Quick FactsOverview
About Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs
Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, Canada is a paid adults-only wellness facility in the Yukon Territory, on Takhini Hot Springs Road approximately 25 kilometres northwest of Whitehorse. Built on the historic Takhini Hot Springs site, Eclipse blends Scandinavian and Japanese onsen traditions into a purpose-designed spa, with four natural mineral rock pools, two saunas, two steam rooms, cold plunges, and heated relaxation lounges. It is open year-round and is the only hot springs facility of its type in the territory.
The site has a documented history from the early twentieth century, when settlers recorded the springs in 1907 on land already used by First Nations peoples. The current Eclipse facility replaced the older Takhini Hot Springs operation using the same natural geothermal source: odourless mineral water rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron, with a faint reddish-brown tint. The pools are drained and cleaned daily. Hot springs near Whitehorse are rare, and Eclipse is the sole example in the Yukon.
The facility is strictly for guests aged 19 and over. Mobile phones are not permitted in the pool areas. On-site amenities include a cafe, resort suites, and seasonal yoga and meditation sessions. The annual Hair Freezing Contest, held in sub-zero winter temperatures, is a well-known seasonal event.
Location & Access
Getting to Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs
Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs is at kilometre 10 on Takhini Hot Springs Road, approximately 25 kilometres northwest of downtown Whitehorse, Yukon, and the drive from the city takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes. From Whitehorse, take the Alaska Highway north, then Yukon Highway 2 toward Carmacks, and turn onto Takhini Hot Springs Road. The address is KM 10, Takhini Hot Springs Road, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 7A2.
Most visitors arrive by private vehicle. Whitehorse Tours operates shuttle services combining a visit to Eclipse with the adjacent Yukon Wildlife Preserve, which is located on the same road a short distance away. Takhini Hot Springs Road is paved and accessible year-round, though winter driving in the Yukon requires a vehicle prepared for extreme cold and ice. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, as Eclipse operates on a timed-entry booking system. Walk-in access is sometimes available but is not guaranteed.
For those planning hot springs in Canada travel, Whitehorse is the only practical base for reaching Eclipse, with accommodation, services, and the Yukon's main airport all located in the city. The Wildlife Preserve nearby on the same road makes a combined visit practical for a full day out of Whitehorse.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs
Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs suits adults aged 19 and over seeking a quiet restorative experience combining natural mineral soaking with sauna and cold-water contrast therapy in a northern wilderness setting. The facility is not suitable for families with children or teenagers, as the age restriction is strictly enforced. For adults looking for hot springs in Yukon with a structured spa experience, Eclipse is the only option of this type in the territory.
The four rock pools vary in size and temperature. The two saunas and two steam rooms, one scented with eucalyptus, allow guests to alternate between heat and cold in a Nordic or onsen-style thermal circuit. Cold plunges and cold showers complete the contrast experience. Heated zero-gravity loungers and sunrooms provide resting spaces between sessions. The facility is designed for multi-hour visits, and guests are encouraged to move through the thermal stages at their own pace.
Guests with mobility limitations should contact Eclipse before booking, as the facility has not been widely documented as fully wheelchair accessible. All guests must bring or purchase proper swimwear and indoor footwear. Towels and robes are available on site for an additional fee. Winter visits offer the unique opportunity to experience the Hair Freezing Contest when temperatures drop below minus 20 degrees Celsius, and complimentary yoga and meditation sessions are also available in the winter season.
Safety & Etiquette
Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs Safety Tips
Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs is generally safe for healthy adults, though visitors should be mindful that alternating between hot pools, saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunges represents a significant thermal contrast experience. Individuals with cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, or other heat-sensitive health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before visiting. The thermal circuit at Eclipse is more intensive than a standard hot spring soak.
Moving between hot and cold environments stresses the cardiovascular system. Rest at ambient temperature between the hot and cold stages, and avoid staying in any single hot or steam environment beyond your body's comfortable tolerance. Dehydration is a risk during extended sessions. Guests should drink water regularly throughout their visit, and dizziness or lightheadedness is a sign to exit the water and rest immediately.
The steam rooms are enclosed, high-heat environments. The eucalyptus-scented steam room may be unsuitable for those with respiratory sensitivities. Pregnant visitors should avoid high-temperature soaking and steam exposure and consult a doctor before booking. Mobile phones are not permitted in pool areas. Clean indoor footwear is required on pool decks; bare feet are not allowed. Guests are expected to respect the quiet wellness atmosphere of the facility.
All bookings are timed entry, and guests should arrive on time to use their full session. Those visiting in winter should dress for extreme cold when travelling to and from the facility, as temperatures in the Yukon can fall well below minus 30 degrees Celsius, and the walk between car and entrance requires appropriate outerwear.
