Bishop Bay Hot Springs

## Overview Bishop Bay Hot Springs is a remote and stunning geothermal hot spring located along the coast of British Columbia, Canada, approximately 53.478°N, 128.843°W. Nestled within the traditional territories of the Gitga'at First Nation, these natural hot springs sit at the head of Bishop Bay, a narrow inlet along the Inside Passage between Kitimat and Prince Rupert. The springs are one of the most treasured — and least accessible — hot spring destinations on the BC coast. The hot springs emerge from the earth at the edge of the temperate rainforest, flowing into a series of natural and semi-improved soaking pools just steps from the ocean. The geothermal water is reported to be comfortably hot, with temperatures that can vary seasonally but are generally warm enough for a relaxing soak year-round. The surrounding landscape is quintessential Great Bear Rainforest: towering old-growth cedar and hemlock, moss-draped boulders, and the quiet stillness of a remote coastal fjord. Bishop Bay Hot Springs has long been known to coastal First Nations peoples and has historically served as a place of healing and gathering. In more recent decades, it has become a cherished stop for kayakers, boaters, and adventurers exploring the central BC coast. A basic boardwalk and soaking pool structure have been maintained over the years by volunteers and visitors, though conditions can change with weather and use. ## Directions 1. Bishop Bay Hot Springs is accessible primarily by boat or floatplane. There is no road access. 2. The springs are located at the head of Bishop Bay, which branches off the larger Ursula Channel on the central coast of British Columbia. 3. **By boat:** From Kitimat or Hartley Bay, travel northwest through the Douglas Channel and into Ursula Channel. Bishop Bay opens to the south off Ursula Channel. Navigate to the head of the bay, where a small dock or anchorage area may be available depending on conditions. 4. **By kayak:** Many paddlers access Bishop Bay as part of a multi-day kayaking trip along the Inside Passage. The bay is sheltered, but the surrounding waters can be challenging — tidal currents, wind, and cold water temperatures require experienced paddlers with proper gear. 5. **By floatplane:** Charter floatplane services from Kitimat, Prince Rupert, or Bella Bella may be able to land in Bishop Bay, weather permitting. 6. Once ashore, a short trail (often boardwalked) leads from the water's edge through the rainforest to the hot spring pools. The walk is typically only a few minutes. 7. **GPS coordinates:** 53.478°N, 128.843°W. A marine chart and GPS are strongly recommended for navigation. ## What to Expect Visitors arriving at Bishop Bay Hot Springs will find a truly wild and remote soaking experience. The hot spring water flows into one or more pools at the forest's edge, surrounded by lush coastal rainforest. The pools are close to the shoreline, and at certain tides, you may be soaking in hot water with views directly out to the bay. The area is undeveloped — there are no services, no cell reception, and no facilities beyond what volunteers have built and maintained. A basic boardwalk trail and simple pool structures have been reported, but conditions vary. Visitors should be fully self-sufficient, bringing all supplies and packing out all waste. Wildlife is abundant in the area. Black bears, grizzly bears, wolves, and eagles are all present in the Great Bear Rainforest region, so proper food storage and wildlife awareness are essential. The springs can be visited year-round, though winter access is more challenging due to weather and shorter daylight hours. Summer months (June through September) offer the longest days and calmest seas, making them the most popular time to visit. Bishop Bay Hot Springs is a free, natural hot spring — there is no entrance fee. Its remoteness is both its greatest charm and its biggest challenge. Those who make the journey are rewarded with one of the most magical hot spring experiences on the Pacific coast.