The Takhini Hot Pools, located a half hour’s drive north of Whitehorse, consists of two connected pools with 35°C waters flowing from deep within the ground. Rich in minerals, reddish in hue and lacking the sulphur-stink typically found at natural hot springs, the hot waters have been known to locals for generations, with the first wooden pool built in the 1950’s by US Army engineers constructing the Alaska Highway. Each February, it hosts the annual Hair Freezing Contest, which is as quirky, weird and wonderful as it sounds. Regardless of the quality of your efforts, it provides and excellent excuse to soak in these rejuvenating pools on the Alaska Highway.
Length of Trip : Budget a relaxing afternoon or evening
Cost : Click here for the latest rates, packages and hours
Best time to go : The contest is in winter, the hot pools are open year-round.
Wheelchair friendly : Call ahead to make arrangements if possible.
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat : Café Balzam, located on-site at the Hot Pools, serves up delicious sweet and savoury crepes, as well as other French-inspired delights.
Official Site : More information from the Takhini Hot Pools website.
Where to Stay : In Whitehorse, I recommend Best Western’s centrally located Gold Rush Inn.
Getting There : From Whitehorse, get the onto Alaska Hwy/YT-2 N/Yukon 1 W (signs for Alaska Highway N), turn right onto YT-2 N (signs for Yukon Territory 2 N/Carmacks/Dawson City), turn left onto Takhini Hot Springs Rd. If the weather is clear, it should take you about a half-hour to reach the Hot Pools from Whitehorse.
Note from Robin : The annual Hair Freezing competition takes place in February. To enter, simply sculpt your frozen hair, take a photo, post it to Takhini’s Facebook page, and let the digital herd vote. The trick to lay your hair on the edge of the pool, wait for it to freeze, and than mould it into something special. If the weather or your hair isn’t cooperating, enjoy the soak and if you’re lucky, the northern lights too!
Courtesy Takhini Hot Pools
Courtesy Takhini Hot Pools
Courtesy Takhini Hot Pools
Courtesy Takhini Hot Pools
Courtesy Takhini Hot Pools
Courtesy Takhini Hot Pools
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