For those seeking an authentic hot springs experience (rather than just sitting in a large heated swimming pool!), a trip to the Lussier Hot Springs should be at the top of your bucket list. These hot springs are still relatively unknown compared to the larger Radium and Fairmont Hot Springs, and give you the chance to sit in a geothermal rock pool nestled beside the Lussier river!
THE LUSSIER HOT SPRINGS OVERVIEW
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HOW TO GET TO THE LUSSIER HOT SPRINGS
The hot springs are located in the Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, which is around an hour drive from Invermere. The first part of the journey is a picturesque drive along Highway 95a, where you get some great views of Windermere and Columbia lakes. After about 30 kilometers on Highway 95, you'll turn onto Whiteswan Lake Road, which is a well-maintained logging road, but exercise cautious and drive carefully.
Lussier Hot Springs Map:
A Few Words of Warning:
The road is an active logging area so there were some trucks that went past when we were there - give them space as they pass.
The trail is quite exposed in a number of areas, with minimal guard rails, so take your time and be careful!
I have only visited in the summer, but in winter the roads are likely to be quite treacherous, so make sure you have good winter tires on.
After approximately 16 kilometers driving on the logging road, you'll arrive at the parking area for the hot springs. From the parking area, there is a short walk down a gravel path for around 800 meters to the hot springs, which is steep but easily done in the summer (in the winter it can be treacherous).
THE THREE DIFFERENT POOLS
Once down at the hot springs there are three main pools that you can bathe in. Access is generally fairly straight forward but it might be difficult for older people, or those with mobility issues as you do have to enter by climbing over some rocks.
The top pool is the hottest pool, which is the temperature of a warm hot tub, and where you can also see the source of the springs pouring in from underground. The kids struggled to get in more than just dipping their legs in. I imagine that in the winter this pool would be by far the most crowded, although on a hot summers day it was fairly easy to find a spot.
The middle pool was more the temperature of a warm-ish bath, and this was the pool that our kids spent the most time in. As the pool is heated by water trickling down from the top, there are certain spots that are warmer than others.
The bottom pool, which is right next to the river is fairly cold, but compared to the river it is still quite manageable. A lot depends on how high the river is, as the higher the water levels, the more ice cold water fills in to the pool affecting the temperature.
I recommend visiting during off peaks times if possible to try and get the hot springs as much to yourself as possible. Weekday mornings are usually the quietest times, but I also found that around dinner time was quiet as well as visiting later in the evening.
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
Clothes! – Not often that I need to specify that you need to bring clothes, but make sure you bring (and wear) a bathing suit! There are changing room at the top of the path where you can change.
A towel – Bring a towel with you otherwise it will make for a wet drive back to Invermere....
Appropriate Footwear – In the summer you can definitely walk down to the hot springs in flip flops, however, in the winter its a different story! I would highly recommend hiking boots with snow spikes as it can get very slippery. I'd highly recommend water shoes as it means they can play around in the pools without scraping their feet on any small rocks.
Water Shoes – while not a necessity, I find that water shoes (especially for the kids) is a great idea as the rocks can get a little slippery so it gives much better grip when moving around. As these are natural pools the pool floor is smallish rocks and pebbles so some type of water shoe definitely makes things more comfortable when moving around.
Water – I'd recommend bringing water with you in a reusable bottle. It's prohibited to drink alcohol but I'd guess that around 50% of adults had a beer in their hand so I'll leave that to your own judgement. Take everything you bring in back out with you.
ENJOY THE LUSSIER HOT SPRINGS
For a hot springs experience in British Columbia that is still largely unknown, visit the Lussier Hot Springs! As always, if you have any questions about our visit to the hot springs feel free to ask away in the comments section!
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