General References
A web search for “hot springs” will turn up literally millions of hits, most of which are useless. Below are some general-interest sites that we find particularly useful.
BC Parks www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks Home page for the provincial park system in British Columbia, with links to all provincial parks in BC
Birkby, Jeff Touring Washington and Oregon Hot Springs 2nd edition, Guilford, CT: Falcon Guides, 2014. Describes 40 easily accessible hot springs in Oregon and Washington; complements Evie Litton and Sally Jackson’s book
Canada Geothermal www.arcgis.com/home (search for “Canada Geothermal”) or bit.ly/12sIfxR A web-based map maintained by Ron Yehia showing the locations of thermal springs in Canada. Although just getting going, this site has great potential
Dan Grec’s Blog www.theroadchoseme.com Contains good accounts and photos of his trips to some obscure hot springs in BC and elsewhere
Discover Camping www.discovercamping.ca For campsite reservations in BC’s provincial parks
Drive BC www.drivebc.com Up-to-date information on road conditions and closures for the main highways in BC
Facebook www.facebook.com Hosts pages for many commercial springs, generally linked through their main web page. Several non-commercial springs in southwestern BC have dedicated Facebook pages: search Facebook for “Tsek”, “St Agnes Wells and Sloquet”, and “Hot Springs of Western Canada” (no affiliation with this book)
Litton, Evie, and Sally Jackson Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest 5th edition. Guilford, Ct: Falcon Guides, 2014. Descriptions of about 140 hot springs in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and southern BC. No commercial springs here; emphasis is on backcountry hot springs and nearby hikes. Complements Jeff Birkby’s guide
Love, Jesse W. Hot Springs of Western Washington: Complete Guide to 250 Hot Springs and Soda Pop Springs Ashland, Or: Kaleidoscope Productions, 2013. This guide contains not only hot and warm springs but also cold soda and carbonated springs, plus some useful information not found in other guides
Parks Canada http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/index.aspx The main home page for Canada’s National Park system, containing plenty of visitor information
Soaker’s Forum www.soakersforum.com The main English language site for hot spring lovers. Although focused largely on the United States, there is occasional lively discussion of Canadian springs. The emphasis is on non-commercial springs
Spring-Specific References
The following references contain information about a specific resort, spring, or park. They’re especially useful if you already know where you’re going and have an idea about what information (e.g.: hours, prices, camping) you’re looking for.
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort http://www.hotnaturally.com/ History of the springs and resort, prices, temperatures, and mineral content. Also has links to places to stay and eat in the area
BC Hydro - Kinbasket Mica Forebay https://www.bchydro.com/energy-in-bc/our_system/transmission_reservoir_data/previous_reservoir_elevations/columbia/kinbasket_mica_forebay_mca.html Current water levels of Kinbasket Lake, vital for anyone planning to visit Kinbasket Lake Hot Springs
BC Parks - Anhuluut’ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga’Asanskwhl Nisga’a (Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed) Park http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/nisgaa/ Visitor information, relevant for visits to Aiyansh Hot Springs
BC Parks - Bishop Bay - Monkey Beach Corridor Conservancy http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/cnsrvncy/bishop_bay_monkey_beach_corridor_cons/#Management There’s no mention of the springs, but this page does contain chart and general information, useful for anyone boating to Bishop Bay Hot Springs
BC Parks - Brim River Hot Springs Protected Area http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/brim_rv/ A general description of the area surrounding Brim River Hot Springs
BC Parks - Choquette Hot Springs Provincial Park http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/choquette_hs/ The management plan contains some excellent information on the value of conservation for Choquette Hot Springs
BC Parks - Garibaldi Provincial Park http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/garibaldi/ There’s no mention of any hot springs, but if this spring exists it’s most likely inside Garibaldi Provincial Park’s eastern border. Relates to Daly’s Hot Spring
BC Parks - Gibson Marine Provincial Park http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/gibson/ Maps and safety warnings (primarily about wolves). Relates to Ahousat Warm Springs
BC Parks - Grayling River Hot Springs Ecological Reserve http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/eco_reserve/grayling_er.html Maps, coordinates, and details about the ecological reserve surrounding Grayling River Hot Springs
BC Parks - Iskut River Hot Springs Provincial Park http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/iskut_rv_hs/ Very little information on the main page, but there’s a link to the management plan, which contains very detailed information about the local ecosystem. Relates to Iskut River Hot Springs
BC Parks - K’lgaan / Klekane Conservancy http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/cnsrvncy/klgaan_klekane/ Includes a paragraph with detailed descriptions of the bathhouse, along with UTM coordinates, of Klekane Inlet Hot Springs
BC Parks - K’ootz / Khutze Conservancy http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/cnsrvncy/kootze/ Though there’s no information specifically about any springs, this page contains important mooring and visitor information. Relates to Khutze Inlet Warm Springs
BC Parks - Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/liard_rv_hs/ History, conservation, wildlife, and camping information related to Liard River Hot Springs
BC Parks - Maquinna Marine Provincial Park http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/maquinna/ Maps, fees, and access information, as well as photographs of the hot springs. Relates to Hot Springs Cove and Mate Islands Warm Seep
BC Parks - Mount Edziza Provincial Park http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mt_edziza/ There’s nothing about hot springs, but plenty of great trail and access information, useful for anyone planning a visit to Elwyn Creek Hot Springs, Mess Lake Cool Springs, or Sezill Hot Springs
BC Parks - Myra - Bellevue Provincial Park http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/myra/ Trail maps and parking information; there are a few brief mentions of the springs, but much of the focus is on the Kettle Valley Railroad trestles. Relates to Angel Warm Springs
BC Parks - Portage Brule Rapids Ecological Reserve http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/eco_reserve/portagbru_er.html Very little mention of the springs, but vital information on the flora and fauna for visitors to Portage Brûlé Hot Springs
BC Parks - Prophet River Hotsprings Provincial Park http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/prophet_rv_hs/ Location and general information; the Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan contains more details. Relates to Prophet River Hot Springs
BC Parks - Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park and Protected Area http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/purcell/ Maps of the park and trails, along with several paragraphs discussing the fragile flora and fauna of Dewar Creek Hot Springs
BC Parks - Ram Creek Ecological Reserve http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/eco_reserve/ramcrk_er.html A very detailed assessment of the local environment, including a complete list of all plant species found at Ram Creek Hot Springs
BC Parks - Shearwater Hot Springs Conservancy http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/cnsrvncy/shearwater_hot_springs/ Contains good pictures, descriptions, and coordinates of Shearwater Hot Springs
BC Parks - Toad River Hot Springs Provincial Park http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/toad_rv/ History and conservation information about Toad River Hot Springs
BC Parks - Weewanie Hot Springs Provincial Park http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/weewanie/ A good description of the springs, including temperatures and navigation information, relating to Weewanie Hot Springs
BC Parks - Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/whtswan/ Plenty of access and camping information, as well as some general information about Lussier Hot Springs
Canadian Rockies Hot Springs - Miette Hot Springs http://www.hotsprings.ca/MIETTE_HOT_SPRINGS.php Hours, prices, directions, and mineral content of Miette Hot Springs
Canadian Rockies Hot Springs - Radium Hot Springs http://www.hotsprings.ca/RADIUM_HOT_SPRINGS.php Hours, prices, directions, and mineral content of Radium Hot Springs
Canadian Rockies Hot Springs - Upper Hot Springs http://www.hotsprings.ca/BANFF_UPPER_HOT_SPRINGS.php Hours, prices, directions, and mineral content of the Upper Hot Springs
Canyon Hot Springs Resort Ltd. http://www.canyonhotsprings.com/ Hours, camping & lodging info, as well as temperatures and mineral content
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort http://www.fairmonthotsprings.com/ Everything you need to know about lodging, eating and drinking, and recreation at Fairmont, along with pictures, hours & rates, history, and temperatures of the actual hot springs
Halcyon Hot Springs Village & Spa http://www.halcyon-hotsprings.com/ Resort and accommodation info, and pool rates
Halfway River Hot Springs http://halfwayhotsprings.com Some pictures, a description, and directions
Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa www.harrisonresort.com Info about the resort & spa, directions, hours & prices, and other activities in the area, as well as specials and packages
Harrison Hut Trail map https://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?msid=204787356417747473839.0004aa307a24ff247835f&msa=0&ll=50.580076,-123.419895&spn=0.063441,0.154324&dg=feature A Google Maps view of the trail in to Meager Creek Hot Springs
Nakusp Hot Springs http://www.nakusphotsprings.com/ History, directions, and pictures, along with hours, rates, and mineral content of the springs
Northern Rockies Vacations http://www.northern-rockies-lodge.com/tour_packages/log_cabin_holidays/frog_river.htm Probably the easiest and most comfortable way to reach Frog River Hot Springs
Olympic National Park http://www.olympicnationalparks.com/ General information about Olympic National Park. Relates to Olympic Hot Springs and Sol Duc Hot Springs
Olympic National Park - Hot Springs http://www.olympicnationalparks.com/activities/hot-springs.aspx Hours, rates, and temperatures for Sol Duc Hot Springs
Parks Canada - Banff National Park http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/index.aspx Not much hot spring related, but there’s plenty of important visitor information about Banff National Park, in which the Middle & Kidney Warm Springs, and Vermillion Lakes Cool Springs are located
Parks Canada - Cave and Basin National Historic Site http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ab/caveandbasin/index.aspx Visitor information, such as hours and fees, as well as links to other activities in Banff National Park. Relates to Banff’s Cave & Basin Hot Springs
Parks Canada - Gandll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island) http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/gwaiihaanas/natcul/natcul4/natcul4d.aspx Pictures, visitor information, and history of Hotspring Island
Parks Canada - Jasper National Park http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jasper/index.aspx Important visitor information and activities available in Jasper National Park, which hosts Miette Hot Springs
Scenic Hot Springs http://scenichotsprings.blogspot.ca/ Follow the instructions in the sidebar to obtain permission to visit and make donations. Their excellent blog, maintained by the spring’s stewards, contains information on current conditions and issues
Soaker’s Forum - Kennedy http://www.soakersforum.com/3/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=54 A post-landslide trip report, with pictures. Relates to Kennedy Hot Springs
St. Leon Hot Springs http://stleonhotsprings.com An unofficial page with pictures, a description, and directions
Takhini Hot Springs http://www.takhinihotsprings.com/ Hours and prices, as well as information about camping and activities
Trippin.ca http://www.trippin.ca/TripReports/PittRiverHotSprings/PRHS-index.html An entertaining trip report, with plenty of pictures, of an epic overland journey from Squamish to Pitt River Hot Springs
USDA Forest Service - Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recreation/recarea/?recid=17820&actid=50 Updated information about conditions on the White Chuck River Trail 643. Relates to Kennedy Hot Springs
USDA Forest Service - Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTn0AjAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYwefy6w0H24dcPNgEHcDTQ9_PIz03VL8iNMMgycVQEADoWIdk!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=17678&actid=&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=&ss=110605&position=&ttype=recarea&pname=Mt. Baker - Suiattle River Road - FS Road Updated information about conditions on the Suiattle River Road 26, which accesses Gamma Hot Springs and Sulphur Hot Springs
USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tongass/recreation/wateractivities/recarea/?recid=79159&actid=82 Directions, a basic description, and contact information relating to Chief Shakes Hot Springs
Technical References
Below is a list of scientific publications, some of which are online, while others are only in print and quite difficult to find. Some of these reports are extremely detailed, and a background in geology might prove helpful for interpreting them, but they contain a wealth of information.
Caron, M.-E., S.E. Grasby, and M.C. Ryan “Spring geochemistry: A tool for mineral exploration in the south Nahanni River basin of the Mackenzie Mountains, Northwest Territories”, in Mineral and Energy Resource Assessment of the Greater Nahanni Ecosystem Under Consideration for the expansion of the Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories, D.F. Wright, D. Lemkow, and J.R. Harris (editors), pp. 31-74. Ottawa: Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 5344, 2007 The best single source for locations, temperature, and chemical data on springs in the Northwest Territories, this has little descriptive information and is not for casual reading. It can be downloaded from geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/geoscan-index.html (search for Caron Grasby)
Christie, R.A. Bibliography and Index of Geothermal Resources and Development in Washington State, with Selected General Works. Olympia: Washington Division of Geology and Earth Resources, Open File Report 94-1, 1994 Most publications on hot springs in Washington are listed in this bibliography. Available in large Canadian libraries
Crandall, J.T., And T.L. Sadlier-Brown Data on Geothermal Areas, Cordilleran Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Adjacent British Columbia, Canada. Ottawa: Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 427, 1977 The printed version is old and hard to find but remains an important source for springs in northern Canada. Includes references to older publications. Can be downloaded from geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/geoscan-index.html (search for Sadlier-Brown)
Fairbank, B.D., and R.L. Faulkner Geothermal Resources of British Columbia. Ottawa: Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 2526, 1992 This map shows the locations of hot, warm, and cool springs in British Columbia, with temperature and other technical data. Out of data and wrong in some places but still interesting. Available from Geological Survey of Canada offices and can be downloaded from geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/geoscan-index.html (search for Fairbank Faulkner)
Ghomshei, M.M., And T.L. Sadlier-Brown Direct Use Energy from the Hotsprings and Subsurface Geothermal Resources of British Columbia. Vancouver, B.C.: Canadian Geothermal Energy Association, 1996 Clear description of some possible uses of geothermal energy in B.C., with emphasis on hot springs. Contains a complete list of all thermal springs know at the time in B.C. Not widely distributed, but copies are available in libraries of the Geological Survey of Canada, and for purchase from BiTech Publishers Ltd.
Grasby, S.E., D.M. Allen, S. Bell, Z. Chen, G. Ferguson, A. Jessop, M. Kelman, M. Ko, J. Majorowicz, M. Moore, J. Raymond, and R. Therrien Geothermal Energy Resource Potential of Canada. Ottawa: Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 6914, 2012 Excellent summary of the geothermal energy potential of Canada. Includes some information on hot springs and a comprehensive bibliography. Can be downloaded from geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/geoscan-index.html (search for Grasby Jessop Kelman)
Motyka, Roman J., Mary A. Moorman Geothermal Resources of Southeastern Alaska. Juneau: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Professional Report 93, 1987 This colour map (scale 1:1,000,000) shows locations of hot springs in southeastern Alaska, with temperatures, notes, and references
Motyka, Roman J., Mary A. Moorman, and John W. Reeder Assessment of Thermal Spring Sites in Southern Southeastern Alaska: Preliminary Results and Evaluation. Juneau: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Open File 127, 1980. Still the best source for locations and descriptions of hot springs in the southern half of southeastern Alaska. Can be downloaded from www.dggs.alaska.gov/pubs/id/44
Nelson, J. “The tropical fish fauna in Cave and Basin hot springs drainage, Banff National Park, Alberta.” The Canadian Field Naturalist (Ottawa) 97 (1983): pp. 255-261 A fascinating description of the exotic fish at Banff. Semi-technical but worth the effort if you are interested in the biology of hot springs
Porsild, A.E., And H. Crum. “The vascular flora of Liard Hotsprings, B.C., With notes on some bryophytes.” Ottawa: National Museum of Canada, Bulletin 171, pp. 131-196, 1961 Contains a thorough description of the flora of Liard Hot Springs. Technical but essential reading for anyone interested in the unique flora of these hot springs
Waring, G.A. Thermal Springs of the United States and Other Countries of the world - A Summary. Washington: United States Geological Survey, Bulletin 492, 1965 Contains a listing with maps and extensive references to the hot springs of the world. Now out of date but still an invaluable starting point for research
