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Haven’t you imagined dipping into a hot mineral water pool for relaxation? A 4-hour drive from downtown Kelowna takes you to Halfway Hot Springs, a rustic place that reconnects you with your roots, where you can enjoy a hot mineral bath.
The expression “hidden treasure” is overused, yet there are situations when it truly applies. Halfway Hot Springs in British Columbia’s Kootenay area is a lonely, undeveloped off-the-beaten-path series of natural hot springs that truly is a hidden gem.
These hot springs are distinct from others in that they are rustic, rocky, and entirely natural. They are quite popular throughout the summer. We paid them a visit in early spring while the snow was still on the ground. It was difficult to get to these hot springs, but it was well worth the effort to take in the calm and beauty of Halfway Hot Springs.
British Columbia, Canada, can boast the most beautiful mountains, exciting trails, stunning lakes, perpetual rivers, and vibrant natural hot springs.
Halfway Hot Spring is one of the natural hot springs which are wild and untouched by human interference.
It is a natural mineral water spring loved for its wilderness. Halfway Hot Springs is specially designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, being closer to nature. Developed by BC Parks, it lies halfway between Nakusp and Revelstoke.
Robert Moody hosts this forestry recreation site, offering some amazing recreational activities. You can dip into the hot mineral water pools or erect a tent at the camping sites. This place has many pleasant surprises for you.
Follow Guide To Nakusp Hot Springs: 3 Hot Springs and More to get an idea about more Naksup Hot Springs, BC.
Let’s See What Halfway Hot Springs Has For You!
1. Hot Mineral Water Springs
When you reach the Halfway Hot Springs recreation site, a network of stone-lined mud-bottomed pools leads to the main mineral springs. This wild hot spring is an incredible place to avail yourself of comfort within the impression of backwoods.
Where are the Main Pools located?
The Main Pools are located near the main trail’s base and include a close, semi-private changing station. These are the three largest and most popular pools at Halfway. The upper pool is about 24 inches deep and features natural rock sitting around the edge and little gravel and sand on the bottom.
The river Pools are a short 50-yard stroll from the Main Pools through the forest. There are several pools dug into the Halfway River shoreline. The temperature and size of these pools will vary depending on the time of year. The pool closest to the river is surrounded by a rock wall from which mineral water seeps out.
Direction from Kelowna:
The easiest way to get there is Nakusp Drive through Highway 23. There is also a way from Navestoke, but the Galena Bay Ferry might create problems for you.
“Drive North on 6th Ave on Highway 6 to reach the recreation site. You meet a few forks in the road when you reach the Halfway Bridge. Keep driving on the logging road. At 11 km Fork, some signs indicate the road to the recreation site.”
Once you arrive at the Halfway Hot Springs, numerous clean and maintained rock pools entice you to take a dip. They are situated at the banks of Halfway River, which is a tributary to the St. Lawrence River.
Some mentionable hot pools at Halfway Hot Springs are:
- The main Pools are three in number and located near the main trail base, with a semi-private change room.
- The River Pools are just a few steps from the main area, having a range of pools with varying temperatures.
- The Gorge Pools are situated near the Halfway Waterfalls that are reached after a 7-minute hike.
- The Waterfall Pools are known for exquisite mineral water pools and scenic views.
The temperature varies from one pool to another, but the experience is equally sensational. The wilderness and the cosy river water make you feel rejuvenated.
2. Camping At Halfway Water Springs
Before 2016, this recreational site was a wild area with occasional human intervention. BC Parks has developed it for commercial camping and other adventurous activities. A well-maintained parking lot, a sand tent pad, fire pits, tables, and outhouses make the experience comfortable and secure.
Ammentinities at BC Park
Halfway River Hot Springs is open for camping from May 1 to October 31. B.C. Parks manages the facility, and there is a campsite manager on-site. There are 20 car-accessible campsites and 10 dispersed tent camping sites. There are six outhouses but no rubbish cans, so you must pack out everything you bring in. Camping costs $15 per night ($7.50 per night for seniors).
The camping area accommodates 12 vehicle-accessible campsites where you can enjoy private camping near the Halfway River. 10 more hike-in tent sites are situated in the forest for a better closeness to the vibrant wild creatures.
Before planning for an exciting camping experience, take a look at the necessary guidelines:
- All the campsites are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
- You can stay for a maximum of 2 weeks.
- Per camping site accommodates only 1 vehicle.
- The camping sites have a lot of poison ivy. You must be careful.
- Bring your own drinking water, firewood, and toilet paper.
- A garbage facility is not available at the campsites. Pack out what you pack in.
- Camping operations occur from the 1st of May to the 31st of October each year.
To know more about camping at Halfway Water Springs, follow Camping@Halfway Hot Springs.
3. Hiking
Halfway Hot Springs Recreation Site has held numerous surprises for its kitty. The Hiking Trail is one such worthwhile attraction.
How to reach the Recreational Site?
It’s a 0.7 km trek down to the hot springs from the trailhead. In the winter and spring, the trek is steep and ice-covered, but there are ropes linked to assist in making the descent safer. The route is well-kept and has handrails and steps. After the descent, there is a brief stroll through the forest.
What to expect?
You’ve arrived at Halfway Hot Springs when you notice the cedar change room hut on your left. The changing room is convenient for putting on your bathing suit and keeping your belongings. There are three hot pools nearby, so try them all and discover which one is your favourite!
This 1.6 km long trail runs through Hot Springs and offers worth-seeing glimpses of the wild forests. It is a moderately trafficked trail that provides hiking and camping facilities.
It is a beautiful and quiet trail, good for all skill levels. The beautiful Halfway River and the pools create a soothing hiking experience.
The best time to use this trail is from May to September each year. In winter, you can hike this trail on snowshoes.
4. Halcyon Hot Springs
Another place to enjoy the hot spring activities is Halycon Hot Springs Resort, located at 5655 Hwy 23 North.
Nakusp, BC. A two and half hour’s drive from the Halfway Hot Springs takes you to this resort, where you enjoy the restaurant, spa, and comfortable accommodations.
Interesting History of Halcyon Hot Springs Resort
British Army Brigadier-General Dr. Frederick Burnham, a surgeon, renovated the hotel as a sanatorium in 1924, prohibiting smoking and drinking. To entice working-class customers, he kept the tariffs low. Halcyon gained international notoriety as a therapeutic center, stressing the medicinal qualities of the natural hot springs water’s high quantities of lithium.
Dr. Burnham was killed when the hotel burned down in 1955. Mount Burnham, which is located across from the resort, bears his name. The location was abandoned due to a lack of road access. A resort, cottages, and hot pools were erected in 1998 and opened the following year. There are two natural hot spring pools, a cold plunge pool, a seasonal swimming pool, a restaurant, and housing available at the resort.
If you are not ready for a camping experience at the Halfway Hot Springs Recreation site, you can stay at the family-styled cottages in this resort.
Location
It is located on Upper Arrow Lake, where the Monashee Mountains peek at you with surreal beauty.
Amenities Include:
- Mineral water hot spring
- Cool pool for Cryotherapy
- Spa for inner well-being
- Hiking and Mountain Biking
- Arrow Lakes Adventures
- Fishing and Canoeing
Halycon Hot Springs offer exciting recreational activities throughout the year. Activities are season-based.
5. A Secret Hot Spring
Besides Halfway Hot Springs, a secret place is untouched and situated in the deeper woods. It is located at the Halfway River valley and is also known as Wholeway Hot Springs.
Wholeway or Upper Halfway Hot Springs is one of the best places to explore the real wilderness of the Central Kootenay area in a non-commercial way.
The uneven roads, poison ivy, and dense forests might hurdle your expedition. Once you reach these springs, all the discomfort eventually becomes a precious gift, with the scenic views of the mountains.
Some other Secret Hotsprings
St. Leon Hot Springs is located on the slope of a forested hill south of Halfway Hot Springs. They are on private land. Lussier Hot Springs in British Columbia’s Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park is another natural hot spring comparable to Halfway Hot Springs.
Rocks surround the lone pool at these hot springs. The pool is located next to a river and is accessible through a logging road. Before going to the Lussier Hot Spring, check the park’s website for updates.
Summary
Reaching the Halfway Hot Springs might be tedious, but the reinforcement is memorable. Dipping into the hot pool water filled with sulphur and other minerals comforts all your senses. Erecting a tent at the beautiful campsites with the calm starry horizon to see brings a sense of spiritual accomplishment.
Favourite FAQs
1. Where is Halfway Hot Springs in BC?
Nakusp is home to the Halfway Hot Springs in British Columbia. Halfway Hot Springs is a completely natural off-grid hot springs attraction that will take your breath away. This backcountry retreat is amazing, located between the town of Nakusp and the legendary Halcyon Hot Springs Resort.
2. How is the road to Halfway Hot Springs?
The hike is virtually entirely uphill, with some steep downhill parts between the parking area and the hot springs. The walk is a short, steep downhill climb from the parking lot to the pools.
There are stairwells and rock steps for the latter part of the walk.
3. How do you get to keyhole Hot Springs?
The trailhead is 42 km up the Upper Lillooet FSR.
Drive up Pemberton Meadows Road from Pemberton, BC, until it intersects with the Hurley Pass Road, then turn right onto the Hurley Pass Road. Cross the Lillooet River, drive approximately 6 km, turn left along the Upper Lillooet FSR, and continue upstream until 42 kilometres.
4. Are there any natural hot springs on Vancouver Island?
Vancouver Island is home to several hot springs, one of which, Hot Springs Cove, is regarded as the best in Canada. The hot springs on Vancouver Island are located in some of the most gorgeous and wild parts of British Columbia, with no construction surrounding them, making visiting them an experience in and of itself.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty
