A Timeless Retreat in the Yukon
Tucked away in the rolling hills just outside Whitehorse, Yukon, the rejuvenated Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs offers more than a soak—it invites you into a story centuries in the making. Formerly known as Takhini Hot Springs, this iconic natural attraction has undergone a stunning transformation, merging deep-rooted Indigenous heritage with refined Nordic spa culture. The result is a serene destination where the wilderness, history, and modern luxury coexist.

Ancestral Waters of the Ta’an Kwäch’än

Long before tourism ever reached the Yukon, the healing waters of what is now Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs were cherished by the Ta’an Kwäch’än people. This site was once known as “Jim Boss’ Bathtub,” named after the influential Chief Jim Boss (Kishwoot), who advocated for Indigenous rights and land claims at the turn of the 20th century. He used these springs for both medicinal and spiritual purposes, understanding their natural power long before the Western world caught on.

The Rise of a Rustic Retreat

In the early 1900s, settlers William Puckett and A.R. Gordon saw the potential in these bubbling mineral waters. They purchased the land in 1907 and began to shape it into a rustic retreat. By the 1940s, the hot springs served the U.S. Army engineers building the Alaska Highway, with makeshift pools offering comfort during the bitter northern winters. Over the decades, infrastructure grew—from canvas tubs to concrete pools and eventually a fully-fledged facility that became a staple for locals and travelers alike.

Reimagined for the Modern Explorer

Fast forward to 2022, and the springs reopened with a new identity: Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs. The redesign embraces global bathing traditions, inspired by Japanese onsens, Turkish hammams, and Scandinavian thermal spas. With four geothermal pools ranging between 36°C and 42°C, elegant ceramic bathtubs imported from Japan, relaxation rooms, saunas, and steam rooms, Eclipse offers an immersive experience that appeals to body and soul.

One of the most compelling features is the quiet—an adults-only policy ensures tranquility, allowing visitors to unplug, unwind, and truly be present in the moment.

A Site of Celebration, Creativity, and Cosmic Beauty

The hot springs aren’t just a place to soak—they’ve also become a venue for artistic expression and celestial wonder. The internationally famous “Hair Freezing Contest,” which began in 2011, invites guests to shape their frost-covered locks into imaginative sculptures while sitting in the steamy outdoor waters during sub-zero nights. The results are hilarious, eerie, and often breathtaking, capturing the attention of the global media each winter.

The region is also one of the best places to witness the northern lights. With minimal light pollution and open skies, Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs becomes a prime viewing location for the aurora borealis. For those seeking a longer stay, a cozy hostel—established in 2014—sits next to the hot springs, offering easy access. Behind it, a woodland campground provides one of the best vantage points to view the lights dancing across the sky. The area is also a gateway to nature-based adventures, with trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing weaving through the surrounding forest.

Looking Ahead

Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs continues to evolve. Future plans include a family-friendly facility, expanding access to these ancestral waters while honoring their heritage. But at its core, the springs remain what they’ve always been: a sacred space of healing, reflection, and renewal.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a weary soul in search of peace, Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs offers a timeless Yukon experience unlike any other. Come for the warmth, stay for the story—and maybe, just maybe, catch the northern lights while you’re there.

Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

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🌅 Sunrise: 6:22 AM

🌇 Sunset: 9:37 PM

💨 Wind: 1 m/s

📡 Visibility: 10 km

☁️ Cloudiness: 24%

💧 Humidity: 54%

📈 Pressure: 1020 hPa

🔆 UV Index: 0

3 Day Outlook

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🕒 Last updated: April 21, 2025 6:09 AM (130 mins ago)