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Hot springs are the best for relaxingrejuvenatingescapingadventuring

Reconnect with your primal roots and experience a getaway at Halfway Hot Springs.

Located almost literally "halfway" between Nakusp and Revelstoke, these springs are bubbling right out of the hillside along a river. The springs feed via an amateur tube network into stone lined mud-bottomed pools. For most, the area is only an hour's drive away from the frenetic nature of city life, including cell service. Disconnect, relax, and rejuvenate.

We do not own the hot springs, as they are publicly owned by the Province of British Columbia; however, we are the best and most definitive site on the internet for all things about the springs!

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Respect the Springs

The springs gained massive popularity in the early 2010s, notably due to the increase of internet blogging and word-of-mouth at local festivals like Shambhala. Often guests were leaving behind garbage and acting inappropriately. The site was falling into a state of disrepair — despite the efforts of a large number of local volunteers.

Luckly, in August 2016, Halfway Hot Springs was developed by BC Parks. The new site host (Robert "Bob" Moody) lives on and maintains the site. There are now nightly fees per party from May to October.

Please respect the area, pack out what you pack in, and adhere to the posted rules.

Access & Amenities

There are a few outhouses, but that is where the amenities end. Most of the campsites now have fire-pits, massive BC Parks-style tables, and a sand tent pad. Bring your own firewood (but some is often sold on site), toilet paper, clean food, drinking water (or pump), and all of the other usual camping gear.

Pack lightly, efficiently, but completely. The short hike down is very steep to the springs, so adequare footwear is a must. It should take no longer than 10 minutes to descend to the river and springs.

Camping is now only permitted near the parking area prior to the descent; visitors can no longer camp alongside the river at the springs.

Warnings

Plenty of poison ivy throughout the area
The drive to Halfway includes a very rough forest service road. This is poorly maintained and can be tricky at best in a small car, but it is doable. 4x4- capable vehicles are highly recommended due to the sheer number of potholes.
The forest service road is often snowy right up until mid to late April. Weather then deteriorates around the mid to end of October, leaving the best and most popular travel dates mid-May through mid-October.
Dangerous animals (such as bears) nearby
The hike down is very short (less than one kilometre), but it traverses down a very steep embankment. Recently, stairs have been added to aid adventurers. Bring adequate footwear.
Avoid visiting the springs a!er the Shambhala music festival as it is often overrun with festival goers.
No cell phone or electrical service
No first aid services on-site
Clothing is unofficially optional for many guests. However, public nudity in Canada is still illegal and we have heard stories of police arriving during popular times to search for drugs and stop criminal activity.
Keep forest fires far away from the roots of trees as they can cause underground root fires that could permanently destroy the area.
The pools are not chlorinated; usage is at your own risk. Despite the healing mineral properties in the water, and the natural sulphur, bacteria and viruses can still grow here. Do not submerse your head in the pools or enter if you have open wounds.
Watch for broken glass!

Winter Access

Halfway is also a fantastic winter escape for snowshoers. Snow can make the road in undriveable anywhere from mid- October until mid-May. Park on the highway and begin your 11 kilometre trek down the snowed in forest service road for the heated reward that awaits you at the end!

Camping & Rules

Host: Host is on site from May 1st through October 31st.
Cost: A camping permit fee is required for overnight use of the facility and will be collected by an attendant at your campsite. All applicable taxes are included. As of 2019, the fees are $15 per site per night (maximum 6 adults). A reduced rate of $6 is available for seniors (65+) and persons with disabilities.
Garbage: No trash facilities available on site. Pack out what you pack in.
Campsite: No camping within 100 meters of the springs. Campfires must be within the fire-rings provided. Often these are stone circles. No reservations. First-come first-serve. 12 vehicle access sites, and 10 additional sites spread throughout the forest.
Maxmum Vehicles: 1 per site.
Checkout time: 12 pm noon
Maximum stay: 14 consecutive days.
Quiet time: 11 pm to 7 am.
Speed limit: is 20 km/hr.

St. Leon Springs (nearby)

These springs are entirely different from Halfway, even though they are just up the road. See stleonhotsprings.com for more information.

Awesomeness

Relaxation

Amenities

Cost

What to Expect

A journey to the springs.

Drive to Naksup

Needles Ferry

Take either the Upper Arrow Lake or Needles Ferry, depending on your origin.

Ione Falls

A few kilometres south of the turn-off to Halfway, 21.1 km north of Nakusp, BC, enjoy a serene picnic at Ione Falls.

Dirt Road Adventure Begins

Approximately 25.5 km north of Nakusp, past the falls, on the right hand side of the road, just before the Halfway River bridge, turn right onto the unmarked forest service road.