Ekwi Hot Springs

## Overview Ekwi Hot Springs is a remote natural hot spring located deep in the wilderness of Canada's Northwest Territories, at approximately 64.04°N, 128.12°W. Situated in the rugged Mackenzie Mountains region, this geothermal feature lies within one of the most pristine and sparsely populated landscapes in North America. The hot springs in this part of the Northwest Territories are fed by geothermally heated groundwater that rises through fractures in ancient sedimentary and metamorphic rock formations, a geological process that has been occurring for thousands of years. The Mackenzie Mountains are home to several notable hot springs, and Ekwi Hot Springs is among the more secluded examples. The surrounding terrain is characterized by boreal forest, alpine tundra, and dramatic river valleys carved by glacial activity. Indigenous peoples, including the Sahtu Dene and Métis, have long inhabited and traveled through this region, and hot springs throughout the Mackenzie Mountains are known to hold cultural and spiritual significance for First Nations communities. Due to its extreme remoteness, Ekwi Hot Springs sees very few visitors and remains in a largely undisturbed, natural state. There are no developed facilities, signage, or maintained trails leading to the springs. This is a true backcountry destination suited for experienced wilderness travelers. ## Directions 1. Ekwi Hot Springs is located in the Mackenzie Mountains of the Northwest Territories, Canada, at GPS coordinates **64.038554, -128.122559**. 2. There is no road access to this location. The springs are typically reached by bush plane, helicopter charter, or extended backcountry expedition. 3. The nearest communities with air charter services include Norman Wells, NT, which serves as a common staging point for expeditions into the Mackenzie Mountains. 4. From Norman Wells, charter flights can be arranged to land at nearby lakes or gravel bars, depending on the aircraft type and seasonal conditions. 5. Overland travel from a fly-in drop point will require wilderness navigation skills, appropriate topographic maps, a GPS device, and full backcountry gear. 6. **Note:** There are no marked trails to the springs. Visitors should be fully self-sufficient and prepared for remote wilderness conditions, including wildlife encounters (grizzly bears, wolves) and rapidly changing weather. ## What to Expect Ekwi Hot Springs is an undeveloped, wild hot spring in an extraordinarily remote setting. Visitors who make the journey can expect to find naturally heated water emerging from the ground amid the dramatic scenery of the Mackenzie Mountains. Water temperatures at hot springs in this region can vary, and specific temperature data for Ekwi Hot Springs is not widely documented — visitors have historically reported warm to hot soaking conditions at similar Mackenzie Mountain springs. The surrounding landscape is vast and untouched, offering exceptional opportunities for solitude, wildlife observation, and wilderness photography. The area is home to Dall's sheep, woodland caribou, grizzly bears, and a variety of bird species. Because this is an entirely undeveloped site with no services, visitors should plan for complete self-sufficiency. There is no cell phone coverage, no potable water infrastructure, and no emergency services nearby. The best time to visit is during the brief northern summer (late June through August), when temperatures are milder and daylight is nearly continuous. As with all wild hot springs, the water has not been tested or treated for public use. Visitors should exercise their own judgment regarding water contact and consumption.