The journey to Alaska is sure to include many unexpected encounters, but the hot springs along the way are something you can count on.
Before you hit the road, make sure you know the best pit stops to make along the way.
Today, we’re showcasing the best hot springs on the road to Alaska.
Let’s dive in!
Why Visit Canada’s Hot Springs on Your Way to Alaska?
Embarking on an RV journey to Alaska is thrilling. You’ll plan your itinerary through the wilderness of the Great White North, encounter remote terrain, and explore the great unknown.
However, this trip is a long one. In fact, you can expect to spend at least 40 hours behind the wheel, and that doesn’t include pit stops and much-needed shut-eye. That’s why many travelers find refuge in the hot springs they encounter on the way to Alaska.
These natural pools are all over Western Canada, particularly British Columbia. You can thank geothermal heat for these phenomena. Here, disruptions in the Earth’s crust allow heat to escape as it’s carried to the surface by spring water.
But that’s enough science for today.
Canada and Alaska feature tons of hot springs, where you can soak your road-weary muscles and emerge refreshed and ready for the next leg of your trip. Here are five must-visit destinations to add to your itinerary.
#1 Nakusp Hot Springs
Nakusp Hot Springs is about five hours south of Banff in the Kuskanax Valley of the Selkirk Mountains. Locals have enjoyed the pools in their natural splendor for centuries. However, they built a man-made resort around the attraction. These days, you can enjoy the mineral-rich waters with all the creature comforts you could want.
You’ll have your choice of three crystal-clear pools that are perfect for soaking. Operators maintain the temperatures depending on the season. The hot pool ranges from 103 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, while the warm pool stays between 97 and 100 degrees.
There’s a campground on site, so you can get comfortable and stick around for a while. Many spots include electrical service and water hookups.
#2 Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs is an idyllic mountain town between the Canadian Rockies and the Purcell Mountains. The hot springs are a family-friendly attraction that draws visitors from all over.
With a hot pool and a seasonal cool pool, you can soak in whatever waters you find comfortable. The odorless springs contain healing minerals you’d find at other locations but without the smell that many find unpleasant.
This small town is all about community. In fact, it was voted the friendliest town in the country. And that’s saying something, considering it’s in Canada! While the hot springs facility only includes the pools and a changing room, you’ll find plenty of other amenities in town.
You might decide you get comfortable and stay for a while!
Read about the 7 Deadly Sins of Hot Springs!
#3 Banff Upper Hot Springs
Back on the road to Alaska, you’ll want to make another stop at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Here, the warm waters bubble up from nearly two miles beneath the Earth’s surface. You can soak in the soothing pools year-round and gaze out at the rugged mountains beyond.
Occasionally, the natural water supply is insufficient to fill the pool, so operators supplement it with city water. This allows visitors to enjoy the relaxing waters no matter the season. The bathhouse here is a federal heritage building that shines a light on the area’s past. There’s also a cafe and gift shop on-site.
Both Banff and Lake Louise offer tons of camping opportunities, so you won’t have to rough it in a Walmart parking lot.
Looking for more? Check out the Differences Between Banff and Glacier!
#4 Liard River Hot Springs
Despite its remote location, Liard River Hot Springs is one of the most popular places to soak on the way to Alaska. This scenic destination is in the northern end of British Columbia, near the Yukon border.
Once known as the Tropical Liard Valley, the area features other natural wonders in addition to the springs. The boardwalk traversing the property takes you past the Hanging Gardens, where water flows from the hillside and trailing vines emerge from the rock.
Of course, the springs themselves are the main attraction. Soak in the turquoise waters of the Alpha Pool, the largest of the two. The second spring offers slightly cooler water. The only amenities here are two changing rooms with storage cubbies and a composting toilet.
The springs and the campground in Liard Provincial Park are open year-round. If you time your trip just right, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
#5 Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs
This luxurious facility takes a cross-cultural approach to health and wellness. By combining the traditional Nordic hot-cold-relax therapy cycle with Japanese Onsen-style soaks, you can achieve nirvana in this Yukon spring.
With four different pools and a variety of seasonal soaking tubs, you’ll be able to enjoy the facilities however you choose. Dip into the Eclipse Pool to warm your bones and get your heart rate up, then cool off in the Hidden Pool. End your session in the Meditation Solarium or the Hibernation Room for ultimate relaxation. You’ll also find yoga classes, saunas, steam rooms, and a restaurant on-site.
There’s a campground with electrical hookups, as well as centralized water, garbage, and a dump station. You won’t want to miss these unforgettable hot springs as you venture on toward Alaska.
Grab a copy of Thermal: Saunas, Hot Springs, & Baths to admire these destinations from afar!
Enjoy the Most Relaxing Pit Stops in North America
Your journey to Alaska would be incomplete without several stops along the way to bask in the area’s many hot springs. After all, you’ll need to stretch your legs at some point, so you may as well enjoy your break to the fullest.
Consider hitting these epic hot springs to keep you warm as you explore the Great White North. We don’t think you’ll regret it!
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