Khutze Inlet Warm Springs
Khutze Inlet Warm Springs is a hidden natural wonder tucked deep within the K'ootz/Khutze Conservancy along British Columbia’s pristine North Coast. These remote warm springs offer a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, where the journey to reach them is just as much a part of the adventure as the springs themselves. Accessible only by kayak or a rugged hike approximately 3 kilometers upstream from the inlet, the springs are nestled in a wild and remote wilderness that demands both respect and preparation from those who seek them out.
Unlike many developed hot spring destinations, Khutze Inlet Warm Springs are subtle and natural, emerging gently from the gravel beds along a remote riverbank. These springs are small—just three in number—and lukewarm in temperature, offering a mild but comforting warmth. They are odorless and quiet, blending almost seamlessly into the surrounding environment. During times of high water, the springs can be completely submerged, making timing and observation critical for visitors hoping to witness them.
Part of what makes Khutze Inlet so unique is its raw natural setting. The conservancy is a prime grizzly bear habitat, and encounters with wildlife are not just possible—they're likely. Visitors are encouraged to exercise extreme caution and awareness, especially in the warmer months when bears are most active. The surrounding rainforest is dense, lush, and largely untouched, offering a glimpse into the untouched beauty of coastal British Columbia.
There are no maintained facilities, signage, or formal trails, which adds to the remote allure. Those who make the effort to find the Khutze Inlet Warm Springs are rewarded not with luxury, but with authenticity—a rare connection to land, water, and wilderness. It's an ideal destination for seasoned adventurers, wildlife watchers, and those yearning to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature.
Address
K'ootz/Khutze Conservancy, North Coast of British Columbia
Good to know
Subtle, three small lukewarm springs seep from river gravel, odorless, easily submerged by high river levels, prime grizzly bear habitat
Type of access
Remote, kayak or hike (3km upstream from inlet), unmarked and rugged route
Cost
Free (remote, no facilities)
Temperature
Warm to mildly hot
Warm to mildly hot