Takhini Hot Springs

## Overview Takhini Hot Springs is a beloved geothermal destination located just outside Whitehorse, the capital of Canada's Yukon Territory. Situated along the Alaska Highway corridor at the base of Miner's Ridge, this commercially operated hot spring has been drawing visitors and locals alike for decades, offering a rare chance to soak in naturally heated mineral water surrounded by the vast boreal wilderness of the North. The hot water at Takhini rises from deep underground along two geological fault lines, where it mixes with surface water that has slowly percolated through layers of rock over an estimated 60-year cycle. As the water is heated deep within the earth, it dissolves a variety of minerals, giving the pools their distinctive mineral-rich character. Notably, Takhini Hot Springs is known for being virtually free of the sulfur smell commonly associated with other hot springs — a quality that makes the soaking experience especially pleasant. The source water emerges from the ground at approximately 118°F (47°C) and is then cooled to comfortable bathing temperatures in two separate pools: a hot pool maintained at roughly 107°F (42°C) and a warm pool at about 97°F (36°C). Many visitors enjoy alternating between the two pools, a practice long associated with therapeutic and relaxation benefits. Perhaps the most famous tradition at Takhini Hot Springs is the **International Hair Freezing Contest**, held each February. Participants dip their hair in the steaming water and let the frigid Yukon winter air freeze it into spectacular, gravity-defying sculptures. The contest has gained worldwide attention and draws creative competitors from across the globe. ## Directions Takhini Hot Springs is located approximately 28 km (17 miles) northwest of downtown Whitehorse, Yukon. 1. From Whitehorse, head north on the Alaska Highway (Highway 1). 2. Turn left onto the Takhini Hot Springs Road (the turnoff is well signed). 3. Follow Takhini Hot Springs Road for approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) to the hot springs facility. 4. GPS coordinates: **60.878969, -135.358272** The road is paved and accessible year-round. There is parking available on-site. ## What to Expect Takhini Hot Springs is a commercially operated facility with two outdoor soaking pools — one hot and one warm — set against a backdrop of northern boreal forest. The pools are man-made but fed by natural geothermal water, and the lack of a sulfur odor makes for an especially enjoyable soak. **Season & Hours:** The facility is open from October through April. Hours are as follows: - Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM **Admission (as of the most recent listing):** | Category | Price | |---|---| | Adults | $12.50 | | Seniors | $11.00 | | Youth | $10.00 | | Children | $9.00 | | Under 3 | Free | **Rentals:** | Item | Price | |---|---| | Towel | $3.00 | | Swimsuit | $3.00 | | Towel & Swimsuit combo | $5.00 | Visitors should be aware that during the winter months, air temperatures in the Yukon can plunge well below -30°C (-22°F), which creates a dramatic contrast with the steaming pools and makes for a truly unforgettable experience. If you visit in February, be sure to check whether the International Hair Freezing Contest is taking place — it's a uniquely Yukon spectacle. The facility includes changing rooms and basic amenities. It's advisable to check the official Takhini Hot Springs website or call ahead for the most current hours, pricing, and any seasonal closures, as details may change from year to year.