Most of Canada’s hot springs can be found in western provinces, although you can find them throughout the country. Your best chance of finding some of the countries best hot springs are by traveling to Alberta and British Columbia. While there are many hot springs in these areas that are popular tourist destinations, some are located so remotely and are hard for visitors to get to.
 
Trips to hot springs have been popular in many cultures for centuries, so it’s no surprise that tourism to thermal baths has been rising recently. People’s love for hot springs is well documented throughout human history, even famous figures like Hippocrates and Cleopatra were known to visit the thermal baths. Especially in a culture that is becoming increasingly concerned with wellbeing and self-care, hot springs can become even more popular.
 
Hot springs are formed when water seeps into the surface of the earth and is heated by molten lava and hot rocks under the Earth’s surface. After the water is heated, it travels back up to the surface. This process is what allows the water to stay at a warm temperature and gives it it’s famous mineral properties.
 
There are plenty of hot springs trips to take that make a  perfect vacation for everyone. Families can swim together in hot springs that look like regular inground pools outside of hotels, while those who are willing to go on more of an adventure can travel to more rugged hot springs. The best part of hot springs is that you aren’t limited to what time a year to go. Since the water is constantly being heated and brought to the surface, you can swim in hot spring even during cold Canadian winters.

Alberta

Banff Upper Hot Springs

The Banff Upper Hot Springs are some of the most well known hot springs in Canada. Not only do you get to soak in mineral-enriched water, but you also get a great view of the surrounding mountains. In Banff National Park you can go hiking, biking, skiing, and visit the historic bathhouse.

Miette Hot Springs

Being located in Jasper National Park gives Miette Hot Springs visitors plenty to do. Here you can find two hot pools, two cold pools, a cafe, showers, and plenty of hiking trails. People have been visiting the Miette Hot Springs since the early 1900s, and you can even still see the original pool and bathhouse. Miette also has the hottest mineral water in the Rockies.

British Columbia

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

The Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is home to the largest hot spring in Canada with 1.5 million gallons of mineral water. When you're not swimming, they also have hiking, golfing, horseback riding, golfing and a variety of winter sports. Water in the Fairmont Hot Springs is also odorless due to a lack of sulfur.

Lussier Hot Springs

Getting to Lussier Hot Springs takes a little more work than other popular hot springs, with winding dirt roads that go through steep mountains. The natural stone pools are well worth the trip. Many people enjoy taking a dip in the cold river water next to the hot springs to refresh. Since Lussier is more rural, there aren’t many amenities available for visitors.

Liard River Hot Springs

Close to the Yukon border is the Liard River Hot Springs, the second largest hot spring in the country. This is the perfect trip for people who want to be immersed in nature. Surrounded by forests, this hot spring has no shortage of wildlife to enjoy. Most people who stay in the area overnight camp in the nearby campsite.

Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot Springs are thought to have some of the highest mineral concentrations in the world. If you’re going to visit the Harrison Hot Springs, you should also stay at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa for a relaxing vacation. The resort also has its own private hot springs for guests.

Health benefits of hot springs

Soaking in a hot spring can have more benefits than just getting to relax. Hot springs are popular destinations for anyone looking to unwind, but they could be even more useful than many people may know. All throughout history, people all across the world have traveled to hot spring to enjoy the health benefits many believe that they have. Some don’t believe that they actually have any effect on our health, but the loyal following hot springs have is undeniable.
 
Anyone who’s ever spent some time in a hot bath at home can probably attest to the benefits that warm water can have on the body. These effects are only amplified by the minerals found in the water of hot springs. Some of the minerals commonly found in hot springs are calcium, sodium bicarbonate, silica, and magnesium.
 
Hot water can provide a few different health benefits. Minerals mixed with warm water can help boost blood circulation. It can also do wonders for treating pain. Soaking in mineral water can improve chronic muscle pain and ease pain caused by arthritis and fibromyalgia.
 
Since the skin is getting constant exposure to minerals, it’s to be expected that it can improve some common skin issues. Minerals in the water can heal skin suffering from eczema and psoriasis. If you don’t have any skin issues, you’ll likely leave the hot spring with softer skin thanks to the minerals and warmth. 
 
The smell of sulfur is one pitfall many find when visiting hot springs. While the smell might be enough to bother some, even this comes with a benefit. When combined with the heat from the water, sulfur can help with nasal and chest congestion caused by the common cold and allergies. Sulfur in hot springs may also help to relieve other sinus and respiratory issues like asthma.