There’s a scenic mountain drive that leads to many of B.C.’s natural hot springs

Ready to embark on a beautiful adventure through the mountain wilderness? The Hot Springs Circle Loop in British Columbia is a scenic drive through the rugged Rockies that you’ll definitely want to bookmark for this fall or winter.

The week-long journey takes travellers through iconic small towns, historic sites, and some of the best natural hot springs in the province. So buckle up and get ready to cross multiple destinations off your bucket list.

Cranbrook to Golden

According to Destination BC, the loop is divided into multiple parts, starting with the route from Cranbrook to Kimberley. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to check out a handful of historic gems like the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel and Fort Steele Heritage Town, which gives visitors a glimpse into the region’s “wild west” past.

Next up on the map is the charming mountain town of Kimberley, which is just over an hour away from Cranbrook between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains. Known for its prime night skiing and ski-in/ski-out options, Kimberley Alpine Resort is a must-visit if you’re looking to hit the slopes on your trip.

It’s also home to the largest municipal park in the province, so be sure to give the Kimberley Nature Park and its diverse plants and wildlife a visit.

Our next stop, 20 minutes from Kimberley, is the picturesque, unincorporated town of Fairmont Hot Springs, AKA Canada’s largest mineral hot springs.

Visitors can wade through naturally heated pools with odourless water, or opt for a luxurious stay at the resort and access to the guest-only pool.

Next up, we have Invermere and Radium Hot Springs. According to Destination BC, November is a great time to visit, as the bighorn sheep that occupy the area will be in rutting season.

Situated in the incredible Kootenay National Park, Radium Hot Springs offers visitors natural, odourless waters to soak in as you take in dramatic views of Sinclair Canyon.

Golden to Ainsworth Hot Springs

The second half of the journey starts just under two hours away from Radium in the small town of Golden. A hot spot for ice climbing, ski-touring, and snowmobiling, it’s no surprise that Golden is a popular wintertime destination in and of itself.

Here, visitors can also dine at the highest-elevated restaurant in Canada at 2,347 metres: Eagle’s Eye Restaurant.

From there, you’ll journey on the elevated Meadows in the Sky Parkway to Revelstoke, a vibrant community known for its famed mountain resort, restored heritage buildings, and sprawling arts & culture scene.

Just over half an hour’s drive from Revelstoke is Halcyon Hot Springs, which boasts gorgeous views of the Monashee Mountains.

Finally, we come to the last two stops on the list, which incidentally both have hot springs: Naksup (the clearest hot springs in B.C.) and Ainsworth Hot Springs.

The latter is a bit of a home stretch (over three hours away from Naksup), but it’s well worth it to end your journey here. The historic village is known for its year-round hot springs and ancient limestone caves to explore.

So there you have it, B.C. If you’re looking for a detailed road trip itinerary, consider it done!