Wildmint Hot Springs

## Overview Wildmint Hot Springs is a remote, free-access natural hot spring located in the wilderness of Canada's Northwest Territories, at approximate coordinates 61.433515°N, 126.567993°W. Situated in the rugged landscape of the Mackenzie Mountains region along the South Nahanni River watershed, this geothermal spring sits in one of the most pristine and sparsely populated areas of northern Canada. The name "Wildmint" likely references the aromatic wild mint plants that can be found growing in the warm, moist microclimate surrounding the spring — a common phenomenon near geothermal features in subarctic environments, where the warmth of the water allows plant species to thrive that would otherwise not survive at these latitudes. The Northwest Territories is home to a number of natural hot springs, many of which are associated with deep geological faults in the Mackenzie Mountains. These springs are fed by groundwater that circulates deep into the earth's crust, where it is heated by geothermal energy before rising back to the surface along fractures in the bedrock. The region's hot springs have historically been valued by Indigenous peoples, including the Dehcho First Nations, who have long known and used the thermal waters of this area. Due to its extremely remote location — far from any maintained roads or settlements — Wildmint Hot Springs is rarely visited and retains a truly wild, untouched character. Access typically requires bush plane, helicopter, or an extended backcountry expedition. Visitors who make the journey are rewarded with a genuine wilderness hot spring experience in a dramatic northern landscape. ## Directions 1. Wildmint Hot Springs is located deep in the backcountry of the Northwest Territories, approximately 130 km west-northwest of the small community of Nahanni Butte. 2. There are no roads leading to this spring. Access is generally by floatplane or helicopter charter from communities such as Fort Simpson, Nahanni Butte, or Watson Lake, Yukon. 3. Some experienced backcountry travelers may reach the area via extended canoe or hiking expeditions along the South Nahanni River corridor, though this requires significant wilderness travel skills and preparation. 4. GPS coordinates: **61.433515, -126.567993**. A reliable GPS device is essential, as there are no trail markers or signage in the area. 5. Contact local charter flight operators in Fort Simpson or Nahanni Butte for current access options and conditions. ## What to Expect Wildmint Hot Springs is a true backcountry geothermal feature in an extremely remote setting. Visitors should expect a completely undeveloped site with no facilities, signage, or maintained trails. The surrounding terrain is rugged subarctic wilderness — boreal forest, mountain valleys, and river corridors — with abundant wildlife including bears, moose, and wolves. The hot spring water temperature and flow rate have not been widely documented in publicly available sources, so conditions may vary seasonally. As with many remote northern hot springs, the water may pool naturally in rock formations or along a streambed, creating soakable areas where the hot water mixes with cooler surface water. Visitors should be fully self-sufficient and prepared for wilderness conditions, including rapidly changing weather, river crossings, and wildlife encounters. The best time to visit is typically during the brief northern summer (June through August), when daylight is abundant and temperatures are most favorable for backcountry travel. Winter access, while theoretically possible, presents extreme cold and logistical challenges. This is a destination for experienced wilderness travelers and adventurers seeking one of Canada's most remote and unspoiled natural hot spring experiences.