The Kootenay mountains are full of hot springs, both natural and developed. And when it comes to hot springs, Invermere can’t be beat. Along with plenty of hiking and skiing in Invermere, we spent much of our time checking out the different hot springs in the Columbia Valley.
From modern, civilized pools with drink service to wild natural BC hot springs in otherwise frigid mountain rivers, you are sure to find the exact type of Invermere hot springs you are looking for. And the best part is that they are all, to varying degrees, available any time of year.
Invermere is a great place to visit regardless of the season, with world-class skiing at Panorama Mountain Resort, a long list of fantastic hikes, plenty of terrific golf courses and, of course, amazing scenery everywhere you look. And what better way to relax after a busy day of outdoor adventure than soaking in one of these outstanding BC hot springs in the mountains.
Below is our list of 5 great hot springs near Invermere, including all the info you need to visit – how to get to there, facilities, and things to know before you go.
These natural BC hot spring options are not developed but have the best natural scenery and are free to visit.
1. Lussier Hot Springs – Best Natural BC Hot Springs?
Located in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, these are some of the best BC natural hot springs. They are reached via a couple minute walk down a gradual, smooth trail. The springs are really just a collection of rocks arranged into a series of rough pools with gravel bottoms, each at a different temperature based on their proximity to the hot spring and the amount of cool river water mixing in.
With the rocky shore, picturesque river, surrounding forest and looming mountains, Lussier Hot Springs are about as scenic as it gets.
Of course, this means they are also quite popular and can get pretty busy all year-round, especially on weekends. If it all possible, try to visit these natural BC hot springs on a weekday morning when you might be lucky enough to be the only ones there.
There are no change rooms but there are a couple of outhouses next to the parking lot. Alcohol and dogs are both prohibited (both for disturbance reasons) and everyone is required to wear a bathing suit. Make sure you take all your garbage back up to the bins at the parking lot.
Invermere to Lussier Hot Springs
75 km / 1 hr
You follow BC-93/95 south past Canal Flats, taking a left onto Whiteswan Lake Forest Service Road (watch for signs to Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park). From there you drive for about 15 minutes along a decent logging road (with pretty good mountain views) with occasional steep drop offs.
2. Waterfall Hot Springs: Most Picturesque Natural BC Hot Springs
One of the strangest natural BC hot springs you’ll ever visit, this stunning waterfall cascades down from a high cliff into a set of small, calcified pools before emptying into the nearby creek. It is incredibly photogenic, both from up close and from the ridge across the creek.
The strange part is that it isn’t technically a hot spring, but rather the overflow from the official Fairmont Hot Springs mineral pools above. After the hot water is used in the resort’s pools it is dechlorinated and sent on its merry way back to nature.
So that epic waterfall crashing down onto your head for that Instagram photo is, in a sense, old tub water. Nevertheless, it seemed clean enough to us and, although it isn’t quite as hot as the stuff at the source, the impressive setting more than makes up for it.
From the main parking lot, head down toward the mineral pools then take a left and cross the little bridge (stopping for a photo or two), then follow the path down to the creek.
Landslides have wiped out part of the trail so you need to manoeuvre over some rubble and cross the creek three times (either stepping from rock to rock or simply getting your feet wet). If you visit in winter the main trail can also get quite icy (we found micro-spikes very useful).
There are no change rooms, bathrooms, garbage bins or facilities of any kind at the waterfall itself. Make sure to clean up after your visit so the next visitors can also appreciate it.
It is best to visit during the day on a weekday as it will be quieter. We had it to ourselves on a Monday afternoon and went back on a Saturday and it was significantly busier.
While you’re there, you might also want to follow the path upriver a little ways to check out the Indigenous Baths, a series of small pools and stone bathhouse with terrific views down over the valley. These partially hidden BC natural hot springs are still fairly unknown.
Invermere to the Waterfall Hot Springs
27 km / 20 min
It is a simple 20-minute drive from Invermere to Fairmont via BC-93/95. Turn left at the huge Fairmont Hot Springs Resort sign and follow the road uphill to the very end. Public parking is just past the campground kiosk.
3. Ram Creek Hot Springs: Remote But Still Accessible Natural Hot Springs in BC
If you really like the idea of tracking down some secret natural hot springs in BC, then Ram Creek Hot Springs are the ideal choice. Even more remote than Lussier Hot Springs, these secluded British Columbia natural springs are located on a nice ridge in the middle of some gorgeous Rockies forest, with amazing views over open, scenic meadows. They are one of the more remote but still accessible natural hot springs in BC.
Consisting of just three small undeveloped rock pools, some people have reported the water being less “hot” than “pretty warm”. However, the superb scenery makes it well worth visiting, plus they are the least busy of all the natural BC hot springs on this list so there is a good chance you will have them all to yourself.
Since these natural hot springs aren’t regulated at all, some people will choose the clothing optional route.
Invermere to Ram Creek Hot Springs
98 km / 1.5 hrs
On the same road as Lussier Hot Springs, you follow Whiteswan Lake Forest Service Road for 19 kilometres past Lussier until you reach White Ram Forest Service Road. This road is extremely rough and usually only accessible to high clearance vehicles (4WD is an asset as well).
The springs are 5 km down this road and you can either park at the start and hike the entire way (11 km round-trip) or try driving in and just walking from as far as you get. If you do have to stop, make sure you pull as far to the side as possible so other vehicles can still get by.
Developed Hot Springs Near Invermere
While these choices lack the wilderness ambience of the natural BC hot springs and charge an entrance fee, they also offer modern amenities, clean facilities and the hottest spring water, which is the whole point for many people.
4. Radium Hot Springs
This family-friendly mineral water thermal pool in Kootenay National Park is located right next to BC-93. It sits right at the base of a sheer mountain wall and is the ideal place for a good, hot soak, especially in winter with snow-covered mountains partially visible through the heavy steam (sometimes you can even spot big-horned sheep).
The water is typically between 37-40C (98-104F) and proudly odourless (perfect for those that aren’t big fans of sulfur or rotten eggs). And even though there has been a major price hike for 2023 (more than 100%!), they say it was long overdue as prices had remained the same since 2004. Either way, it is still a very affordable hot springs outing for a single, couple or even the whole family.
The mineral pool is large and spacious and there is also a heated swimming pool with a diving board, making Radium Hot Springs a great choice for families. There are nice, clean change rooms, lifeguards, a spa and even some interesting historic info and photos lining the walls.
If you are just looking for a quick visit, it is possible to join a Kootenay National Park day tour out of Calgary that includes a stop at Radium Hot Springs.
While you are in the area it is also worth tackling the short hike down to Sinclair Falls or the slightly more strenuous but incredibly scenic Juniper Trail.
Radium Hot Springs Hours
These BC hot springs are open year round during the following hours:
Monday to Friday
11:30 am to 9 pm
Saturday and Sunday
10:30 am to 9 pm
Radium Hot Springs Prices
Prices have taken a big jump for 2023, more than doubling from the 2022 prices.
Adult (18 – 64 years) $16.50
Youth (3 – 17 years) $14.25
Child (under 3) Free
Senior (65+ years) $14.25
Family (2 adults and 2 youth) $53
Those prices include the use of a locker and as long as you are only visiting the hot springs you do NOT need to purchase a national park pass.
Invermere to Radium Hot Springs Pool
20 km / 15 min
You just follow BC-93/95 north to the town of Radium Hot Springs, then take a right at the roundabout onto BC-93 and follow it past the national park kiosk (you don’t need to stop unless you want to buy a park pass), continuing through the terrific, narrow rock canyon until you reach a pair of parking lots. If you have to park on the far side of the road there is an underground bridge to cross the highway.
5. Fairmont Hot Springs BC
The official mineral pools at Fairmont Hot Springs may not boast a huge waterfall or treacherous approach like the natural waterfall hot springs, but they are much larger, much hotter and, realistically, a fair bit cleaner. The views are no slouch, either, with impressive vistas out over the valley and distant mountains.
The two different pools are kept at slightly different temperatures to match your mood and, like Radium Hot Springs, the pools at Fairmont Hot Springs are odourless. There are change rooms, although no lockers, so leave valuables in your vehicle.
There is an entire resort, the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, built around these hot springs so it is also possible to stay on-site and enjoy them to your heart’s content.
Fairmont Hot Springs Hours
Everyday from 9 am – 9 pm
Fairmont Hot Springs Prices
Resort Guests: Free
RV Guests: $12 (reduced to $8 between 7:30 pm – 9 pm)
Day Pass: $20
Family Day Pass: $60
Invermere to Fairmont Hot Springs
27 km / 20 min
It is a simple 20-minute drive from Invermere to Fairmont via BC-93/95. Turn left at the huge Fairmont Hot Springs Resort sign and follow the road to the very end. Public parking is just past the campground kiosk.
Map of Invermere Hot Springs
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Accommodation Options Near Invermere Hot Springs
Fairmont Hot Springs
What better way to enjoy the two different hot springs in Fairmont than to stay at the resort itself and have them just outside your door? The rooms at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort are surprisingly affordable and the entire resort has amazing views across the valley to the mountains. The spa is the big draw but there is also a mini-golf course and some great hikes nearby.
Click here for prices and availability at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Kanata Inns
Conveniently located just off the highway and very close to Eagle Ranch golf course and Windermere Lake, the comfortable, modern Kanata Inns offers a hot tub and continental breakfast. The popular Rocky River Bar and Grill is on-site and there are great views of the mountains.
Click here for prices and availability at Kanata Inns Invermere
Copper Point Resort
Golfers love world-class course at Copper Point Resort but even non-golfers can enjoy their luxury suites (all of which feature full kitchens). There is an excellent restaurant, an outdoor pool and easy access to Windermere Lake.
Click here for prices and availability at Copper Point Resort
Bighorn Meadows Resort
If you prefer to base yourself in Radium, Bighorn Meadows Resort offers the best combination of luxury and value. They have both standard rooms and fully-equipped suites, a seasonal heated pool and a hot tub. It is the perfect place to stay to access Radium Hot Springs and Kootenay National Park.
Click here for prices and availability at Bighorn Meadows Resort
Trip Planning Resources
Here is a list of the most important resources we use when planning our travels, all in one convenient spot. Full disclosure, when you use any of these links to reserve or sign up for something, we receive a small commission which is greatly appreciated. However, your price does not change and we have only included products and websites that we can honestly recommend.
- For checking out flights we usually find that SkyScanner is the fastest and most accurate site.
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- When travelling we always get SIM cards with data for our phones. Local SIM cards are sometimes a bit cheaper but if you have a relatively new smartphone (iPhone XR or newer, Samsung S20 or newer) you can just buy an eSIM online, get a QR code by email and you’re good to go. After extensive research I have decided that KeepGo eSIMs have the best coverage and prices for most of our trips (including within Canada).
- We’ve used Discover Cars in many different countries and they usually have the cheapest deals and have always been very reliable.
- If you’re interested in local guided tours, including everything from city tours to cooking lessons to adventure activities, check out the huge range of options at Get Your Guide.
- World Nomads offers some of the best global travel insurance coverage. It is especially good for frequent travellers and digital nomads but also has competitive plans for short trips.
Invermere BC Hot Springs Summary
If relaxing in a steaming hot pool of natural spring water while gazing out at spectacular mountain scenery is your thing (and it should be) then you’ve come to the right place. With several excellent choices ranging from basic natural BC hot springs in a river to luxurious spas, you will be spoiled for choice with all these hot springs near Invermere.
Other useful articles you may want to check out:
The Best Things to Do in Invermere
Lake O’Hara: A Complete Hiking and Camping Guide
12 Easy Hikes in North Vancouver
The Ultimate Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary
