4 Best Sights in Canada

Relax away the driving miles with a dip at this luxurious, recently remodeled complex off the Klondike Highway. Lounge or swim in the four hot spring–warmed pools, clear out your sinuses in the intense eucalyptus-infused steam room, or nap in the hibernation relax room on heated-tile lounge chairs. There are also cold-plunge pools to get your blood flowing. Occasional yoga and mediation classes are included with the entry price. After your soak, enjoy gelato, espresso, and banh mi sandwiches from the café, which also serves wine, beer, and sake. There's also an RV and tent campground. The pools are open year-round and in winter provide a breathtaking way to take in the wintry outdoors while staying warm and toasty. There's also a hair-freezing photo contest each February.

Geothermal springs tumble down a waterfall and into a series of oceanside rock pools at idyllic Hot Springs Cove, accessible only by boat or air from Tofino. Here, day trips—which are offered by several Tofino outfitters—usually include a bit of whale-watching en route. Once you arrive at the park, there's a half-hour boardwalk trail through old-growth forest to the site. Another popular day trip is to Meares Island, where an easy 20-minute boardwalk trail leads to trees up to 1,600 years old.

Discovered in 1884, Banff's hot, natural mineral springs were the impetus for the development of Canada's first national park. Early Banff visitors came primarily to experience the "healing waters"—something you can still do today at the popular Banff Upper Hot Springs pools. The waters at the facility, which is child-friendly during the day (think family swimming pool rather than couples' hot-tub vibe), are especially inviting on a dull, cold day or when it's snowing, and the views of the mountains are spectacular. You can rent lockers, bathing suits (circa 1920s or modern), and towels. Although the recommended limit for a soak is 20 minutes, you'll likely want to stay an hour or two. It's a short uphill walk from the parking lot to the springs.

The naturally heated mineral waters here originate in three springs and are cooled to 40°C (104°F) to allow bathing in the two pools. At 15°C (59°F), the adjacent pool refreshingly negates all that heat. A short walk leads to the remnants of the original hot-springs facility, where several springs still pour hot sulfurous water into the nearby creek. Day passes and bathing-suit, locker, and towel rentals are available.