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Best hot springs destinations in North America

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Arenal Volcano National Park
Lava Trails, Rainforest and Epic Views
8.4
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Enjoy spectacular volcano views from multiple lookout points
  • 🌿 Explore rainforest biodiversity on the El Ceibo circuit
  • 🌋 Hike the Las Coladas trail over old lava flows
La Fortuna
Volcano Views, Hot Springs, Adventure
7.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌉 Walk the hanging bridges at Mistico Park
  • ♨️ Relax in natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano
  • 🌊 Hike to the breathtaking La Fortuna Waterfall
Dominica
Nature island with pristine rainforests
8.1
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.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel at Champagne Reef, bubbling volcanic waters
  • 🌋 Hike to Boiling Lake, one of the world's largest boiling lakes
  • 🌊 Visit Trafalgar Falls, the iconic twin waterfalls
Banff National Park
Majestic Peaks and Turquoise Lakes
9.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Explore the scenic Johnston Canyon waterfalls trail
  • 🏞️ Hike to Lake Louise and admire turquoise waters
  • 🚡 Ride the Banff Gondola for spectacular mountain views
Alaska
Land of superlatives and adventure
8.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐻 See wild bears fishing for salmon in Katmai
  • 🛳️ Cruise through glacier-filled waters in Glacier Bay National Park
  • 🌌 Watch the northern lights dance above Fairbanks
Olympic National Park
Untamed Wilderness, All in One
8.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 💧 Visit Sol Duc Falls and enjoy the tranquil waterfall
  • 🌲 Explore the lush trails of the Hoh Rainforest
  • 🏞️ Hike to Hurricane Hill for breathtaking panoramic views
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Visit the historic bathhouse and learn its story
  • 🏞️ Enjoy mountain views of Rundle and Cascade peaks
  • ♨️ Soak in the soothing mineral-rich hot springs pool
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