Western Canada has around thirty sources, listed and open to the public.
This is without counting those hidden from view, belonging to individuals, and whose addresses are secretly transmitted on the corners of paper tablecloths from generation to generation.
To discover
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Present in three of the western states, Alberta, Yukon and British Columbia, these springs emerge from the heart of the mountains at more than 50°C on the surface before being cooled to milder temperatures, around 40°C.
As for the other states of the country lacking natural springs, they have found the solution by developing spas in natural environments, open all year round, even in winter.
Read the fileCanada: the Figaro travel guide
Nimmo Bay, British Columbia
Exclusive experience at Nimmo Bay, where you can kayak to saunas and floating Nordic baths.
JEREMY KORESKI
You have to be patient to reach Nimmo Bay, but isn't it the ultimate luxury to stay in a place that seems to have been (or almost) untouched by the paw of man.
Located in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, this nine-chalet hotel on the water is inaccessible by car.
From Vancouver, head to Port Hardy, on the far north of Vancouver Island, then take a seaplane and fly over fjords and dense forests for twenty minutes before landing on Mackenzie Inlet.
For an exclusive experience, the saunas and floating Nordic baths can be privatized and can be reached by kayak.
Massages are offered in the countryside or in a spa with a 180° view of the vegetation.
For total respect for the environment, the electricity and water consumed are provided by the waterfall which cascades down the mountain.
Around €6,000 for 3 nights in an all-inclusive formula for two people.
Nimmobay.com
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Nakusp Hot Springs, British Columbia
The Nakusp hot springs are the most famous in Western Canada.
SDP
On the Alberta border between Calgary and Vancouver, Nakusp Hot Springs is one of the most famous hot water springs in Western Canada where people come to practice balneotherapy.
This thermal water contains 11 minerals effective for treating various ailments such as skin diseases.
The complex has two outdoor swimming pools with views of the snow-covered mountains.
On site, a few chalets are available to enjoy additional activities such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
€13 entry.
Nakusphotsprings.com
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Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, Yukon
Eclipse Nordic in the Yukon is also known for its frozen hairstyle competition.
SDP
Further north, the Yukon is part of the northern territories, between Alaska and British Columbia.
2,500 km north of Vancouver, Eclipse is the only spring in the country that allows you to admire the Northern Lights outdoors, with your body immersed in warm water.
In addition to this spectacle offered by nature, the spa is known beyond borders for its frozen hairstyle competition.
During the coldest weeks, when temperatures drop below -20°C, visitors are invited to create the most extravagant hairstyles.
In contact with the freezing cold, your hair freezes, but don't worry, the cold doesn't damage it and a good hot chocolate awaits you inside.
€28 entry.
Eclipsenordichotsprings.ca
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Scandinave Spa, Quebec
An hour and a half northwest of Montreal, this spa nestles in the Laurentian forest, an enchanting setting that aspires to well-being: dry sauna with a view of the forest, hammocks lulled by the sound of the river, bistro with a view over the valley... Cell phones remain in the locker room and the spa offers no Wi-Fi connection. It has several hot whirlpool baths, saunas, cold waterfalls and Zero Gravity rocking chairs that give the feeling of be in the water aligning the heart, legs and back.
From €77 entry.
Scandinavian.com
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Also read: Quebec in winter, a magnificent playground
Sensea Nordic Spa, Nova Scotia
At Sensea Nordic Spa, hydrotherapy is experienced in the great outdoors.
Beatrice Schuler
Just an hour east of Halifax, this spa was inspired by Scandinavian but also Asian rituals to offer an original experience.
Visitors can enjoy saunas and hammams infused with essential oils, alternate between hot baths and ice baths, which have become very popular with athletes to help with recovery, warm up around outdoor wood fires... Tibetan bowl sessions as well that workshops for making your own face mask are also offered, all in a natural environment by a lake.
€50 entry.
Sensea.ca
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Also read: From Canada to Alaska, the Great North by canoe