Hot Springs
Man sitting at the edge of a natural hot springs (Albert Normandin photo)
Kitimat has three natural hot springs within 100km/62mi of the town centre, which considering the vastness of Northern British Columbia, is practically next door.
However, not all are easy to get to: all of the hot springs are located on the ocean shores, and are accessible by boat or float plane only. Adventurers can, however, expect to soak in the naturally mineralized, soothing water, while taking in the wilderness views, and if lucky, watch eagles fly above and whales and seals play in the sea.
Seaside Hot Springs
The Weewanie hot springs are the closest to Kitimat, about 38km/23.6mi away from town, in Ursula Channel. The springs are located in a provincial park, in a semi-sheltered bay, and are surrounded by mountains. A short trail leads to the springs and a small rustic bathhouse.
Read More
The Bishop Bay hot springs are a bit farther south of Weewanie hot springs, about 80km/49.7mi away from town, in Devastation Channel. Tie boats to the dock and hike the short trail to three hot spring pools, a picnic area, tenting platforms and toilets. The springs feature one big outdoor tub, one small outdoor tub, and an indoor tub, housed in a wood shed. Bishop Bay is very popular with locals and tourists, and can be quite busy.
The Shearwater hot springs are the farthest hot springs from Kitimat, and are past Weewanie hot springs but down another channel.
All three of these seaside hot springs are located in Haisla First Nations territory, but are open to public use. Two local operators offer day-trip tours to some of the springs. Ask at the local marinas or at the Visitor Centre, right before the Kitimat entrance on Highway 37, for directions.
Read Less