no bathrooms – use the pit toilet in the parking lot before you go. The area around the springs can be buggy in June and July.

There are two wooden tubs along with a gravel-bottomed pool. The water in all three is quite hot, but you can adjust the temperature with cold water hoses.

Laxgalts’ap

Laxgalts’ap is the third Nisga’a Village you can visit in the Nass Valley. In Nisga’a, its name means “village on village” since it is built on top of the site of a much older village. It has a small population of about 250 people. For a few decades, Laxgalts’ap was known as Greenville, after a Methodist missionary who worked in the Nass Valley.

Today, the main attraction in Laxgalts’ap is the Nisga’a Museum located just west of town. The town is located at the start of the Nass River estuary, a prime spawning area for salmon and oolichan. You can drive through the village to the banks of the Nass River to watch people fishing.

Nisga’a Museum

The Nisga’a Museum is also known as Hli Goothl Wilp-Adokshl Nisga’a which means “The Heart of Nisga’a House Crests”. The museum has a huge collection of totem poles, carvings, canoes, regalia and other cultural objects. I’ve visited Indigenous museums in Whistler, Haida Gwaii, and Alert Bay, and I thought the Nisga’a Museum had one of the best collections.

A free guided tour is included with museum entry. I took a tour with two young Nisga’a women. They did a great job of answering my questions and explaining the exhibits.

The first thing you notice when you walk into the museum is the soaring totem poles and the carved house front. They actually designed the museum with enough room to add another pole. After a decades-long campaign, the stolen Ni’isjoohl memorial pole was finally returned from a museum in Scotland and installed in the museum a few months after I visited.

Many of the other exhibits in the museum are also rematriated items, returned to the Nisga’a from museums around the world. (The Nisga’a use the word “rematriation” rather than “repatriation” since they are a matrilineal culture.) These returned ceremonial objects are now on display in the Ancestors Collection gallery.

The museum is open seven days a week in July, August, and early September and from Wednesday to Sunday in late May, June, most of September and early October. Make sure to plan your visit for a time when the museum is open. They also have a great gift shop.

Gingolx

The village of Gingolx is located at the end of the Nisaga’a Highway. It used to be called Kincolith, an anglicized version of the Nisga’a name.

The village sits at the mouth of the Nass River on Portland Inlet. Gingolx is also known as the seafood capital of the Nass, thanks to its great fishing. But the Nisga’a call it place of skulls or place of scalps since the Nisga’a warned invaders by displaying the skulls of their enemies on trees and cliffs nearby. Locals told us that these invaders were often Haida people from Haida Gwaii on the other side of the Hecate Strait.

There was no road to Gingolx until 2002 – the only access was by boat. It is less isolated today, but it remains a sleepy place. Walk along the waterfront seawall to enjoy the incredible ocean and mountain views. And keep an eye out for eagles – there are dozens of them here! If you are into fishing, this is THE spot.

“U” Seefood “U” Eat It!

There is only one real restaurant in the Nass Valley: “U” Seefood “U” Eat It! in Gingolx. This small family-run restaurant cooks up fish and chips fresh to order. They also have lots of other seafood dishes including crab poutine and seafood chowder. We enjoyed eating on their sunny patio.

Where to Stay in the Nass Valley

Many people make a day trip to the Nass Valley from Terrace, since it has more hotel choices. If you are looking to stay overnight in Terrace, The Lodge at Skeena Landing has a gorgeous forest setting, big rooms, and an on-site cafe. Check prices.

However, I recommend staying at least one night in the Nass Valley. That way you can spend more time exploring and less time driving. There are only a few places to stay in Nisga’a Territory. Be sure to book in advance.

Hotels and B&Bs in the Nass Valley

Vetter Falls Lodge: Located just outside of Gitlax’taamiks (New Aiyansh), the Vetter Falls Lodge has a beautiful setting near the banks of the Tseax River. The rustic log lodge includes breakfast and you can also use their kitchen to prepare your own lunch and dinner. Check prices.

Nass Valley Bed and Breakfast: Nestled into the forest near Gitlax’taamiks (New Aiyansh), the cedar post and beam Nass Valley B&B has rooms with vaulted ceilings and includes breakfast. Guests rave about how friendly the host is. Check prices.

Lavinia’s Bed and Breakfast: This small Nisga’a-run B&B is near the ocean in Gingolx. Reviewers speak highly of the fresh fish dinners. Call (250) 326-4335 for booking and more info.

Gingolx Lodge: Run by the village of Gingolx, the Gingolx Lodge has motel-style accommodations, but they also offer meals. Check prices.

Camping in the Nass Valley

Vetter Creek Campground: Centrally located near the T-junction on Highway 113, the Vetter Creek Campground is part of Nisga’a Memorial Lava Beds Provincial Park. The basic campground has 16 first-come, first-serve sites, outhouses and a water pump. I stayed here for two nights during my trip and it was a great place to base ourselves to see the valley. The only downside – it’s buggy in June and July. More info.

Dragon Lake Campground: You’ll have to drive a bit out of the way to get to the free 12-site campground on Dragon Lake. It’s a 15-minute drive from Gitlax’taamiks (new Aiyansh) down the sometimes bumpy Nass Valley Forest Service Road. More info.

Grizzly Den RV Park: The gas bar in Laxgalts’ap has an RV park in a grassy field near the Nisga’a Museum. They have water, sewer, and power hook-ups. More info.

Tips for Visiting the Nass Valley

The Nass Valley is definitely off-the-beaten-path and has few services, so you need to plan ahead. Here are my top tips for visiting the Nass Valley.

• Respect Indigenous culture and heritage. Do not enter closed areas. Always ask before taking photos, especially of people and cultural objects. Remember that you are a guest on this land.
• Chat with the locals. They are really friendly and often want to share their stories.
• Make hotel and B&B reservations in advance. For camping, you can just turn-up.
• Many businesses are not open consistently. Plan ahead by bringing your own supplies. But if a shop or restaurant is open, please visit it to support the local economy.
• Confirm opening hours for the Museum, hot springs, and Tseax Cone guided hike. Try to plan your trip for a time when you can visit these signature attractions.
• Pack warm and waterproof clothing. It gets chilly and it can rain a lot.
• Bring bug-spray if you camping or visiting the hot springs, especially in June and July.

So that’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Nisga’a Territory in the Nass Valley. I really encourage you to go – it’s such a unique and special place.

READ NEXT:

• 20+ Things to do in Prince Rupert, BC
• Things to Do in Haida Gwaii
• Inside Passage Ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert, BC
• Where to Experience Indigenous Tourism in Canada

The post Things to do in the Nass Valley (Nisga’a Territory) in Northern BC appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Many people head to the Rockies to ski and snowboard, but that is not the only thing to do here! There are so many amazing things to do in Canmore in winter.

Yes, there are unique outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, or skating – but there are also winter tours, beautiful scenery, fantastic food and drink, and cozy places to hang out.

Dawn Outdoors contributor Bailey used to live in Canmore, so you can trust that she’s got all the insider info on what to do in winter.

If you’re looking for the best winter vacation destination in Canada, try Canmore! Read on to discover what Bailey recommends as the best activities to do in Canmore this winter.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Hit the Slopes

Canmore is the perfect place to base yourself for a ski holiday in the Canadian Rockies. With four different ski resorts located under an hour’s drive away, you have lots of choices for where to go!   

The four different places you can go downhill skiing and snowboarding easily from Canmore include Lake Louise, Mt Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Bailey’s favorite, Nakiska!  

Nakiska is Bailey’s top choice for a few reasons, with the first being that it’s not located within Banff National Park. That means that you don’t need a Parks Canada Pass to visit (with the others you do), and it’s generally less busy. There is no traffic to get there, no struggle for parking, just a beautiful leisurely 35-minute drive from Canmore through the Kananaskis and right to Nakiska!  

Besides all that, Nakiska offers some incredible mountain views from their chairlifts and mountain lodges. There are 79 different marked runs, four chair lifts, two magic carpets, and a tube park! 

Ski and snowboard passes are reasonably priced and start as low as $89 per day for adults with discounted child rates and multi-day passes available. You can also take lessons at Nakiska or rent gear if needed!

Relaxing Hot Springs

It can get cold in Canmore during the winter! So warming up in some relaxing hot springs is a must-do while in the area. The Banff Upper Hot Springs is located about a 30-minute drive away and is a great place to relax for the day. They cost just $8.48 to enter and have a soothing, 100% natural mineral water pool to enjoy. 

If you’re up for a more extended trip, perhaps overnight, you can also check out Radium Hot Springs (70km away). Radium is a great town to explore, and the hot springs here are unique!  

READ NEXT: Your Guide to the Best Hot Springs in Canada

Grotto Canyon Icewalk

Bailey’s favorite winter ice walk in Canmore has to be Grotto Canyon. You’ll need ice cleats or crampons to complete this 4.4km hike because you need to hike over and along and on a frozen river.

The trail begins just outside of Canmore from a parking lot at Grotto Mountain Pond. It will take you around 1.5 hours to hike the canyon each way from the parking lot, especially if you allow time to explore the canyon and take some photos. The start is a little dull because it takes 30 minutes of walking on a flat trail before you arrive in Grotto Canyon – where the fun begins.  

Once in Grotto Canyon, follow the frozen stream until you reach a gorgeous frozen waterfall. From here, you can either keep walking down the canyon or turn right and explore a small cave and another frozen waterfall that’s popular with ice climbers. Along the trail, there are also some indigenous pictographs on the canyon walls. 

For those who want to learn more, you can also join this Grotto Canyon Icewalk tour. The tour only costs $88 and includes a hot chocolate to warm up and ice cleats (which will save you buying them.)   

Try Ice Climbing

If walking on ice through Grotto Canyon isn’t crazy enough for you, Then be sure to join an ice climbing tour! Ice climbing is certainly an adrenaline-pumping activity in winter and one that’s famous in Canmore.  

Ice climbing is dangerous without the right experience, so it’s essential to join a tour.  

This full-day ice climbing tour is suited to complete beginners as well as the more experienced. On the tour, an expert ice climbing guide will teach you the basics and have you climbing a frozen waterfall in no time. The best part is, the tour only costs $186 and lasts 8 hours. You will need to drive yourself to Banff beforehand, though.  

Ice Skating

Ice skating is a quintessential Canadian winter experience and a must-do in Canmore. Lake Louise is one of the most popular places for ice skating near Canmore. Here you can skate on a frozen lake in the most beautiful setting, completely free. The only catch is you need to bring your own skates. If you don’t have any, you can rent them from the hotel.   

There are also many outdoor skating rinks in Canmore, including The Pond Natural Ice Surface, Larch Outdoor Rink, Canmore Nordic Center, and the Three Sisters Sports Complex Ice Surface. All the rinks are free, so bring your skates and go! 

On top of that, you can also go wild ice skating on some lakes. Gap Lake is a popular wild ice skating spot with locals that I’ve had the pleasure of skating. You need to visit during a period with little snow and high winds when the ice is bare but be sure to check because this is an incredible experience. Be advised, ice skating on unmanaged frozen lakes is dangerous without the proper knowledge and experience. 

If it’s too cold or you’re just learning to skate, you can also check out indoor skating rinks around Canmore or Banff in winter at the recreation centers. It may not be as beautiful, but the ice is smooth and easier to skate on as a beginner. In addition, skating indoors is an affordable activity, with rentals usually costing less than $10 per day. 

Cozy-up Fireside

If you’re visiting Canmore in winter, it can get pretty cold! So finding somewhere to warm-up is a must! Stay at a hotel with cozy fireplaces to relax around like the Grande Rockies Resort. There are also epic mountain views right from the comfort of the hotel! Bailey has stayed here on multiple occasions, and says she loves it. 

Or, if you’re out for dinner, there are plenty of cozy restaurants to visit. A favorite of Bailey’s during winter is the restaurant at the Georgetown Inn. This English pub-style restaurant is stunning on the inside and offers a comfortable experience with a fireplace and old wooden bar.  

Go Winter Hiking

Hiking is without a doubt, one of the best winter activities in Canmore. Although winter conditions do bring some hazards, you can choose to hike easy trails around town. The best winter hiking trails in Canmore are Policeman’s Creek, Quarry Lake Loop, Bow River Loop, and Grassi Lakes. All are very easy and can be completed safely in winter. 

Grassi Lakes is easily the most popular of the four winter hikes in Canmore, and Bailey says she loves hiking the trail in winter. Not only is it much less busy but it’s even more beautiful! Just be sure to bring crampons because it’s very icy on the way up. The Grassi Lakes Trail takes around 2 hours to complete and is 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) each way. 

If you’re just looking to enjoy a leisurely walk around town, the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk is a top choice. This short walk takes visitors along Policeman’s Creek via a boardwalk/ path to enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding area. There are also plenty of park benches along the way to enjoy the views. I love doing this walk with a coffee in hand! The entire walk is 4.2 kilometers long but my favorite section begins near The Drake heading south towards Spring Creek Drive.

Another hike for the more experienced is Ha Ling Peak. Bailey hiked the trail in winter and had a fantastic time. This trail is rated as moderate/difficult in winter and requires a good quality pair of crampons – especially if you want to summit the peak.

If you want a local to show you around, consider booking a private Wilderness and Wildlife Hiking Tour. Your guide will design a three-hour hike that meets the ability of your group and is has the best seasonal wildlife viewing opportunities.

READ NEXT: What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

Eat at a Delicious Restaurant

Canmore has so many options when it comes to places to eat, and after all the outdoor activities on this list, you’ll be hungry! Bailey has a lot of favorites in Canmore, so she hopes you have time to try them all. 

When it comes to cafes, you really must try Communitea Cafe. They serve the best pad Thai Bailey has ever had as well as good coffee. 

For a hearty winter meal that’s cheap, head to The Rose and Crown or The Drake. These pubs aren’t fancy, but with great deals and huge portions, you’ll love them. 

If you’re looking for a fancy night out, Bailey loves Sauvage (formerly called Tapas Canmore). Elegant, delicious, but a little pricy. Or, head to The Sensory Restaurant & Lounge and try the chef’s 3-course meal paired with wine – perfect for a date night. Another favorite is the Iron Goat, but Bailey mentions more on them below! 

Go Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is one way to turn ordinary hiking into a lot more fun! With snowshoes, you can explore trails that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to in Canmore during the winter months. 

You can rent snowshoes and explore trails on your own in places like the Canmore Nordic Center. Snowshoe rentals start at $20 per day at Gear Up Sport in Canmore. They rent winter boots for snowshoeing too.

However, if you don’t have experience hiking in the winter with snowshoes, then it is best to go on a guided snowshoe tour if you want to access any other remote trails. Hiking in deep snow can be dangerous, especially for those who don’t know the area! A guided half-day snowshoe tour in Kananaskis Country near Canmore will run you about $115.  

READ NEXT: Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them

READ NEXT: What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

READ NEXT: The Best Boots For Snowshoeing

Attend the Canmore Winter Carnival

This annual event celebrates all-things Canmore in winter! The Canmore Winter Carnival typically runs at the end of February and is a chance for the community to come together and enjoy all things that make Canmore so great. There are tons of indoor and outdoor events such as ice carving, log sawing, and beavertail eating competitions. It’s a fabulous family-friendly event with a lot of activities for kids to enjoy. 

Enjoy Local Drinks

If you want to know where to find the best cocktails in town, head to Wild Life Distillery. The boutique distillery is located on the outskirts of town in the Canmore industrial area. It’s the best place in Canmore to try a cocktail you’ve never even heard of made with high-quality vodka and gin. They also serve lots of classics for those who know what they like. 

The cocktail menu is constantly changing (the reason we can’t recommend a favorite), so there’s likely something new to try even if you’ve been before. The best part is the cocktails are priced right, with a 2.5-ounce craft cocktail costing only $12. 

When it’s time to leave, you can even grab a bottle of your favorite liquor to go. The bottles make great gifts, and there are a few different varieties to choose from!  

If you are looking for beer then you’re in luck too. In Canmore, there are a few different craft breweries that you can check out. Canmore Brewing Co is probably the most popular, whereas Grizzly Paw Brewing has the best restaurant and bar. Blake Brewhouse & Distillery also has their own spirits to offer as well as beer!

Go Fat Biking

Riding a bike in winter conditions can be challenging. However, that’s where fat bikes come in. Fat bikes are pretty much regular bikes, except they have fat tires built for riding through snow. They also come with hand warmers because, you know, it’s cold! 

In Canmore, you can easily rent bikes in town and then head off to explore. There are bike trails all around Canmore including ones at the Nordic Centre. For something a little different, ride the Legacy Trail to Banff and then catch the bus back to Canmore from there. 

Johnston Canyon Icewalk

Another perfect way to enjoy the spectacular wintertime scenery in Canmore is to experience the Johnston Canyon Icewalk. This famous attraction is a must-do any time of the year, but in my opinion, winter is the best time to go. 

The Johnston Canyon Icewalk starts around 45 minutes from Canmore along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. From the small parking lot, you need to walk along a 2.5-kilometer boardwalk to the upper falls. You’ll then return via the same path. 

Along the way, you’ll get fabulous views of the canyon, and there is also a lower waterfall 1.3-kilometers into the walk. 

If you want to learn more about the canyon or don’t have your own ice cleats, you can also book a Johnston Canyon Icewalk tour with Discover Banff Tours. These tours last for 4 hours and include an expert local guide to teach you all about the canyon and Banff National Park. On top of that, you’ll get transport to and from the canyon as well as all your equipment. For all that, you’ll only pay $88!  

Eat at the Iron Goat

The Iron Goat Pub & Grill is one of Bailey’s favorite restaurants in Canmore. Although not the cheapest place to eat in Canmore, it’s perfect for those looking for a dining experience with a beautiful winter atmosphere by the fire. 

Her favorite dishes are the blackened salmon and the cioppino pasta. The food is made from fresh ingredients, so it’s tough to beat the quality at the Iron Goat. On top of that, the service is something special. 

The Iron Goat is located a little out of the central area on Canmore; however, it’s worth the short drive, and the views from the restaurant are magnificent. They are open for both lunch and dinner from 11 am to 10 pm. 

Drive the Bow Valley Parkway

The Bow Valley Parkway is a famous scenic drive that travels from Banff to Lake Louise beside the main highway. 

All up, the Bow Valley Parkway is 50 kilometers long and, without stopping, takes around 1 hour to drive. With that said, if you want to experience the best stops on this highway, allow 3 to 4 hours.  

Johnston Canyon is one of the stops along the Bow Valley Parkway (mentioned above), and below are a few others I love! 

Castle Mountain Viewpoint – It won’t be hard for you to spot Castle Mountain. This mountain range is famous and can be seen from miles away. To get a closer look, visit the viewpoint on the Bow Valley Parkway and admire those epic views!  

Morant’s Curve – Morant’s Curve is one of my favorite places to photograph in winter. Be sure to visit the viewpoint for a perfect postcard photo.  

Moose Meadows – Moose Meadows is a small meadow within the Bow Valley. It’s visited regularly by wildlife so keep your camera ready!  

As you can see, Bailey has lots of great ideas for awesome winter activities in Canmore that will keep even the busiest of travellers happy. Have questions about the best winter activities in Canmore? Then leave a comment below! 

READ NEXT:

• Best Small Towns in Canada for Outdoor Adventures
• 9 Beautiful Reasons to Visit Banff in the Fall
• Your Guide to the Best Hot Springs in Canada
• 37 Things to do in Whistler in Winter
• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip
• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

The post 15 Best Things to Do in Canmore in Winter appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Hey there: Thanks so much to Tourism Revelstoke for hosting me in Revelstoke. All opinions in this post are my own. Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Revelstoke Hiking Basics

Where is Revelstoke?

The town of Revelstoke is in eastern British Columbia, Canada. It’s on the banks of the Columbia River at 480m above sea level. Revelstoke is in a river valley between the Monashee and Selkirk Mountain ranges. The Rocky Mountains are about 100km to the east. Mount Revelstoke National Park is just outside town and Glacier National Park is a 40-minute drive to the east. Revelstoke is in the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, Sinixt, and Okanagan First Nations.

Getting to Revelstoke

 Revelstoke is on highway 1. It’s a 6-hour drive from Vancouver in the west or 4.5 hours from Calgary in the east. Revelstoke has an airport, but it only has charter flights. The closest major airport is in Kelowna where you can get a shuttle van to Revelstoke that takes about 2.5 hours. Revelstoke also makes a great stop on a road trip across Canada.

Hiking season in Revelstoke

Revelstoke sits deep in the mountains. That means it has a short summer hiking season from May to September. Generally, the valley bottom trails start to be snow-free in April or May with higher elevation trails staying snowy into late July. By late September, it has started to snow again in the mountains. No matter what time of year you hike, check the weather forecast before you head out. Checking the weather is just one of the things you should do before every hike.

Revelstoke Weather

Revelstoke has a mountain climate.  Summer temperatures are typically highs of 23-25C and lows of 11C. July and August are the driest months, but Revelstoke has a wetter climate than the nearby Rocky Mountains so it can still have some rainy days in summer.

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

What to bring hiking in Revelstoke

 Even if you are just going for a short hike near Revelstoke, you need to be prepared for the weather and conditions. Don’t forget the 10 essentials. (Rain gear and warm clothing are especially important.)

Bear Safety

Revelstoke is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Carry bear spray and make noise while you hike to reduce your risk of a negative bear encounter. On some trails in Glacier National Park, you must hike in groups of at least four people. (Full details on that hike below.) For more info about hiking in bear country, read my post about bear safety for hikers.

Leave No Trace

The area around Revelstoke is sensitive wilderness. Learn about Leave No Trace principles to help keep the wilderness wild.

Other Things to Do in Revelstoke

Hiking is my favourite thing to do in Revelstoke, but this cute mountain town has so much more to offer including amazing food, paddling, mountain biking, paragliding, and more. Read my guide to the best things to do in Revelstoke in the summer for all the details.

Revelstoke Trails Map

Best Hikes in Revelstoke

Greenbelt Trail

You don’t need to leave town to go for a hike in Revelstoke. The easy Greenbelt Trail along the Columbia and Illecillewaet Rivers is flat and has great views. You can walk the entire length from the Aquatic Centre along the Columbia River, up the Illecillewaet River to Powerhouse Road. Or just go for a stroll along a short section. I like to go for a walk along the river in the evening to watch the sunset over the mountains.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: Up to 10km round trip | Elevation gain: none | Time Needed: Up to 3 hours |Best Time to Go: April to October | How to get there: Walk from pretty much anywhere in town. The start and endpoints of the Greenbelt are at the Aquatic Centre and on Powerhouse Road.

Mount Mackenzie

The easiest way to get high up into Revelstoke’s mountains is to ride the gondola at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort. In just 20 minutes you’ll ascend to 1700m above sea level. To get to the top of the mountain, follow the Stoke Climb trail uphill. It’s a mountain bike ascent trail, so even though it gains a lot of elevation, the slope is gentle. Stop to admire the views and meadows along the way. At the top of the Stoke Climb, watch the bikers start their long descent, and if you’re lucky, paragliders taking off too. (I can’t believe I jumped off the mountain here in 2019!) To continue to the sub-peak of Mount Mackenzie, follow the loop trail uphill.

Difficulty: Challenging | Distance: 15.8 km round trip | Elevation gain: 650m | Time Needed: 6 hours |Best Time to Go: mid-July to September | Trail Info: Revelstoke Mountain Resort | How to get there: Follow signs east through town along Fourth Street, Airport Way, Nichol Road, and Camozzi Road to Revelstoke Mountain Resort 7km from town. Then, ride the Revelation Gondola to the top station.

Begbie Falls

Begbie Falls is a split waterfall, with two tongues of water cascading down the slope. It’s set deep in a gulley, surrounded by beautiful forest. There are two ways to get to Begbie Falls: a short way from the lower trailhead and a long way from the upper trailhead. But they are both easy! From the lower trailhead, it’s a quick but steep walk down some switchbacks to the falls. If you start at the upper trailhead, you’ll follow the Bluff Trail through the forest, passing several side trails that lead to rock climbing crags or mountain bike trails. The junctions are all signed, so you won’t get lost. When the Bluff Trail meets a gravel road, turn right to get to the lower trailhead and then go downhill to the falls.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1 or 6km round trip | Elevation gain: 40 or 160m | Time Needed: 20 minutes or 2 hours | Best Time to Go: May to September | Trail Info: Begbie Falls Recreation Site | How to get there: Head south on Highway 23 from Revelstoke. To get to the lower trailhead, turn left after 7km onto Clough Road. After a few minutes, turn right onto Mount Begbie Road and follow it past the campground to the parking lot at the end, 4km from the highway. It’s a gravel road and can be bumpy but should be fine for most cars. For the upper trailhead, turn left off Highway 23 into a gravel parking lot after about 9km.

Moses Falls

Unlike the other waterfalls in Revelstoke, Moses Falls is broad and the water spreads out over several ledges instead of roaring downhill in a single torrent. The trail to the falls is very short, but it is steep, rooty, and muddy so watch your step. The trail starts by heading downhill from the parking lot through the grass, crosses a gravel road, then descends steeply beside the falls before reaching the base. From there a trail heads downhill for another few minutes to the Columbia River and another parking area, accessed by a steep gravel road.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5km round trip | Elevation gain: 40m | Time Needed: 30 minutes | Best Time to Go: May to September | How to get there: Head north from Highway 1 on Westside Road for 6km. Look for a gravel parking lot on the right. Park here for the upper trailhead. If you have an AWD car, turn right on the dirt road just past the parking lot and follow it for a few minutes down the steep hill to the riverbank. 

Sutherland Falls

I think Sutherland Falls in nearby Blanket Creek Provincial Park is the most beautiful of the three waterfalls near Revelstoke. It’s also the easiest hike. From the parking area, it’s an easy stroll along the gently sloped trail to the 12 m-high falls. You can get a great view of the falls from the viewing area, or scramble (carefully) down into the creek to get a bit closer. If you visit in the autumn, watch for spawning salmon in the creek.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5km round trip | Elevation gain: 20m | Time Needed: 10 minutes |Best Time to Go: May to September | Trail Info: Blanket Creek Provincial Park | How to get there: Head south on Highway 23 from Revelstoke. Look for the signed turn-off for Blanket Creek Provincial Park after 24 km.

Halfway River Hot Springs

Some might argue hiking is about the journey, not the destination. But that’s not true at Halfway River Hot Springs. The short trail winds downhill through the forest to the springs. It’s a nice enough hike… but really it’s the hot springs you are here for! The natural springs here are one of my favourite hot springs in Canada and one of the best things to do in Revelstoke. While it the hike downhill to the springs might seem easy, save your energy for the climb back up. It’s steep!

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1km round trip | Elevation gain: 50m | Time Needed: 10 minutes | Best Time to Go: April to October | Trail Info: Halfway River Hot Springs Recreation Site | How to get there: From Revelstoke, drive Highway 23 south for 79km to the Halfway River Forest Service road on the south side of the Halfway River bridge. (The drive includes a ride on the free Arrows Lakes ferry.) From the turnoff, it’s 11km of gravel road driving to the parking lot. The road is fine for 2wd vehicles as long as you go slow and avoid the potholes. 

Keystone Standard Basin

This challenging trail is popular with both hikers and mountain bikers. I haven’t hiked it yet, but my husband Greg and my Dad biked it last summer. Greg said it was a challenge on bikes but would make an amazing backpacking trip or long day hike: “Since you do most of the elevation gain in the car, the trail is almost entirely in alpine meadows with incredible views of mountains in every direction.” It’s 11km each way to the log cabin at a pond, but Greg says you could turn around at the high point about 1km earlier if you are low on energy. 

Difficulty: Challenging | Distance: 22 km round trip | Elevation gain: 400m | Time Needed: 7 hours | Best Time to Go: Mid-July to September | Trail Info: Keystone Standard Basin Recreation Trail | How to get there: Drive Highway 23 north for 50km, then turn right onto Keystone Forest Service Road. Continue up this 4WD-only road for 18km to the parking lot.

Nels Knickers

Step back in time on the Nels Knickers Trail in Mount Revelstoke National Park. Up until the 1960s, Revelstoke was the ski jumping capital of Canada. Norwegian-born Nels Nelson is credited with popularizing the sport in Revelstoke… and setting world records for distance. Parks Canada has done an amazing job of turning the old ski jump into an outdoor exhibit with info plaques, old newspaper clippings, and replica signage. But the best part is the Nels Knickers sculpture that lets you experience what it’s like to stand at the top of the hill, ready to ski jump. It’s an easy walk to the top on the Nels Knickers Trail. But if you want a longer (and steeper!) hike, park at the Nels Nelson Historic Area lower down the mountain, then follow the Nels Nelson Ski Jump trail from the bottom of the jump to the top.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5km round trip | Elevation gain: 20m | Time Needed: 15 minutes | Best Time to Go: May to September | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway exit from Highway 1 just outside of Revelstoke. Drive up the Parkway for 4km to a pullout at a sharp hairpin turn. Park here next to the Nels Nelson sign. | Note: National Park Pass required. Dogs must be on leash.

Balsam Lake

The flat hike around Balsam Lake is a great choice if you need to stretch your legs after driving the Meadows in the Sky Parkway at Mount Revelstoke National Park. The trail starts right beside the parking lot and loops around the tiny lake. In August, the meadows around the lake are carpeted in wildflowers. Look for bright red paintbrush, indigo arctic lupine, yellow mountain arnica, mauve subalpine daisy, and lots more. We brought my mom and she loved taking photos of all the flowers.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5km loop | Elevation gain: none | Time Needed: 10 minutes | Best Time to Go: July to September | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway exit from Highway 1 just outside of Revelstoke. Drive up the Parkway to its end 26km later. | Note: National Park Pass required. No dogs allowed. 

Upper Summit Trail

The Meadows in the Sky Parkway at Mount Revelstoke National Park ends at a parking lot, but a gated service road with a shuttle bus service continues up the mountain towards the summit. Instead of taking the bus, hike the Upper Summit Trail. It climbs steadily, but never steeply through the forest. Look for wildflowers along the way and Columbia ground squirrels scurrying around. Return the way you came, take the shuttle down, or walk down the road to make a loop.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 2km round trip | Elevation gain: 90 m | Time Needed: 1 hour | Best Time to Go: July to September | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway exit from Highway 1 just outside of Revelstoke. Drive up the Parkway to its end 26km later. | Note: National Park Pass required. No dogs allowed. 

Fire Lookout

If you visit Mount Revelstoke National Park, don’t miss a trip to the fire lookout. Built in 1927, this historic structure sits at the peak of Mount Revelstoke. Until the 1980s, a tower person was stationed here to watch for fires in the surrounding mountains. There are incredible views from the lookout, as well as from a few spur trails nearby. You can look all the way down to Lake Revelstoke and across to the Monashee Mountains.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1km round trip | Elevation gain: 10 m | Time Needed: 20 minutes | Best Time to Go: July to September | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway exit from Highway 1 just outside of Revelstoke. Drive up the Parkway to its end 26km later. From there, walk up the Upper Summit Trail or take the shuttle bus to the Heather Lake stop. | Note: National Park Pass required. No dogs allowed. 

Eva Lake

The hike to Eva Lake takes you deep into the backcountry of Mount Revelstoke National Park. It’s probably my favourite hike in Revelstoke. The trail ambles through wildflower meadows, crosses rocky slopes, and ends at a beautiful sub-alpine lake. Since it starts so high up, the mountain views are incredible from pretty much everywhere along the trail and Eva Lake is particularly spectacular. If you have more time and energy, you can continue onwards to Miller and Jade Lakes. On the day I hiked this trail, we were trying to outrun a thunderstorm so we turned around at Eva Lake. Next time I go to Revelstoke I’d love to spend a night at Eva or Jade Lake – they both have backcountry campsites.

Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 12km round trip | Elevation gain: 210 m | Time Needed: 6 hours | Best Time to Go: mid-July to September | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway exit from Highway 1 just outside of Revelstoke. Drive up the Parkway to its end 26km later. From there, walk up the Upper Summit Trail or take the shuttle bus to the Heather Lake stop. | Note: National Park Pass required. No dogs allowed. 

Giant Cedars Boardwalk

The base of Mount Revelstoke is home to a rare inland temperate rainforest with giant cedar and hemlock trees. I was shocked to see trees that I associate with BC’s coast so far inland! This easy trail in Mount Revelstoke National Park uses a beautiful boardwalk to make a loop through the forest. Interpretive signs along the way help you learn fun facts about the giant trees and the creatures that live in them. There are lots of great spots for photos too.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5km loop | Elevation gain: 30m | Time Needed: 15 minutes | Best Time to Go: April to October | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Head east on Highway 1 for 30km. Turn left into the signed parking lot. | Note: National Park Pass required. Dogs must be on leash.

Loop Brook Trail

This short hike in Glacier National Park takes you along a former railway route. While the hike is short and easy, there are a few short, steep hills. Before a tunnel was blasted through a nearby mountain, trains needed to make a looping route through this valley to slowly gain elevation. Giant stone pillars supported the tracks, high above the creek. Today the bridges and tracks are long gone, but the pillars remain. Interpretive signs along the route give insight into the railway history. 

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1.7 km loop | Elevation gain: 40 m | Time Needed: 45 minutes | Best Time to Go: June to September | Trail Info: Glacier National Park | How to get there: Head east from Revelstoke on Highway 1 for 60km. Turn right into the Loop Brook Campground and drive to the parking area at the end of the road. You can also park in the highway pullout just after the campground entrance. | Note: National Park Pass required. Dogs must be on leash.

Balu Pass

Hike up towards the towering peaks of Glacier National Park on the Balu Pass trail. The steep path travels up the Connaught Creek valley, crossing numerous avalanche slopes before ending at Balu Pass. The views of Mount MacDonald across the highway and numerous other glaciated peaks makes the climb worthwhile. The pass gets its name from the Hindi word bhalu, meaning bear. The mountains to the north of the trail are called Grizzly Mountain, Ursus Major, and Ursus Minor. (Ursus is Latin for bear.) The area is prime bear habitat. Make lots of noise, travel in groups, and always carry bear spray. 

Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 12.8 km round trip | Elevation gain: 779 m | Time Needed: 4-5 hours | Best Time to Go: mid-July to September | Trail Info: Glacier National Park | How to get there: Head east from Revelstoke on Highway 1 for 67km to the Rogers Pass Visitor Centre. The trailhead is at the back of the parking lot. | Note: National Park Pass required. No dogs allowed. Hikers must travel in groups of four or more people.

Hermit Meadows Trail

There are tons of amazing (and steep) hikes in Glacier National Park, and unfortunately, I haven’t had time to do many of them… yet! I asked Robyn from Tourism Revelstoke which trail she recommends in Glacier. She says the Hermit Meadows trail is one of her favourites: “The trail is steep and relentless but fairly short… It provides access to beautiful alpine meadows surrounded by the majestic Swiss Peaks. There is a [backcountry] campground at Hermit Meadows, and you couldn’t ask for better campsite views.” It sounds about as steep as Vancouver’s Grouse Grind… but with waaaay better views. I’m definitely adding it to my list!

Difficulty: Challenging | Distance: 6.4 km round trip | Elevation gain: 819 m | Time Needed: 4-5 hours | Best Time to Go: mid-July to September | Trail Info: Glacier National Park | How to get there: Head east from Revelstoke on Highway 1 for 69km. A few minutes past the Rogers Pass Visitor Centre, turn left into the signed parking lot. | Note: National Park Pass required. Dogs must be on leash.

Other Hikes Near Revelstoke

Although I’ve hiked a LOT in Revelstoke, I haven’t walked all the trails. There are a few more trails in Mount Revelstoke National Park and lots in Glacier National Park that I haven’t done yet. There are also a few epic-sounding hikes to huge peaks like Mount Cartier and Mount Begbie that I’d love to tackle. If you need more hiking ideas, download the Revelstoke Hiking Map.

With 15 trails on this list, I’m sure you’ll find a Revelstoke hike that you’ll love. (Actually… you’ll probably find a few!) Have questions about hikes in Revelstoke? Ask me in the comments as I’m always happy to help.

READ NEXT:

• 15 Things to do in Revelstoke in the Summer
• Things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park, Canada
• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip
• Your Guide to the Best Hot Springs in Canada
• 30+ Things to Do in Vernon, BC
• Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Berg Lake Trail
• 20+ Beautiful Weekend Getaways from Vancouver

The post The Best Hikes in Revelstoke, BC appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.