Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. Please review our full Terms and Conditions for more information and our Privacy Policy. Note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided below may have changed since initial publication.
Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team
Last updated on March 16, 2024
Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, in the shadow of Sulphur Mountain, you’ll find the magnificent Banff Upper Hot Springs. A soothing soak is one of the best things to do in Banff National Park, and the Upper Hot Springs have long provided rest, relaxation, and healing to people due to its mineral-rich water. We love to soak in the steaming water of the outdoor pool and take in the national park’s stunning panoramic mountain views. However, there are some things visitors need to know before they visit. This guide will tell you everything about the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Everything You Need to Know about the Banff Upper Hot Springs
About the Springs
What makes the water at the Banff Hot Springs so special? Rainwater that has seeped into the earth’s crust undergoes thermal heating before eventually bubbling its way up to the surface of Sulphur Moutain; from there, the thermal waters pass and trickle down the mountain to the springs at a rate of up to 900 litres per minute. Along its journey, the water picks up an infusion of minerals, including sulfate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, and sodium.
The water temperatures are also special here, and it is kept at around 40°C (104°F) in the main hot pool. When the flow of natural spring water is too low to fill the pools, supplemental municipal water is used so that the hot springs can be enjoyed all year round.
The Banff Upper Hot Springs is the highest hot spring in all of Canada at an elevation of 1,585 metres!
History of the Springs
The history of Banff Upper Hot Springs goes back centuries, as Indigenous peoples used the hot springs as a sacred place to cure illness and maintain good health. In 1883, Canadian Pacific Railway workers started using the Cave and Basin Hot Springs, paving the way to create Banff National Park; the following year, Europeans also started using Banff Upper Hot Springs. Due to the popularity of spas in Europe, the site became extremely popular, especially with the expansion of the railway system in the late 1880s and motorway construction in the 1910s.
While various buildings were constructed and then destroyed (often by fire), the Upper Hot Springs Bath House opened in 1923. Similar to some of the famous spas in Europe, the bathhouse has a sulphur-water swimming pool, plunge baths, steam rooms, tubs, showers, and dressing rooms. In 1931, the Canadian government declared the bathhouse a Registered Federal Heritage Building.
After many renovations, the bathhouse has been restored to resemble its 1932 appearance, and a restaurant and a gift shop have been added. With over 300,000 visitors yearly, the Upper Hot Springs is one of Banff National Park’s most popular tourist destinations.
Where are the Banff Upper Hot Springs? Location and parking
Banff Upper Hot Springs is located on Mountain Avenue, four kilometres south of the town of Banff. The route to get there is well-marked. If driving, walking or cycling, follow Banff Avenue over the Bow River and turn left (east) at the last set of lights. Follow the signs for 3.6 kilometres to the Banff Upper Hot Springs parking lot.
Unfortunately, there is limited parking, and why many people choose to take public transit to the hot springs instead. If you’d like to take the bus from downtown Banff, take the bus marked with Route 1, “Sulphur Mountain.” Buses run every 20 minutes during regular operation hours.
You can also walk or cycle to the Banff Upper Hot Springs, which is a great way to see the town and get a little bit of exercise before your soak!
Before or after your soak, we recommend going up Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola, seeing they are so close to one another.
How much does it cost to visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs?
Considering how expensive activities in Banff can be, a visit to Banff Upper Hot Springs is relatively affordable. Note that advance tickets and reservations are not available and admission can only be purchased in person at reception. One-time-use lockers are included in all rates.
Current rates are as follows:
Single Entry Fees (GST included)
- Adult: $17.50
- Senior: $15.25
- Youth (ages 3-17): $15.25
- Children: (under 3): Free
- Extra Youth: $8.50
- Family: $56.75
Group Rates (ten or more people all checking in and paying in one payment – GST included)
- Adult: $16.00 each
- Senior: $14.00 each
- Youth (ages 3-17): $14 each
Additional Admission Options
Annual passes and multi-use passes are available for those who want to visit the Upper Hot Springs more than once. Additionally, if you plan to visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and the hot springs there, you can buy a thermal pass that combines the two admissions.
For more information about admissions and tickets, please visit the website.
A reminder that you’ll need a park pass to be in Banff National Park (whether that’s a day pass or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass).
Hours of Operation
The Banff Upper Hot Springs is open every day of the year. And when we say every day, it’s true: the Upper Hot Springs are even open on Canadian holidays, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and Easter.
During the peak season (May to September), the hot springs are open daily from 9 am to 11 pm. During the off-season (October to April), the hot springs are open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
That being said, the pools can close at times for maintenance and cleaning. It’s important to check the Parks Canada website for unexpected closures before you visit.
When to Visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs
As mentioned above, the Banff Upper Hot Springs are open year-round! Therefore, there are benefits to visiting during every season, no matter the temperature. The busiest time at the Banff Upper Hot Springs is in the summer months, as it is the peak season for Banff National Park. And being peak season, the hot springs will be very crowded, and there is a limit to how many people can enter the hot springs at once.
Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, with Monday and Tuesday being the quietest days to visit. Additionally, early morning and later evening are less popular times to visit; the hot springs peak in the afternoon.
We recommend visiting in the springtime or fall if you’re after cooler temperatures and fewer people. The Canadian Rockies are still beautiful, and the hot spring waters are a welcome treat on a chilly day. But we highly recommend going in the winter. We think the colder the better as we enjoy the warm pools as we soak in both the panoramic views of the snowy mountains and the thermal waters.
What to Bring to the Banff Upper Hot Springs
Visitors should bring swimsuits, towels, and water shoes to the Banff Hot Springs, although there are also bathing suits and towels available for rental if you do not have your own. You may also want to bring any other toiletries you feel you’ll need after the springs, i.e. deodorant, makeup, etc.
You have access to one-time use lockers but can purchase an additional locker token if needed.
How long should you spend at the Banff Upper Hot Springs?
While you could easily spend half a day soaking in the mineral-rich water – those views are unbelievable! – we recommended planning for at least two hours at the hot springs. This would also give you a bit of time needed to change, shower, etc.
Accessibility
Banff Upper Hot Springs is wheelchair-accessible, with many ramps, an elevator in the facility and accessible parking out front. An aquatic wheelchair is also available upon request (first come, first served). Service dogs are allowed at the Banff Hot Springs, although they are not allowed in the water.
Things to Do at the Banff Upper Hot Springs
The main thing to do at the Banff Upper Hot Springs is relax! The natural spring water of the hot springs is meant to have healing properties, and relaxing in a hot pool is a magical experience. The large hot pool can accommodate up to 200 people, while there is a smaller, cooler pool for those who prefer slightly colder temperatures. You can also spend time in the steam room.
When you’re ready for a snack, a café sells light bites and drinks. The gift shop is also a good stop to pick up a souvenir from your time at the springs. Also, make sure to check out the interpretive exhibits around the bathhouse, which document its history and the history of the hot springs themselves.
Things to Do Nearby
You can also combine a visit to the Banff Upper Hot Springs with the Banff Gondola, as they’re so close to one another. Or you could hike the Sulphur Mountain Trail (a challenging, 9 km out-and-back hike) and then soak in the natural hot springs afterward to soothe your body. This hike is one of the most popular hikes in Banff, and the trailhead is right next to Springs.
Dalene Heck is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. She was born in Edmonton, grew up in the Peace Country, and has ventured to almost every corner of Alberta and the world (she’s travelled to 60 countries)! She is a serial blogger, the CEO of HMI Marketing, co-creator of the Trip Chaser card game, a leukemia-slayer, and cat whisperer.
