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Hot SpringCommunity Listing#81 Top Spa

Crawford Bay Hot Springs

Central Kootenay, Crawford Bay, BC V0G 1A0
3.7(15 reviews)via Google
Up to 10 guests
Private RetreatOutdoor Experience

About this spa

Tucked deep in Crawford Bay’s forested edge, this small hot spring rewards guests who are willing to follow the trail and let the experience feel a little wild. The descent can be steep and the footing uneven, but that effort is part of the appeal: once you reach the pool, you’re met with a quiet, creekside soak framed by evergreens, wildflowers, and the steady rush of water beside you. The setting feels elemental and private, with a simple, natural rhythm that suits couples, solo wellness seekers, and anyone who prefers a back-to-nature escape over a polished spa. The water here is more warm than bath-hot, which makes it especially refreshing in summer and pleasantly restorative on cooler days when steam drifts off the surface. A nearby river plunge adds a natural contrast therapy feel, while the small meditation space and mountain-and-forest surroundings invite you to slow down and settle in. Expect a rustic, lightly maintained experience with a silty, earthy bottom and a volunteer spirit that keeps the site welcoming for those who appreciate it. Best enjoyed with the right expectations, it feels like a hidden gem at the end of a real adventure, and it accommodates up to 10 guests.

River Plunge
Hot Spring
Private
Outdoor
Meditation Space
Mountain View

A funky little hot spring next to a beautiful roaring creek, but not a trek for the faint-hearted. The trail is not well marked, you need to go up past where Google indicates to the next pullout. Look for blue and/or pink tape, and orange circular tree markers. The way down is steep and can be slippery, and takes roughly 15 minutes one way (this is at the rate of 2 women, 30 and 70 years old). The water was cool-warm in the pool, and warm coming out of the pipe. DO NOT bump the pipe, it is loose and will need readjusting for maximum flow. We came on a cool cloudy day, and the water was steaming and felt…

BM
Bethany M.Aug 28, 2024

Amenities

Hot Spring
River Plunge
Meditation Space
Outdoor
Mountain View
Forest Setting
Private
Guest Insights
Based on 9 reviews

Overall sentiment is strongly positive but practical: guests love the hidden natural setting and creekside ambiance, while the water temperature and rugged access matter a lot to expectations.

What guests love

Rustic, off-the-beaten-path accessBeautiful creekside settingWarm, not truly hot, waterNatural and lightly maintained atmosphereRewarding for the right expectations

Best for

Adventurous hikersNature loversSummer day-trippersRustic soak seekersCouplesSolo wellness seekers

Standout features

  • A steep, poorly marked trail with tape and tree markers leading to the spring
  • The pool’s position next to a loud, scenic creek
  • Warm water flowing from a loose pipe at the spring source
  • Wildflowers and butterflies surrounding the soaking area
  • A very small, rustic pool with a silty or algae-prone bottom

AI-generated insights

Reviews

Google3.7(15)
AJ

Adventure Josh

Google

Lots of wasps. Probably my least favorite and tiniest hot springs I’ve ever been to. Super steep descent but the river is quite pretty. Not worth the detour as it’s very very shallow. The tarp that people used to use to hold more water in is now hiding in the adjacent forest discarded with a bunch of other tubes.

DW

Debbie Wiancko

Google

Amazing!

FF

Foresty Forest

Google

A volunteer effort cleaned up the area last spring. Please drain the tub when you are finished, it prevents algea from forming.

KP

Kimberly Powelson

Google

While there is obviously some geothermal warming of the water, and technically it is a “hot” spring, you’re going to be disappointed if you’re looking for a hot springs experience. We read the reviews, knew what to expect and had a great time. We went in July when it was hot outside, and found the water refreshing to cool down in. The spot itself is magic - wildflowers and butterflies everywhere, with the ambient sound of the nearby creek - and is a lovely place to sit and relax. We were confused by tarps in other pictures - there are no tarps there, but the bottom of the pool has algae, so you may want to take a tarp to sit on if that bothers you. I echo the statements about the hike down - it is very steep and you’ll want good footwear and free hands. Lastly, we really appreciated the comment about going to the next pullout after google says you’ve arrived. We stopped at the first pull out and didn’t see any markers or a trail, then went just slightly further and found the trail easily.

GC

Greg Calci

Google

Not too far of a hike from the road but definitely a steep approach. Someone has spent some time to make the pool area nice but the water is not warm anymore.

Reviews sourced from Google. Ratings and content are provided by Google users.

This is a community listing. Booking is managed directly by the business.