Skookumchuck (aka T'sek)                                         Whistler Area Hot Springs

Skookumchuck Hot Springs, located two hours north of Whistler along the edge of the huge Lillooet River.  The name Skookumchuck means "strong water" in the language of the Chinook people of the Pacific Northwest.  The name is associated with the hot springs because of the nearby First Nation community of Skatin, which was once called Skookumchuck.  The Skookumchuck Hot Springs were also once known as St. Agnes Well during the days of the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, but that name has fallen into disuse.  They are also known locally by the Skatin name as the T'sek Hot Springs.  See a short history of Skookumchuck Hot Springs here.

The Skookumchuck Hot Springs start in a pool which is far to hot to use so there are a network of tubes emanating from this pool to feed a ramshackle array of tubs.  There are five tubs, which include one very large one under an A-frame which could hold 10 people and is beautifully comfortable.  A smaller one under a half A-frame privacy screen which could hold 8 under the stars.  And three more open tubs.  Clothing, you will quickly discover, is optional.  There are small change rooms and one outhouse a few metres away.

Skookumchuck Hot Springs Campsite

The Skookumchuck campsite is very nice.  Almost all of the sites are at the edge of the beautiful and huge Lillooet River with amazing views of the mountains beyond.  All sites come with lots of firewood and most have picnic tables.

The ground is surprisingly flat and even with room for tents and the area is thick with trees, so you have some privacy from other campers.  The cute campsite ring road allows you to back your vehicle right up to your site.

There are several outhouses and a few water taps in various places.  The water from the taps is drinkable, however, a sign warns to boil first.  This is widely disregarded, and likely only a precaution from the campsite owners against charges if someone gets sick.  The Lillooet River is not recommended to drink as it contains runoff from the farming town of Pemberton.

There are no overbearing rules applied to the Skookumchuck Hot Springs as there are in other hot springs you may encounter elsewhere.  The tubs are open to use 24 hours, 365 days per year.

There is a sign saying no dogs allowed near the hot springs, though they are allowed in the campsite.

Directions to Skookumchuck Hot Springs

From Whistler, zero your odometer in Whistler at Village Gate Boulevard and follow highway 99 north to Pemberton.

At 32k you will arrive at Pemberton, an intersection, with a Petro Can gas station on your left and Mcdonalds to your right. Continue straight, through Pemberton.

At 39k turn right at the sign to Lillooet(pictured right). Follow this winding road, for 10km and soon (5-10 minutes) you will come to the massive Lillooet Lake on your right.

At 48.6k, just as you pass the lake on your right you will see a sign for the In-Shuck-Ch Forest Service Road(pictured below).  Continue down this logging road as it hugs the mighty Lillooet Lake on your right.

At 78.8k you will come to a fork in the road. Bear left and you will immediately see another sign to the Skookumchuck Hot Springs.

At 96.5k you will arrive and see the sign welcoming you to "St. Agnes Well, T'Sik, Skookumchuck Hot Springs"

Usage Costs For Skookumchuck Hot Springs:

There are usage charges. If you want to overnight, the cost is $10 per vehicle, and $10 per person (kids 10 and under free). If you don't overnight then no vehicle charge and $7.50 per adult. Day use hours are listed as 9am-8pm Summer and 9am-6pm Fall/Spring/Winter. Payment must be made in cash.

A SHORT HISTORY OF SKOOKUMCHUCK HOT SPRINGS>>