Quick FactsOverview
About Lussier Hot Springs
Lussier Hot Springs, Canada is a free wild geothermal spring in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park in British Columbia's East Kootenay region, situated along the Lussier River near the park's western boundary at the 17.5-kilometre mark of the Whiteswan Forestry Road. The spring features natural rock pools with gravel bottoms at temperatures from approximately 47 degrees Celsius in the uppermost pool down to around 34 degrees Celsius closer to the river. Important: Lussier Hot Springs has been closed indefinitely since July 2024 under a BC Parks Regional Director's Order due to boulder instabilities and rockfall hazard. Public access is prohibited. Visitors must check bcparks.ca before travelling.
When open, the pools are reached via a short steep walk from the parking area. They are entirely natural, without constructed tubs or treated water, and the geothermal flow creates turquoise-tinted mineral water. The surrounding area includes boreal forest, mountain views, and the Lussier River below. Hot springs near Invermere of this free, wild character are rare in the East Kootenay region, and Lussier is among the most visited natural springs in southern BC when access is available.
Location & Access
Getting to Lussier Hot Springs
Lussier Hot Springs is currently closed indefinitely due to a rockfall hazard. The BC Parks closure order has been in effect since July 2024 and was renewed in January 2026. The gate at the site is locked and entering the closed area is a Park Act violation. Check bcparks.ca/whiteswan-lake-park for current status before travelling.
When open, the hot springs are reached by turning east off Highway 93/95 approximately 4.5 kilometres south of Canal Flats onto the Whiteswan Forestry Road, then driving approximately 17.5 kilometres on this active gravel logging road to the signed parking area on the right. The narrow canyon section between kilometres 15 and 18 requires particular caution. A standard vehicle can navigate the road in good conditions. From the parking area, a short but steep five-minute walk leads down to the pools beside the Lussier River.
Canal Flats is the nearest community at approximately 22 kilometres west, but services are very limited. Invermere, approximately 74 kilometres northwest, is the nearest town with full services. For those planning hot springs in British Columbia in the East Kootenay region, BC Parks is the authoritative source for current access status at Lussier.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Lussier Hot Springs
Lussier Hot Springs is currently closed indefinitely for safety reasons and cannot be visited. This listing documents the spring for planning and informational purposes. When open, Lussier Hot Springs suited families, couples, and individual visitors looking for a free wild soaking experience in a provincial park setting close enough to the highway to be accessible in a standard vehicle. For those seeking family hot springs near Invermere that require no admission fee, Lussier was one of the most practical options in the region when access was available.
When previously open, the pools were suitable for children accompanied by adults, as the depths were shallow, typically one to two feet, and the terrain at the pools was manageable. The active Lussier River adjacent to the pools offered an optional cold plunge. No alcohol, no dogs, and clothing were required by BC Parks rules. The spring drew both locals from the Kootenays and visitors making a stop between the Banff area and Fernie or Cranbrook.
The spring has a history of periodic closures, both for safety and management reasons, including a COVID-19 closure in 2020 and the current rockfall closure since July 2024. Visitors with firm travel plans should not include Lussier as a confirmed stop until BC Parks confirms the spring has reopened. The nearby Whiteswan and Alces Lakes within the same park offer alternative recreation, and Fairmont Hot Springs and Radium Hot Springs are developed alternatives within an hour's drive that are currently open.
Safety & Etiquette
Lussier Hot Springs Safety Tips
Lussier Hot Springs is currently closed under a BC Parks Regional Director's Order due to boulder instabilities and rockfall hazard. The closure was implemented proactively after rocks in the upper pool area shifted and became unstable. Entering the closed area is a violation of the Park Act and carries a fine. No one should attempt to visit the spring while the closure order is in effect, regardless of the presence or absence of physical barriers.
When the spring is open, the primary safety considerations are the hot water temperatures in the upper pool, which can reach 47 degrees Celsius and cause burns if entered without testing first, and the cold Lussier River, which flows powerfully during spring snowmelt and can be dangerous to enter. Visitors should always test pool temperatures before getting in and exercise caution near the river. There are no lifeguards on site.
The Whiteswan Forestry Road is an active logging road. Large logging trucks use this road regularly, and drivers should be prepared to yield on the narrow canyon section between kilometres 15 and 18. Drive slowly and watch for oncoming vehicles. The road can be icy or muddy in cold or wet conditions. There is no cell coverage in this area, so visitors should inform someone of their plans before travelling.
The East Kootenay region is bear country. Both grizzly and black bears are present. Visitors should follow bear safety practices on the walk to and from the pools and avoid leaving food or scented items unattended. The spring is in a remote park with no ranger presence at most times; self-sufficiency is important. Nearest emergency services are in Invermere or Cranbrook.
