Qualla: Takhini Hot Springs https://qualla.com/takhini-hot-springs en-us © 2026 Bendyline Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:21:06 GMT Qualla serial false Qualla support@bendyline.com yes https://qualla.com/_m/b/f/z/d/takhini-hot-springs-wk/zipline-across-lake.jpg Qualla: Takhini Hot Springs https://qualla.com/takhini-hot-springs Takhini Hot Springs: Introduction https://qualla.com/takhini-hot-springs/ Photo credit Andrewumbrich, CC BY-SA 3.0. North of Whitehorse, Yukon, where winter temperatures plunge to -40°C and below, people gather to soak outdoors in naturally heated mineral water. Takhini Hot Springs has operated since the 1970s, its pools maintaining a comfortable 36-42°C even when the surrounding air is arctic. The springs are famous for an unlikely phenomenon: when bathers dip their wet hair into the freezing air, it crystallizes into fantastic sculptural shapes within minutes. This has spawned the International Hair Freezing Contest, held every February, where competitors create the most elaborate frozen hairdos. It's a uniquely Yukon combination of extreme cold, geothermal heat, and willingness to look ridiculous for a prize.

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Image: Andrewumbrich | CC BY-SA 3.0

]]> Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://qualla.com/_m/b/f/z/d/takhini-hot-springs-wk/bfzd-takhini-hot-springs-intro.mp3 0:06 1 full Takhini Hot Springs: The Hot Springs https://qualla.com/takhini-hot-springs/ Photo credit Timkal, CC BY-SA 3.0. Takhini Hot Springs emerges from the earth at roughly 47°C, heated by geothermal activity deep underground. The mineral-rich water contains calcium, magnesium, and silica, purportedly beneficial for skin and relaxation. The springs have been used by Indigenous peoples for centuri...

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Image: Timkal | CC BY-SA 3.0

]]> Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://qualla.com/_m/b/f/z/d/takhini-hot-springs-wk/bfzd-takhini-hot-springs-the-hot-springs.mp3 0:06 2 full Takhini Hot Springs: The Hair Freezing Contest https://qualla.com/takhini-hot-springs/ Photo credit Timkal, CC BY-SA 3.0. The International Hair Freezing Contest began in 2011 and has become Takhini's signature event. Participants submerge their hair in the hot pool water, then stand with wet hair exposed to the arctic air. Within minutes, the hair freezes solid into whatever shape it was molded int...

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Image: Timkal | CC BY-SA 3.0

]]> Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://qualla.com/_m/b/f/z/d/takhini-hot-springs-wk/bfzd-takhini-hot-springs-the-hair-freezing-contest.mp3 0:06 3 full Takhini Hot Springs: The Experience https://qualla.com/takhini-hot-springs/ Photo credit Timkal, CC BY-SA 3.0. Soaking at Takhini in winter is surreal. You walk from the warm changing room into air cold enough to freeze exposed skin in minutes, then immerse in water hot enough to require adjustment. Steam rises constantly, obscuring and revealing other bathers. Your face stays cold while ...

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Image: Timkal | CC BY-SA 3.0

]]> Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://qualla.com/_m/b/f/z/d/takhini-hot-springs-wk/bfzd-takhini-hot-springs-the-experience.mp3 0:06 4 full Takhini Hot Springs: The Region https://qualla.com/takhini-hot-springs/ Photo credit Timkal, CC BY-SA 3.0. Takhini sits in the Yukon wilderness 28 kilometers from Whitehorse, the territorial capital. The name comes from the Takhini River, which flows from the Yukon's interior to join the Yukon River. The area is traditional territory of the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council and Kwanlin Dün First...

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Image: Timkal | CC BY-SA 3.0

]]> Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://qualla.com/_m/b/f/z/d/takhini-hot-springs-wk/bfzd-takhini-hot-springs-the-region.mp3 0:06 5 full Takhini Hot Springs: Visiting Takhini Hot Springs https://qualla.com/takhini-hot-springs/ Photo credit Timkal, CC BY-SA 3.0. Takhini Hot Springs is located at Kilometer 10 on the Takhini Hot Springs Road, 28 kilometers north of downtown Whitehorse. The facility is open year-round; winter hours are typically shorter. No reservations required for general admission. Swimsuits are required; towel and locke...

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Image: Timkal | CC BY-SA 3.0

]]> Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://qualla.com/_m/b/f/z/d/takhini-hot-springs-wk/bfzd-takhini-hot-springs-visiting-takhini-hot-springs.mp3 0:06 6 full