Banff Upper Hot Springs
Canada's highest thermal springs, offering mineral-rich waters and breathtaking Rockies views in a historic setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene soak
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene soak
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Canada's highest thermal springs, offering mineral-rich waters and breathtaking Rockies views in a historic setting.
"The view from the pool is sooo beautiful, it's a very relaxing experience."
🎯 Book Shuttle Early for Lakes
Shuttle passes for Moraine Lake sell out fast! Have multiple devices ready at 8 AM to secure your spot.
🎟️ Bring Your Own Towel & Swimsuit
While rentals are available, bringing your own saves money and ensures comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Soak with a View
Main Pool
Relax in the mineral-rich waters while taking in panoramic views of Mount Rundle and the surrounding Rockies.
Historic Bathhouse Charm
Bathhouse
Experience the preserved 1930s bathhouse architecture, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
Vintage Swimwear Fun
Rental Counter
Rent a retro swimsuit for a playful and memorable soak, adding a unique twist to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Prime Soak Time
Park Pass & Shuttle Savvy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Shuttle Early for Lakes
Shuttle passes for Moraine Lake sell out fast! Have multiple devices ready at 8 AM to secure your spot.
🎟️ Bring Your Own Towel & Swimsuit
While rentals are available, bringing your own saves money and ensures comfort.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring a reusable water bottle. The fountain by the pool may not work, but there's a refill station inside.
👟 Wear Slides to the Pool
Protect your feet on wet floors and keep them clean inside the locker rooms.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Shuttle Early for Lakes
Shuttle passes for Moraine Lake sell out fast! Have multiple devices ready at 8 AM to secure your spot.
🎟️ Bring Your Own Towel & Swimsuit
While rentals are available, bringing your own saves money and ensures comfort.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring a reusable water bottle. The fountain by the pool may not work, but there's a refill station inside.
👟 Wear Slides to the Pool
Protect your feet on wet floors and keep them clean inside the locker rooms.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Even on cooler days, the sun can be intense at this altitude. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find Banff Upper Hot Springs to be a relaxing experience with beautiful mountain views, especially enjoyable on cooler days. While the historic charm and mineral waters are appreciated, some note that the facility could benefit from updates to amenities like lockers and showers, and that it can get quite crowded.
"We went in early summer in June. It was pretty hot day so we were sitting on the edges. It would be nice if they could have a colder pool to cool off on hot days. The swimsuit drying machine didn’t work which was a bummer. However, its a very cool experience. It is first come first serve so be there early. Gondola is a street down so if you can plan accordingly can go right after. They have a family price for 2 adults and 2 children which was nice and lockers come with the cost. You will need to bring your towels and swimsuit or pay extra. The view is amazing"
Nara L
"Went with my family last week, and it was a great experience. It is about $17 dollars for adults (includes a locker ticket). It was a bit cold when we went so it felt so nice getting in the hot water. They also have water fountain and cold showers if you need to cool off. And the view from the pool is sooo beautiful, it's a very relaxing experience."
Giovanna
"Was packed but still beautiful. It was a nice touch to the cold weather that we were having. There should be a little shelter where people can hang their towels on all sides of the pool and all working soap and showers would be a great addition. Besides that it was clean and a relaxing and social time."
C Logan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Banff Upper Hot Springs is located at 1 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2. You can drive there, and parking is available, though it can fill up quickly. Alternatively, it's a short walk from the Banff Gondola.
Yes, parking is available, but it's first-come, first-served and can fill up, especially during peak times. Arriving early or later in the evening might increase your chances.
While there isn't direct public transport to the hot springs, Banff townsite is serviced by Roam Transit. From the town, it's a walk or a short taxi ride to the springs.
The closest major airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC). From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Banff townsite. Remember to purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass.
Yes, shuttle services are available for popular attractions like Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. These often require advance booking and sell out quickly. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary, but as of recent information, adult entry is around $17.50 CAD, with family packages available. Lockers are typically included.
Banff Upper Hot Springs operates on a first-come, first-served basis. While you don't need to book in advance, arriving early is highly recommended to guarantee entry.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date information on hours of operation.
While there isn't a strict time limit, visitors often find that 20-30 minutes is sufficient due to the water temperature. The facility is a shared pool experience.
Yes, you can rent towels and even historic swimwear for an additional fee. However, bringing your own is more cost-effective.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The water temperature is comfortably around 40°C (108°F), which is warm enough for most visitors but can be intense for first-timers.
Amenities include changing rooms, lockers, showers, and a water fountain for refills. Some lockers and shower fixtures may require maintenance.
It can get crowded, especially during peak season and on weekends. Arriving early or visiting during off-peak hours can provide a more relaxed experience.
The hot springs offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies, including Mount Rundle.
Some locals suggest exploring alternatives like the Radium Hot Springs in Kootenay National Park or Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park for a different experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no extensive dining facilities directly at the hot springs. You'll find snack options and vending machines. It's recommended to eat before or after your visit.
Banff townsite, a short drive away, offers a wide range of dining options from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants.
While you can bring a water bottle for refills, it's generally not permitted to consume outside food within the bathing area. Check specific park regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
The main pool area offers fantastic opportunities to capture the hot springs with the mountain backdrop. The historic bathhouse also provides charming photo ops.
No, photography is not permitted inside the changing rooms or shower areas for privacy reasons.
The steam can add a mystical quality to photos, but it can also obscure the view. Experiment with angles and timing to capture clear shots of the scenery.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photographic conditions.
The edge of the pool itself offers the most direct views. Consider the surrounding areas for wider landscape shots of the Banff area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing water toys if allowed, and ensure children are supervised at all times. While there isn't a separate cold pool, the showers can be used to cool off. The historic swimwear rental can also be a hit with younger visitors looking for a unique photo opportunity.
💰 Budget Travelers
For even more budget-friendly options, consider exploring the many free viewpoints and short hikes around Banff townsite, such as Surprise Corner Viewpoint or Vermillion Lakes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Banff National Park Pass
Planning your park entry is crucial. For popular areas like Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, shuttle reservations are often required due to limited parking and high visitor numbers. These shuttles can sell out very quickly, sometimes within minutes of release, so be prepared to book online as soon as they become available. Having multiple devices ready can increase your chances of securing a spot.
Staying informed about any ongoing construction or access restrictions is also wise. Websites like Parks Canada and local Banff tourism sites provide up-to-date information. Consider staying in nearby towns like Canmore for potentially lower accommodation costs and a slightly less crowded experience.
The Banff Upper Hot Springs Experience: Beyond the Soak
A distinctive feature is the option to rent historic swimwear from the 1930s, adding a fun, retro element to your visit.
While the facility has undergone renovations, some reviews mention that certain amenities like lockers and shower fixtures could benefit from further updates. For those seeking a more local or less tourist-centric experience, some travelers suggest exploring alternative hot springs in the wider Alberta and British Columbia regions.
However, for its accessibility and classic Banff views, the Upper Hot Springs remains a popular choice for many visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit