Heli Hot Springs: Something different

November 27, 2015 Liam Harrap

A heliskiing holiday doesn’t always have to be about skiing. There’s the food, cross-country skiing and snow shoeing around the lodge, the pub, ping pong table, massages, and did I mention food? Last Frontier Helisking is like no other heliskiing company, with a tenure the third of the size of Switzerland, it’s the worlds largest. Thereby it’s bound to have a few unique areas. One of which is the Iskut River Hot Springs. The hot springs are about a 15 minute chopper ride from Bell 2 Lodge. Located right on the banks of the Iskut River, it’s also an ecological reserve and lies within the territory of the Tahltan First Nation. It’s wild country, with no established trails or roads leading to it. You can access it by floating down the river in a dingy (which may be a tad chilly this time of year) or helicopter.

Be The Bird Photo: Dave Silver
Just a quick flight to the hot pools: Dave Silver

After zig-zagging between peaks, perhaps spotting moose and mountain goats, the chopper lands right beside the Iskut River, just a couple footsteps away from the hot pools. A perfect place for a swim, barbecue, and a few drinks.

Iskut River Hot Springs | Liam Harrap
Iskut River Hot Springs. Doesn’t get much better than this | Liam Harrap
The Happiness At Experiencing Remote Hot Springs In A Scenic Setting | Liam Harrap
Pure happiness at experiencing remote hot springs in a scenic setting | Liam Harrap
Enjoying A Dip! | Liam Harrap
Enjoying the bubbly with a bubbly | Liam Harrap
The Hot Water Runs From Small Cracks On The River Bank, When Mixed With The Cool Water Of The Iskut River, It Provides A Perfect Bathing Opportunity | Liam Harrap
The hot water runs from small cracks on the river bank, when mixed with the cool water of the Iskut River, it provides an awesome bathing experience | Liam Harrap
A Look From Above | Liam Harrap
A look from above | Liam Harrap

The hot springs are roomy and can accommodate a large group. The water temperature is hot enough that even in cold weather you’ll be toasty and content. I’ve gone to many hot springs throughout Canada and Europe, and this is one of the best. How often do you get the chance to go to a hot spring that’s usually only accessed via helicopter?

While Mist Mountain Hot Springs In The Canadian Rockies Is Beautiful, It's Slightly Small And Is More Of A &Quot;Warm&Quot; Springs Than Hot. | Liam Harrap
While Mist Mountain Hot Springs in the Canadian Rockies is beautiful, it’s slightly small and is more of a “warm” springs than hot. It’s no comparison  | Liam Harrap
Swimming In An Abandoned Swimming Pool In Iceland, Heated By Spring. Although It Was Gorgeous, It Was Slimy. Iskut Is Clear And Clean, A Rarity In The Hot Spring World | Liam Harrap
Swimming in an abandoned swimming pool in Iceland, heated by spring. Although it’s gorgeous, it’s also slimy. Iskut is clear and clean, a rarity in the hot spring world | Liam Harrap

Little else can compare to combining skiing and hot springs, the hot water will sooth away the aches and pains from days of powder shots and jump pillows. If you’re interested in going beyond just a skiing holiday, please contact us for more information.