iN PHOTOS: Day trips to steamy hot springs from Kamloops, Kelowna  

Sinking into natural hot pools is a relaxing way to warm up in the dreary winter months in the Thompson-Okanagan region, and there are a few to check out for those willing to make a day trip to enjoy them.

Hot springs are made from groundwater heated by geothermal activity and there are more than 100 scattered around the province. The water is filled with minerals like sulfur and lithium. It is believed soaking in hot springs has health benefits that include reducing stress, boosting blood circulation and promoting restful sleep. Dipping into hot mineral water is a mood-boosting activity that promotes relaxation.

Situated along the Trans-Canada Highway in Malakwa, Crazy Creek Hot Pools Resort offers outdoor hot pools surrounded by nature and trees. While they offer a relaxing, hot water experience, they’re technically hot pools not geothermal springs. Across the highway is a hiking path, suspension bridge and waterfall to check out, and for those who want to stay overnight, there are cabins and camping sites for rent onsite.

The pools are roughly a two-hour drive from Kelowna or Kamloops and open every day, all year round from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

A little further drive down the road and a hop across the Upper Arrow Lake on a car ferry is Halcyon Hot Springs Resort in Nakusp. Surrounded by nature, guests soaking in the pools can enjoy panoramic views of the Monashee Mountains.

The superheated water has high lithium content believed to have therapeutic healing properties.  

“Long known for its antidepressant properties, a variety of studies have shown that lithium has potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, including the capacity to regenerate pathways in the brain,” the resort’s website reads.  

Located at 5655 Highway 23, this resort is a 3.5-hour drive away from Kamloops and just under four hours from Kelowna. The pools are open everyday, year round from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and a restaurant, spa and lodging are on site.

Situated in a natural setting in the foothills of the Selkirk Mountains, Nakusp Hot Springs has two mineral pools to dip in while enjoying snowy mountain views. Every day 200,000 litres of fresh filtered water feeds into the pools from a natural spring in the forest nearby.

Located at 8500 Hot Springs Road, these springs are less than a four-hour drive from Kelowna and just over four hours from Kamloops. The pools are open from Sunday to Thursday at 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Hiking and biking trails surround the site and rustic cedar chalets are available for overnight stays.

Harrison Hot Springs Resort is nestled along the shoreline of Harrison Lake in the Fraser Valley and has five hot pools among the most mineral-rich in North America.

Each pool is kept at a different temperature with some designated for adults only and some for the whole family. One adult pool features natural rock formations, plants and a waterfall.  

Located at 100 Esplanade Road in the Fraser Valley Regional District, these springs are roughly a three-hour drive from Kelowna and a two-hour drive from Kamloops. Two pools are open every day from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. while the other three are open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Spa treatments, dining and accommodations are available on site.