Best hot springs destinations in North America
Best hot springs destinations in North America
Natural backcountry thermal pools and mountain hot spring resorts in North America
North America's hot spring offer ranges from the wild backcountry pools of the western mountain states and the developed thermal attractions of the national parks system to the resort spa complexes built around natural geothermal resources across the southwest and Pacific coast. The continent has a strong tradition of informal wild soaking alongside more structured facilities, with a significant circuit of natural pools distributed across public land in the western ranges.
The Rocky Mountain states and Pacific northwest contain the highest concentration of accessible wild hot springs, where naturally heated pools in river valleys, canyon settings and alpine terrain attract visitors seeking an unmanaged experience. Several destinations have developed resort infrastructure around geothermal resources, combining natural thermal bathing with accommodation and wellness facilities that range from rustic to genuinely world class.
Wild spring access requires research into current land permissions and closures as restoration and management programmes affect availability regularly. Water temperatures vary considerably and checking before entering is essential at unmarked natural sources. The most visited developed hot spring destinations within the national parks system require advance booking during peak season and timed entry is increasingly standard at the most celebrated sites.
Lists by region
Country
Dominica
Nature island with pristine rainforests
Wotten Waven lies in the Roseau Valley on the same volcanic system that feeds the Boiling Lake. Small family run spas tap sulphur mineral springs. Examples include Screw's Sulphur Spa, Tia's Bamboo Cottage and Ti Kwen Glo Cho. Pools range from a cold plunge to 40 degrees Celsius or more.
National Park in Canada
Banff National Park
Majestic Peaks and Turquoise Lakes
Railway workers brought attention to the Cave and Basin springs in 1883. In 1885 the government set aside about 26 square kilometres as the Banff Hot Springs Reserve. That reserve marked the genesis of Canada's national park system. Nine sulphurous springs rise on Sulphur Mountain. The Banff Springs snail was listed as endangered in 2000.
Town in Costa Rica
La Fortuna
Volcano Views, Hot Springs, Adventure
Baldi Hot Springs Resort has 25 thermal pools certified by Costa Rica's National Water Laboratory. Ecotermales Fortuna has five cascading pools reaching 42 degrees Celsius. It admits only 100 visitors at a time. Ro Chollin is a free creek with warm pools up to 40 degrees. It lies 12 kilometres west of town.
National Park in Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano National Park
Lava Trails, Rainforest and Epic Views
Balneario Tabacón lies 10 kilometres west of La Fortuna. An underground thermal river heated by volcanic magma feeds it. It has about 15 mineral rich pools between 27 and 42 degrees Celsius, some under waterfalls. Paradise Hot Springs Resort offers eight pools at 35 to 41 degrees Celsius.
State/Prefecture in United States
Alaska
Land of superlatives and adventure
Goddard Hot Springs on Baranof Island reaches 153 degrees Fahrenheit. Cedar tubs have a cold water valve for adjusting the heat. Russian settlers used the springs as early as 1800. Chena Hot Springs lies about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. Manley Hot Springs has hosted a hotel since 1907.
Hot Springs in Canada
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Soothing Soak Amidst Rocky Peaks
At 1,585 metres, these springs are described as the highest hot spring in Canada. The water is kept at about 38 degrees Celsius. Rain and snowmelt pick up heat and minerals on the way down, including sulphate, calcium and magnesium. The bathhouse was renovated and reopened in 1932 and again in 1996.
National Park in United States
Olympic National Park
Untamed Wilderness, All in One
Settlers noticed the Sol Duc springs in the 1880s. They lie in a valley carved by the Sol Duc River. An elaborate resort opened in 1912. It was described as the most noted pleasure and health resort on the Pacific Coast. It burned in 1916 and was rebuilt on a smaller scale in the 1920s.
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