Overview
A highway-access hot springs stop between national parks
Canyon Hot Springs Resort is one of those rare hot springs you can reach without detouring deep into the backroads. It sits in Albert Canyon, east of Revelstoke, just off the Trans-Canada Highway, between Glacier and Mount Revelstoke National Parks. The vibe is simple: pull in, pay admission, soak, then continue your road trip.
This is not a wild spring. The water is piped to maintained pools and the resort operates seasonally, so you plan it like a summer road-trip stop, not a year-round local soak.
The pools, in plain terms
The resort describes two main pools, a hot mineral soaking pool listed at 40°C (104°F) and a larger swimming pool listed at 32°C (86°F). That split matters, the hot pool is for soaking and sitting, the swim pool is where families and mixed groups tend to spend longer stretches.
Why it’s worth building into a route
If you are driving the Trans-Canada and want a real soak without committing to a resort town, this is one of the easiest “hot springs break” options in the region.
Location & Access
Where it is
Canyon Hot Springs Resort is in Albert Canyon, about 35 km east of Revelstoke, British Columbia, with access directly off the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1). It’s positioned as a convenient stop between Glacier National Park and Mount Revelstoke National Park.
By car
This is a drive-up hot springs. You exit the highway and follow short on-site roads into the resort area. Because it’s on a major corridor, most vehicles can reach it during the operating season without special equipment.
Seasonality and hours
Canyon Hot Springs operates seasonally. The resort publishes specific open and close dates by year (for example, it has posted a mid-May to late-September season with daytime pool hours). Do not assume it is open outside that window, confirm current dates before you plan your day around it.
What to bring
Bring a swimsuit (the resort requires proper swim attire), a towel, sandals with grip, and a warm layer for cooler evenings in the canyon. If you are camping or RVing on site, pack as you would for mountain weather: rain gear, mosquito protection in peak summer, and extra dry clothing.
Suitability & Accessibility
Canyon Hot Springs is best for road trippers, campers, and families who want a straightforward soak in a maintained facility. It’s also a practical stop if you are hiking nearby and want a warm-water reset without driving into a larger town.
Families
Family friendly, yes. The larger swimming pool temperature is milder than the hot soak pool, which makes it easier for kids and mixed ages. The hot pool is still hot enough that you should keep kids’ soak times short and watch for overheating.
Mobility and accessibility
This is a developed resort, but published details on step-free access and pool entry aids can be limited. Expect typical resort constraints: wet decks, gates, and some grade changes. If you need specific features (ramps, lifts, step-free change rooms), contact the resort directly before you go. Plan for the possibility that the easiest access is to the main pool area rather than every corner of the property.
Expectations vs reality
The setting is pretty and the water is genuinely warm, but it’s not a secluded natural pool. At busy times it can feel like a popular road-trip stop, because that’s exactly what it is.
Safety & Etiquette
Heat and time limits
The hot soak pool is listed at 40°C (104°F), which can be too much for long sessions. Start with a short soak, take breaks, and drink water. If you feel nauseous, lightheaded, or unusually tired, get out and cool down immediately.
Wet-surface hazards
Decks and steps get slick. Wear sandals with traction and do not run, especially with kids moving between pools and change areas.
Respect posted rules
The resort posts seasonal hours and pool rules, including swimwear requirements. Follow them. It keeps the experience smoother and avoids awkward staff interventions.
Mountain corridor basics
Even in summer, weather in the Selkirks can flip quickly. Keep an eye on forecast and road conditions if you are traveling early or late in the season. If you are continuing toward Glacier National Park, drive with extra caution after rain when visibility drops.
Etiquette
Keep voices reasonable, give others space at the pool edge, and do not crowd the hottest spots. A calm pool deck is part of what you are paying for.
FAQs
When is Canyon Hot Springs Resort open?
It runs on a seasonal schedule and posts specific opening and closing dates by year, typically in a spring-to-fall window. Check current dates before you drive out.
How hot are the pools?
The resort lists the hot mineral soaking pool at 40°C (104°F) and the swimming pool at 32°C (86°F). Use the hot pool in shorter sessions.
Do you have to wear a swimsuit?
Yes. The resort requires proper swim attire in the pools.
Is it easy to reach?
Yes. It’s right off the Trans-Canada Highway, making it one of the most logistics-friendly hot springs stops near Revelstoke.
Is it good for families?
Yes, especially because there is a cooler swimming pool. Keep kids’ time in the hot soak pool short and supervise closely on wet decks.