Spring: Spring Water

CALGARY (CP) - Canada has about 140 hot springs - all of them located in western mountain ranges - and in the latest issue of Canadian Geographic, geochemist Steve Grasby lists his top 10 must-sees.

Grasby works for the Geological Survey of Canada and has studied many of the country's hot springs, which range in temperature from 20 to 89 degrees Celsius.

Here are his favourites:

-Banff, Alta.: The original pool, discovered by Canadian Pacific Railway surveyors in 1885, is not open to the public, but visitors can relax in a pool higher up Sulphur Mountain.

-Liard, B.C.: "A must if you're making the long drive north" along the Alaska Highway. Located in Muncho Lake Provincial Park.

-Rabbitkettle, N.W.T.: Accessible by float plane. Visitors must be accompanied by a warden from Nahanni National Park Reserve.

-Hot Springs Cove, B.C.: Located in Maquinna Marine Provincial Park on Vancouver Island. Can be reached from Tofino by float plane, boat or kayak. "Water tumbles down a rock face from cracks to create a hot shower."

-Larsen, Yukon: A deep pool at the perfect temperature for bathing.

-Meager Creek, B.C.: Popular spring near Pemberton, developed in the Japanese onsen style.

-Broken Skull, N.W.T.: Best accessed by helicopter. "A fantastic place to swim and enjoy the mountain scenery."

-Tungsten, N.W.T.: Springs discharge from the base of the "stunning" Mackenzie Mountains.

-Sloquette, B.C.: A hot-spring waterfall and several pools.

-Fording Mountain, B.C.: Strictly for science buffs, this spring has extensive microbial mats, with high sulphur concentrations. "Great for studying but not for soaking."

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