This weekend, are you considering visiting Sloquet Hot Springs? So, before you take that peaceful weekend trip, learn everything there is to know about the wonderful hot springs!
British Columbia has many amazing hot springs. The Hot Springs have both naturally occurring and artificial pools. And the Sloquet Hot Springs is one of the favorite sites for many hot spring lovers.
The Sloquet Hot Springs traditionally belong to the people of the Xa’xtsa Nation. Known as the Douglas First Nation. Douglas First Nation is recognized under the Indian Act. Douglas First Nation has been using the hot springs for generations.
It holds religious and spiritual significance for the people of the Douglas First Nation.
What does it look like?
The pools lie between the waterfall and the river of Sloquet. These Hot Springs are a bunch of rock and medium-sized pools that begin at a hot waterfall.
Water then goes and meets the Sloquet creek through these pools. So, you get to see a hot waterfall, a creek, and small pools.
Word of Advise: It is advisable to check the temperature of the water before jumping in. The water gets hot enough to give scalds and burns. The upper pools might be too hot for bathing. At the same time, the lower pools are of suitable temperature.
How to get to the Sloquet Hot Springs?
You can access Sloquet Hot Springs from the south via the Sts’ailes FSR. It was formerly known as Harrison West FSR (Forest Service Road).
Harrison West FSR winds down the western edge of Harrison Lake. But You might find a camping spot to halt alongside Harrison West FSR.
Well, you will have to drive or ride for around 75 kilometres (approximate) on the In-Shuck-ch forest service road. The drive lasts for about two to three hours. But this long drive is worth all the hustle.
The hot springs’ ascent trail is indicated. Also shown is the route to the campsite. Your cell phone might not be usable due to bad connectivity.
If you come, you will find a gas station at the Sts’ailes First Nation Road. e via this road, turn at the Sasquatch Inn. You will fation lies 2 kilometres past the turn-off to Sloquet.
The gas station has unleaded diesel fuels. You will find the regular pump prices displayed. Cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted at the gas station.
Reasons Why You Should Be Visiting the Sloquet Hot Springs
1. The Hot Springs Charges Almost Nothing
The hot springs are free to use and enjoy if you plan a day trip. If you plan to stay overnight, you are charged a reasonable rate to stay in the inn.
If you visit the Sloquet Hot Springs in mid-week, this is probably the best escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The hot water and the green canopy of the trees overhead are a calming experience.
A spot nearby has a table to keep your belongings and a few hooks to hang your clothes. The table is sheltered and has a bench as well.
The boulders lining the pools are comfortable to lean on. The bottoms of the pools are covered with soft sand. These pools are small or medium-sized.
The larger pools can be found near the bank of Sloquet creek, where the primary stream source directly feeds them.
2. There is a cold dip as well
You are mistaken if you think this hot spring is all about hot water. A cold creek is nearby, along with the hot pools and waterfall. If you feel too hot or cooked, you can take a chilling dip in this cold creek.
Semi-natural pools have the perfect temperature. They are really warm and comfortable. The hot stream is the main source that feeds all the pools. So naturally, the closer you get to the source, the hotter it gets. So, if you feel cooked, you might want to dip in this cool water.
3. You can camp there
There is a campground just in the vicinity of the pools and creek. It is located uphill. The campsite has an alternate trail to the hot springs. But regardless of the trail you take, the hot springs are just five minutes away.
There are 20 campsites spread apart enough to get you some privacy. Each site has its picnic table, pit toilet, and fire pit. You will be charged $5 for parking and $15 (per night) for camping overnight.
4. You can enjoy a night dip
Imagine floating around in a warm water pool surrounded by a dozen candles at night. It is as exciting as it sounds. You can experience this at night at the hot springs.
There are spots on the cliff wall where you can light candles. In addition, there are some candle holders on the overhanging branches of the trees.
Did you know? The Sloquet Hot Springs is situated in the traditional territory of the Xa’xsta First Nations. They still use the springs for cleansing and spiritual ceremonies here.
5. The spot is very picturesque
You must have an idea by now that the Sloquet Hot Springs is a beautiful spot. You can picture the dense green trees surrounding the pools, a cascading waterfall, and a rich, flowing creek.
The smooth grey rocks lining the blue pools are a wonderful sight. As the sun sets, the candles lighting up the cliff wall look exquisite.
During the day, you spot some dream catchers on the overhanging branches. Seriously, you can get some cool photos for your Instagram and snap stories. For professional people, too, this place is perfect for some nature photography.
You can check out amazing photos of the Sloquet Hot springs. These pictures will make you plan your trip to the hot springs as soon as possible.
Nearby tourist attractions
Since the Sloquet Hot Springs is located in the Lillooette in Whistler, there are other amazing attractions that you might want to see while there. Having a car with you would be super convenient to enjoy the drive.
1. Lillooet Lake
You would want to arrange a trip to Lillooet Lake. The lake has a serene blue-green colour, and the surrounding are quite scenic. It is approximately an hour and two away from the hot springs.
2. Tsek Hot Springs
The Trek Hot Springs is located 10 kilometres from the Sloquet Hot Springs. At Trek Hot Springs, they serve you on a first come- first serve basis.
They have 12 hot tubs in a remote and peaceful place. You can find both hot and cold water at Tsek Hot Springs. Here’s an interesting fact about Skookumchuck Hot Springs. Trek is the Skatin name for this place.
It is pronounced “chick.” It is also called Skookumchuck Hot Springs. In the language of the Chinook people, Skookumchuck Hot Springs means strong water.
Skookumchuck Hot Springs were also called St. Agnes Well. Skookumchuck Hot Springs had that name in the days of the Frayser Canyon Gold Rush.
However, the old name of Skookumchuck is not used anymore. It is hard to get the names right in the first shot. But remember, Trek is pronounced “chick.” Some people write it as “T’sek.”
If you are willing to take a three-hour drive to the town of Lillooet, you will come across several great restaurants and tourist spots.
You can even visit these places in Lillooet and then head to the Sloquet Hot Springs.
3. Seton Lake
This is one of the prominent attractions in Lillooet. Panoramic mountains enclose this fantastic lake. Since Lillooet is the biodiversity hotspot, you might spot some birds here.
The lake is ideal for swimming and canoeing. There is a railway line along the lake. You can also stop at the highway to take a quick look.
4. Lillooet Museum and Visitor Centre
The museum holds an array of ancient exhibits of Lillooet. You can stop by on your way to some other place. Staff is quite friendly and knowledgeable. The Miyazaki House is a four-minute walk from here.
In addition, some Hot Springs tours take tourists to all the major hot springs in British Columbia. If you are on a hot springs spree, you might want to check out these top Hot Springs in British Columbia.
Closing Thoughts
Have you been to Sloquet Hotsprings? If yes, share your experience with us in the comments section below! Also, let us know if you found this article useful. Spare a minute to check out some fantastic facts about British Columbia.
Frequently Asked Question
1, Which is the best time to visit Sloquet Hot Springs?
The springs are situated within a BC Recreation site nestled in a valley with the lovely Sloquet Creek running along the southern boundary, about two hours’ drive from Pemberton, British Columbia.
mentioned before, this is a famous spot for Hot Spring enthusiasts. You will usually find it crowded on the weekends and holidays. In summer, too, the spot is crowded.
Since it is a small place, it feels crowded quickly. You will find the hot springs to yourself at the start of the fall. In extreme winters, the hot springs sometimes become inaccessible due to snowfall.
2, Who manages the site?
The Xa’xsta First Nations still manage the hot springs site and campsite along with Recreations Sites and Trails BC. The managers and operators are local, and they help out with directions. Sloquet Hot Springs does not accept pre-bookings and reservations. They go on the ‘First Come, First Serve’ basis.
The site operators help you with the allocation of sites. Site operators attend to customers, collect fees and look after maintenance.
Most site operators are locals and know the area well. You can always ask the site operators if you are confused about directions.
3, What to Keep In Mind?
Please remember these few conditions while visiting the hot springs.
- Do not consume alcohol while in the pools. Take the spiritual history into consideration.
- Keep food, trash, and cigarettes away from the pools. Do not contaminate the water.
- Keep it clean, as the t’sek hot springs is still sacred to the Xa’xsta people. Take your trash away with you. Do not litter the place.
- Pets are allowed into the campsites. However, pets cannot be taken to pools due to health concerns and, of course, since it has very hot water. Which might be just at the comfortable soaking temperature but are not suitable for most domestic animals.
- There are no restaurants in the vicinity of the hot springs. Hot springs enthusiasts are advised to carry some tinned food or packed food.
- There are also two small soaking pools nearby for a more comfortable soaking temperature for quick hot and cold dips.
- It is highly recommended to book your trip by visiting the official website sloquet hot springs.
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