Takhini Hot Springs was a Yukon institution for decades, and today the springs live on as Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, a spa built on the same site along Takhini Hot Springs Road, roughly 25 minutes from downtown Whitehorse. The concept borrows from Japanese, Turkish and Nordic bathing traditions: pools at different temperatures, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and quiet relaxation rooms, with an in-house cafe. The main Eclipse Pool is wheelchair accessible, the Aurora Pool is designed to be used even when the air is minus 50 degrees Celsius, and an onsen-style pool is lined with rock and fed by a small cascade. In winter the contrast is the point: you walk out of the steam into frozen air, sink into mineral-warmed water and watch the snow come down or the aurora overhead on a clear night. The spa is for adults aged 19 and over, which keeps it calm, and it is open daily from the morning until late evening. A popular half-day guided outing pairs the Yukon Wildlife Preserve with a visit here and includes both admissions and hotel pickup, which removes the need to drive on winter roads.
Think of the visit as a ritual rather than a swim. The Nordic bath pattern alternates heat and cold, then rests, and many guests spend two to three hours moving between pools, sauna and steam rooms and stopping to eat. Bring swimwear designed for swimming, because regular clothing and underwear are not allowed, along with towels and flip-flops, all of which can be rented or bought at the front desk if you forget. Some features, such as outdoor saunas and cold plunges, depend on the season, so check what is running on the day.
Getting there and booking
The spa is at kilometre 10 of Takhini Hot Springs Road, about a 25 minute drive from town. Without a car, the half-day Wildlife and Hot Springs tour from a downtown hotel is the easiest option. Online booking is available through the spa's website, which also covers rates, and booking ahead is wise for weekends and holiday periods. Weekday admission is often priced a little lower than weekends, so check before you choose your day.
Who it suits
Couples, friends and solo travellers who want recovery time after a night of aurora chasing or a day in the snow. It does not suit families with children, since entry is for adults only, and it is not a place for loud groups. Pair it with the aurora by arriving for an early evening soak and going out into the night afterward, or save it for the morning after a late tour when you want to ease your muscles in warm water.
What to expect
The experience
A Nordic-style spa with mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation rooms, plus outdoor pools built to work in extreme cold.
Best time
Late afternoon into the evening in winter, when the contrast between warm water and cold air is strongest and you may catch the aurora.
How long
Two to three hours is typical, longer if you move through the full heat and cold circuit.
Tips
Adults only, 19 and over. Bring proper swimwear, two towels and flip-flops, or rent them at the front desk, and book ahead for busy days.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adults who want to warm up and unwind after the cold, especially after a late aurora tour.
- Families
- Not suitable for children because entry is limited to ages 19 and over.
- Couples
- One of the most romantic winter experiences in the Yukon: steam, snow and potentially the aurora overhead.
- Pair with
- The Yukon Wildlife Preserve on a combined half-day tour, or a late-night aurora viewing on another evening.
- Time needed
- Half a day including the drive from downtown.
Good questions
Is this the old Takhini Hot Springs?+
It is built on the site of the historic Takhini Hot Springs and replaces the older facility, which closed. The new spa opened in 2022 and is rebuilt as a Nordic-style bathing experience.
What are the opening hours?+
The spa is open daily from the morning until late evening. Check its website for the current hours and the last entry time before you go.
Can children visit?+
No. The spa is for adults only, aged 19 and over.
What should I bring?+
Bring swimwear made for swimming, two towels and flip-flops or indoor sandals. Towels, robes and flip-flops can be rented or bought at the front desk.
How do I get there without a car?+
The easiest route is a guided half-day Wildlife and Hot Springs tour, which collects guests from a downtown hotel and includes admission to both places.
