Grayling River Hotsprings

Grayling River Hot Springs is a natural wonder tucked away in the wilderness of British Columbia, Canada. It is located on the Grayling River, approximately 50km upstream of its confluence with the Liard River. This hot spring complex is situated in an ecological reserve that represents the Hyland Plateau ecosection and contains a thermal and mineral spring complex of national significance. It is rated as one of the best hot springs in Canada based on its geological and ecological characteristics.

The hot springs are divided into two sections, each with varying temperatures, and are located on both sides of a small canyon on the Grayling River. A tufa formation, formed by calcium deposits precipitated from hot spring water, towers impressively above one of the canyon sites. Above this formation is a unique cave occupied by bats. The lower hot springs discharge into a complex series of channels and pools within the flood channels on both banks of the Grayling. One of the most notable features of this area is the tufa terrace and steep 20-metre-high cliff at the edge of the river.

These hot springs boast the highest temperatures in the Liard area, a testament to the rare karst topography found in this far north location. The terraces surrounding the hot springs are in the early stages of deciduous succession, following a massive fire in 1971. Despite the fire, small stands of mature white spruce can still be found on the north-facing slopes and gravel bars of the river.

The thermal influence of the hot springs has created a unique habitat for a diverse array of warm-water plant species. The area is a haven for plant species that are typically associated with hot springs, including yellow monkey-flower, Philadelphia fleabane, Pennsylvania pellitory, and the most northerly occurrence of western witchgrass. Two rare hot spring-associated plants found here are prairie wedgegrass and satin grass. The ecological diversity of hot spring and non-hot spring habitats found here gives rise to an unusually high number of vascular plant species.

Grayling River Hot Springs also provides a home to several animal species, including a significant Little Brown Myotis nursery colony, extensive moose and other ungulate habitat, grizzly bear habitat, and arctic grayling and bull trout, which are common in the local streams.

Due to the remote location of these hot springs, it is rare for humans to visit. The springs are surrounded by a 1,421-hectare ecological reserve and are located approximately 67km northeast of Muncho Lake. For those who are willing to make the journey, Grayling River Hot Springs offers a unique and unforgettable wilderness experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.