The Banff Upper Hot Springs are one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park — and for good reason. Naturally heated mineral water, mountain views from the pool, and a history that goes back to the very founding of Canada's national parks make this a must-do experience for every visitor.
History
Hot springs are the reason Banff National Park exists. In 1883, three railway workers discovered natural hot springs on Sulphur Mountain, sparking a dispute over ownership that led the Canadian government to create Banff as Canada's first national park in 1885. The Upper Hot Springs facility has been welcoming bathers since 1932, making it one of the longest-operating hot springs pools in Canada.
What to Expect
The Banff Upper Hot Springs is an outdoor public pool fed by naturally heated mineral water. The water emerges from the mountain at approximately 47°C and is cooled to a comfortable 37-40°C in the pool. The water contains sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, and sodium — minerals believed to have therapeutic benefits.
The pool is surrounded by a stone deck with mountain views in every direction. On a clear day, you can see Cascade Mountain, Mount Rundle, and Sulphur Mountain towering above. On a snowy winter evening, steam rises from the water into the cold mountain air, creating a magical, atmospheric scene.
Practical Information
- Location: End of Mountain Avenue, at the base of Sulphur Mountain (near the Banff Gondola)
- Hours: Generally 10am-10pm (seasonal variations — check the Parks Canada website)
- Admission: Adults $9.25, seniors $8.25, youth (3-17) $8.25, children under 3 free
- Rental: Swimsuit ($1.90), towel ($1.90), locker ($1.00)
- Facilities: Change rooms, lockers, showers, a small gift shop, and the Springs Café
What to Bring
- Swimsuit: Bring your own or rent one at the facility
- Towel: Bring your own to save the rental fee
- Water bottle: The warm water is dehydrating — stay hydrated
- Sandals: For walking on the pool deck
- Camera: The mountain views from the pool are incredible (waterproof cases recommended)
Best Time to Visit
The hot springs are enjoyable year-round, but the experience changes dramatically with the seasons:
- Winter evenings: The most atmospheric time. Snow falling around you, steam rising from the hot water, mountain silhouettes against the night sky. Fewer crowds on weekday evenings
- Summer afternoons: Warm sunshine and mountain views. This is peak crowd time — expect a busy pool
- Early morning: The quietest time to visit regardless of season. A morning soak before a day of hiking is a wonderful way to start
Combine with Other Activities
The hot springs are located at the base of Sulphur Mountain, making them easy to combine with other activities:
- Banff Gondola + Hot Springs: Ride the gondola to the summit in the morning, then soak in the hot springs in the afternoon. The gondola station is a 5-minute walk away
- Sulphur Mountain Hike + Hot Springs: Hike up Sulphur Mountain (5.5 km), ride the gondola down, and reward yourself with a soak
- Post-hike soak: After any day of hiking, the hot springs are the perfect way to relax tired muscles
Tips
- Visit on a weekday evening in winter for the most peaceful, atmospheric experience
- The pool can reach capacity on summer weekends — go early or late to avoid waits
- Remove jewellery before swimming — the mineral water can tarnish some metals
- The water has a mild sulphur smell (normal for mineral hot springs)
- Lockers require a coin or token