Travel
4 Hot Spring Destinations for Your Next Road Trip
Interesting and unique spots across the US that you’ve never heard of but would love to visit.
For Adventurous Nature-Lovers
Tofino is located on the edge of Vancouver’s western coast, just a few hours north of Seattle. It’s home to the rustic Hot Spring Cove, a geothermal pool that offers unsurpassed views of the Pacific Northwest. The area can only be reached by seaplane, but these are so common in this tourist-friendly part of Canada that you shouldn’t have to pay more than $50 for a charter. It’s well worth the added expense.
Like a scene out of Lord of the Rings, your pathway to the springs is a 2 kilometer raised cedar boardwalk through the lush, old growth Cedar rainforest. Expect to see fairies.
The hike to Tofino Hot Springs Cove is lush and magical-seeming
Upon arriving at the springs, you are met with a ten-foot-high waterfall of 104 degrees cascading into five pools which eventually lead to the ocean. Whale sightings are common here. At high tide you can have the hot water flowing on one side while the ocean waves come in on the other. It’s quite the sight.
Stay on the InnChanter, a yacht-turned-inn that floats above the hot springs. InnChanter is a heritage vessel built in the 1920′s and it has been refitted to take you back to the style and class of the era of her creation. Five staterooms, each uniquely crafted, a main salon with wood burning fireplace, a library for quiet time or a rousing game of chess, a 700 square foot sundeck, and an onboard chef to provide fabulous meals every day.
Watch whales from the hot springs pools
Really, where else can see whales breaching as you lounge in a hot spring-fed pool?
Alice Montgomery
Japan has been by far my best hot spring experience. Just go there and experience it for your selves. Really relaxing and just perfect.
Melani Kalev
Bucket list worthy material, awesome!
Henry Mcintosh
Added to the bucket list. Thanks!
Merry Robinson
So many amazing hot spring destinations. What gorgeous things hot springs are – beautiful and relaxing. I can’t even pick my favorite because they’re all so good. I want to see their breathtaking and gorgeous views and also enjoy a relaxing warm water. Thanks for this excellent post! 🙂
Rosemary Robles
Passing through we stopped at the Conundrum to take in the views. Right at sunset was amazing. Yes! there are a few steep hills, but it’s great exercise. It was a great hike with a wonderful view. We would definitely do it again. Definitely recommended!
Cornelia Green
Interesting list, thanks. All these Hot Springs are a must see. I’ve seen Conundrum Hot Springs and it’s indeed so peaceful and beautiful. Pictures turnout amazing. The over looks at the top give you some grand photo ops. It would be great to go there in spring, i think.
Helen Dark
I loved reading about your travel adventures. Makes me want to go book a trip to wherever you’re talking about now. I would love to do/visit pretty much all of the ones on the list – except getting near a dolphin. Almost envious of all the time you got to spend in those hot springs. Your travel experiences must have been sooo awesome.
xoxo,
Helen
Ashley Moore
Great article Hilary, thanks for sharing your experiences. I am gathering information because i’m planning on travelling alone this summer, and I am feeling pretty excited about it. I like your travels and the images in this article are stunning. You continue to inspire me with your stunning photos and epic adventures. You inspire me to be adventurous! 🙂
Lela House
Gorgeous pictures! And such a diversity. I’ve visited some hot springs before, but nothing like any of these. I have to travel more. I want to get that close to a whale. Thank you for always sharing with us your travel experiences. Great read.
Jenny Garett
Beautiful.. I haven’t been to any of these hot springs. I really love your shots. The sights from the mountains, trees, flowers and all the different aspects of nature just took my breath away. Time to update the bucket list, perhaps! 😀