7 Awesome Hot Springs in Alberta, Canada

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While the neighboring province of British Columbia gets all the hot springs hype, Alberta, has some of the best in Canada. From rustic, mountain getaways, to historic, luxurious lodgings, there’s a hot springs resort for everybody. Home to five stunning national parks in the Canadian Rockies, including Banff, Jasper, Elk Island, Waterton, and Wood Buffalo, …

Camp Hot Wells – San Antonio, Texas

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Across the river from Mission San Jose, in San Antonio, Texas, Camp Hot Wells provides an escape from the city with historical charm. They’re open every day from 12 to 10pm (through the summer) with hot sulphur water for public foot soaks or private bathing. History In 1892, a psychiatric facility discovered sulphuric water that …

10 Beautiful Hot Springs in British Columbia

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British Columbia isn’t just popular for visitors because of Vancouver, Whistler, and the jaw-dropping views of the Canadian Rockies. It’s a perfect place to get out into nature and say goodbye to the stress of the city with some of the most amazing hot springs in the country. There are many options for a geothermal …

Waitangi Soda Springs – Rotorua, New Zealand

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Waitangi Soda Springs is tucked into the rural countryside a short drive from Rotorua, one of the most active geothermal areas in New Zealand. Set between Lakes Rotoma and Rotoehu in the Bay of Plenty, minimal light pollution means a fantastic environment for gazing at the night sky. Two springs, Ngarongoiri and Reihana, combine with …

Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park – Rotorua, New Zealand

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Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park is a fun-filled resort a few minutes from the center of Rotura, 230 kilometers southeast of Auckland, New Zealand’s capital and largest city. Known as a spa and resort town, there are loads of things to do when you’re taking a break from the hot pools. Walk to Te Puia and …

Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort – Taupō, New Zealand

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Taupo DeBretts Hot Spring is a large holiday resort full of entertaining activities for all ages in one of the most active thermal regions in New Zealand. It sits in the middle of the North Island near the beautiful Lake Taupo. Open 365 days a year, the waterpark, hot pools, spa, and cabins can take …

Tokaanu Thermal Pools – New Zealand

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Tokaanu Thermal Pools are a family-friendly set of freshwater and spring-fed pools in a traditional public swimming pool environment. Set on the southern shore of Lake Taupo in the center of the North Island, there’s plenty of nature to explore including an easy trail through the area with the original thermal pools. As an added …

Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa – Taupō, New Zealand

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Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Health Spa is a North Island destination on its own complete with thermal pools, a chance to relax in nature, and a path through the geothermal activity. This adults-only paradise is a stress-free getaway. For those wanting to spend some time in the area, head five minutes down the road to …

Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort – BC, Canada

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It’s not hard to see why Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is a popular spot. Bathers have a 180-degree view of the Purcell Mountains across from Kootenay Lake. On the other side of this British Columbia property, a picturesque pine forest hosts birds, squirrels, and the like. Sunsets are spectacular here, to say the least, and …

Miranda Hot Springs – Thames, New Zealand

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Miranda Hot Springs is just over an hour’s drive from Auckland, making it a nice little getaway for the day. Multiple thermal pools sit on two acres of landscaped space with all the makings for family fun. In the distance, vibrant grassy hills, the pristine nature New Zealand is so famous for, line the horizon. …

Kuirau Park Footbaths – Rotorua, New Zealand

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Kuirau Park, the only free, geothermal public park in New Zealand, can be found near the city center of Rotoura. While not a traditional hot springs resort, it does boasts some foot baths guests can use. Other highlights include geothermal areas with boiling areas fenced off for safety, such as the famous mud pools. From …

Morere Hot Springs – Mōrere, New Zealand

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Morere Hot Springs is located on the beautiful central eastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It’s a rare natural salt water hot spring set in a beautiful scenic reserve. Come for the hot springs; stay for the amazing paved walking paths through the 364 hectares of lush natural rainforest. History The thermal …

13 of the Best Hot Springs in the World

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Going about the mammoth task of listing some of the best hot springs in the world first requires a special set of criteria. Some of these thermal springs are spectacular spots (and spectacularly popular) because of their uniqueness. Others may have million-dollar views. There are primitive pools and others are resorts equipped with all the …

Djúpavogskörin Hot Springs – Djúpivogur, Iceland

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Djúpavogskörin Hot Springs is tucked away on the east coast of Iceland near the town of Djúpivogur. Sitting in this isolated tub without a house or building in sight can easily make you feel like the only person in the world. Between the Ring Road, the not-so-distant snowy peaks, and the North Atlantic Ocean, Djúpavogskörin …

Mývatn Nature Baths – Northeast Iceland

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The Mývatn Nature Baths, sometimes called the Blue Lagoon of Mývatn, are in the breathtaking Mývatn Geothermal Area. Set in the temperate climate of the northeastern part of Iceland, the weather is quite mild, despite being just 65 miles (105km) south of the Arctic Circle. With surrounding natural attractions like Hverir and Mt. Namafjall, it’s …

Snorralaug Hot Spring – Reykholt, Iceland

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Just 67 miles north of Reykjavik, Snorralaug Hot Spring is a historical and cultural landmark surrounded by bucolic grassy fields and a farm-like atmosphere. While swimming here has been banned since 1817, it’s a beautiful stop on any road trip or city escape to learn about the past. History This quaint little thermal pool first …

Reykjafjarðarlaug Hot Pool – Westfjords Region, Iceland

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Reykjafjarðarlaug Hot Pool is set in the Westfjords region in the mystical island nation of Iceland. Even amongst the plethora of spectacular geothermal pools to choose from in the country, this is a gem. Secluded amongst the fjords, the multiple pools here are a hot spring enthusiast’s dream and are easily accessible from the road. …

10 Rules and Safety Tips for Hot Springs Use

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There’s nothing more relaxing than a soak in a hot spring on a cold winter day or cool summer night, especially if it has a view. While they’re not always articulated, there are a set of well-known rules and safety tips that will make the experience better for everyone and leave things nice for those …

Naegleria Fowleri: A Rare Brain–Eating Amoeba in Warm Water

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Naegleria fowleri is nicknamed the “brain-eating amoeba” despite its classification as an amoeboflagellate excavate. But that’s just semantics. The important thing to know about this microorganism is that it’s not something you want in your body. The brain-eating amoeba can be found worldwide but thrives in areas of warm or hot fresh water like lakes, …

12 Best Hot Springs in Mexico

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Rich in culture and natural landmarks, Mexico boasts a variety of top hot springs. From secluded primitive soaking pools to well-developed resorts complete with the finest facilities and overnight lodging, there’s a mineral hot spring for everybody. Take advantage of the United States’ proximity, and hop on a plane south of the border to visit …