Quick FactsOverview
About Halfway Hot Springs
Halfway Hot Springs, Canada is a free natural hot spring located approximately 25 kilometres north of the village of Nakusp in British Columbia, along Highway 23 and an 11 kilometre forest service road. The springs are managed as a BC Recreation Site by Recreation Sites and Trails BC, with a caretaker system in place during the main season. The site features multiple soaking pools at different temperatures, fed by natural geothermal water. It is one of three hot springs in the Nakusp area, alongside Nakusp Hot Springs and Halcyon Hot Springs, and is the most rustic of the three.
The springs have a long history of informal use and were once known for unregulated partying that led to environmental damage and safety concerns. Provincial authorities intervened to bring the site under managed recreation status, adding campsite pads, outhouses, a custom-built change room, and upgraded soaking pools. The result is a natural hot spring experience with basic infrastructure that balances accessibility with a backcountry feel. The water is clear and naturally heated, emerging from the ground at varying temperatures depending on the pool. Halfway Hot Springs is one of the most popular free natural hot springs in British Columbia, particularly during the warmer months from May through November.
Location & Access
Getting to Halfway Hot Springs
Halfway Hot Springs is reached by driving approximately 25 kilometres north of Nakusp on Highway 23, then turning onto a forest service road and driving 11 kilometres to the recreation site. The forest service road is unpaved and may have rough sections, though it is generally passable for standard vehicles in dry summer conditions. The springs themselves are a short 0.2 kilometre walk from the parking and day use area.
Directions to Halfway Hot Springs
From Nakusp, drive north on Highway 23 toward Revelstoke. After approximately 24 kilometres, look for a BC Parks sign indicating Halfway Hot Springs with a turn in 400 metres before a bridge. Turn right onto the forest service road and follow it for 11 kilometres. At the junction at 11.5 kilometres, turn left to descend to the campground or right for the day use parking area. From Revelstoke, take the Upper Arrow Lake ferry from Shelter Bay to Galena Bay, then drive south on Highway 23 for roughly 22 kilometres and turn left onto the forest service road. Ferry schedules should be checked in advance on DriveBC. For visitors looking for hot springs near Nakusp, Halfway is the only free option among the three area springs. In winter, the forest service road may be impassable by vehicle, and reaching the springs may require skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling. Check road conditions before driving in.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Halfway Hot Springs
Halfway Hot Springs suits visitors who enjoy natural, lightly developed hot springs in a forested mountain setting with basic facilities but no resort-level amenities. The springs appeal to campers, road trippers exploring the Arrow Lakes and Kootenay region, and visitors who prefer free, less crowded alternatives to the developed hot pools at Nakusp and Halcyon. Families with children are welcome, and the multiple pools at different temperatures make it possible for visitors of different comfort levels to find a suitable soak. The campground allows overnight stays, extending the experience beyond a day visit.
Accessibility at Halfway Hot Springs
The recreation site has basic infrastructure including outhouses and a change room, but it is not designed for wheelchair access. The 0.2 kilometre trail from the parking area to the springs is short but may have uneven surfaces. Visitors with mobility concerns should assess conditions on arrival. For those seeking family hot springs near Nakusp with managed facilities and easier access, the developed Nakusp Hot Springs (15 kilometres from town) and Halcyon Hot Springs (on Highway 23 south of the ferry) offer paved paths, maintained change rooms, and staffed operations. Halfway Hot Springs is best suited for visitors comfortable with a backcountry-style experience and who appreciate the trade-off of basic amenities for free access and a quieter, more natural setting.
Safety & Etiquette
Halfway Hot Springs Safety Tips
Halfway Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in a semi-remote setting, and visitors should exercise appropriate caution. Water temperatures vary between pools, and the hottest source areas can cause burns if entered without testing. Visitors should test the water with a hand before entering any pool. The forest service road can be rough and may not be passable in all conditions, especially in winter or after heavy rain. Cell phone service may be limited. Visitors should inform someone of their plans before driving in and bring drinking water, as the spring water is not tested for consumption.
Visitor Etiquette at Halfway Hot Springs
Swimsuits are required. The site is managed as a BC Recreation Site, and visitors should follow all posted rules. Pack out all trash, as the site operates on a pack-in, pack-out basis. Do not use soap, shampoo, or any products in or near the pools, as the water flows into the local watershed. Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings at the campground. Alcohol should be consumed responsibly, and excessive noise or disruptive behavior has historically threatened this site's public access. The caretaker system was introduced specifically to address past misuse, so visitors who respect the site help ensure it remains open and free. Camping fees may apply at the campground. Among the hot springs in British Columbia, Halfway Hot Springs is a strong example of how community stewardship and provincial management can preserve a natural hot spring for public enjoyment while protecting the environment and surrounding community from the damage that unmanaged access can cause.
