Takhini Hot SpringsTakhini Hot Springs is a natural geothermal site operated as a local resort a short drive from Whitehorse in the Yukon. Water emerges from the source at about 46.5 C and the facility feeds two adjoining pools that average around 42 C on the hot side and 36 C on the cool side, with a steady flow of roughly 385 L per minute.
The springs have been used for centuries by First Nations and later adopted for commercial use in the early 20th century; the site has been in operation for more than 100 years. Early wooden pools served workers on the Alaska Highway and the current pool and buildings date from mid-20th-century upgrades, with renovations carried out as recently as 2008.
The place combines a simple day-use pool facility with a campground of over 80 sites, set in boreal forest near the Takhini River. Visits are relaxed and informal: many people come just to soak, while winter visitors may experience dramatic cold-air contrasts and frequent views of the northern lights on clear nights.
- Hot and cool pools: Two connected pools fed from the same source let you move between hotter and milder temperatures while the water continuously refreshes.
- Hot-water source: The spring source is strong and steady, with water that spends decades underground before surfacing at high temperature.
- Campground: A locally run campground with more than 80 sites puts you close to the pools and the riverside setting.
- International Hair Freezing Contest (winter): An annual winter novelty event invites visitors to sculpt frozen hair while soaking on very cold days, with entries accepted in mid-winter months.
- Nearby Whitehorse attractions: From the springs you can reach attractions around Whitehorse such as Lake Laberge, Miles Canyon and the SS Klondike sternwheeler museum for a fuller Yukon day trip.
Best Time to Visit Takhini Hot Springs#
Takhini Hot Springs is enjoyable year-round; summer offers milder conditions and long daylight while winter provides a dramatic cold-air contrast and unique events.
Weather & Climate near Takhini Hot Springs#
Takhini Hot Springs's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -23°C to 21°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -23° - -13° | -25° | 17 mm | overcast | 96% | 2.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| February | Poor | -20° - -8° | -20° | 11 mm | partly cloudy | 95% | 2.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| March | Poor | -14° - -1° | -13° | 8 mm | partly cloudy | 94% | 3.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | -6° - 6° | -4° | 3 mm | overcast | 89% | 3.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.4h |
| May | Good | 0° - 13° | 4° | 14 mm | overcast | 77% | 3.1 m/s | 1.0 high | 17.0h |
| June | Good | 4° - 19° | 11° | 29 mm | overcast | 75% | 2.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 18.5h |
| July | Good | 7° - 21° | 14° | 41 mm | overcast | 76% | 2.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 17.8h |
| August | Good | 5° - 19° | 12° | 37 mm | overcast | 78% | 2.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 15.4h |
| September | Acceptable | 1° - 13° | 5° | 30 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.7h |
| October | Acceptable | -4° - 5° | -3° | 20 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.9h |
| November | Poor | -14° - -5° | -14° | 18 mm | overcast | 96% | 2.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.2h |
| December | Poor | -20° - -11° | -21° | 17 mm | overcast | 96% | 2.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.5h |
How to Get to Takhini Hot Springs#
The springs lie about 28 km (17 mi) from downtown Whitehorse; the nearest city and usual base for visitors is Whitehorse. The nearest airport is Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (Whitehorse).
The site is reached by road from Whitehorse in under an hour by car, taxi or private shuttle; the last stretch is on signed local roads beside the Takhini River. Whitehorse has no regular long-distance passenger rail service, so road transport is the practical option for the final leg.
Tips for Visiting Takhini Hot Springs#
- Bring swimwear, a towel and warm clothes to change into after soaking, especially in winter when air temperatures can be extreme.
- The springs do not have a sulphurous odor; jewelry and watches can be removed or protected as you prefer.
- If you plan to camp, check campsite availability and seasonal services locally rather than assuming year-round full facilities.
- For winter novelty experiences such as the hair-freezing contest, confirm dates and entry rules before travelling because events require very cold weather conditions.