Banff Upper Hot Springs

The Basics

Featuring a restored 1932 bathhouse, the Banff Upper Hot Springs blend historic character with modern amenities. Many visitors come to the springs to relax and rejuvenate after hiking, biking, or skiing excursions in Banff National Park or Jasper National Park. Other visitors come to reap the purported health benefits of the historical spa’s mineral waters, which contain sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, and sodium.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Banff Upper Hot Springs are a must for active travelers looking to unwind.

• The site features changing rooms, washrooms, shower facilities, lockers, and a café.

• You can rent swimsuits and towels for a small fee.

• The hot springs are accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Banff Upper Hot Springs are situated at an elevation of 5,200 feet (1,585 meters) in Banff Town, Alberta, about 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Lake Louise. If driving from Banff, follow Banff Avenue over the Bow River, turn left onto Spray Avenue, veer right onto Mountain Avenue, and follow the road until you reach the parking lot. As parking is limited, you may prefer to use public transportation instead; the Roam Banff Local Route 1 bus stops here.

When to Get There

Banff Upper Hot Springs are busiest during the summer season, particularly July and August, and around Christmas. If you are traveling with a large group and want to avoid the crowds, consider renting out a pool for private use. The natural hot springs, whose water temperatures are warm year-round, are especially magical in winter, when you can watch snow falling on the surrounding peaks.

Hiking on Sulphur Mountain

For a fun day out, park in the hot spring’s parking lot and then embark on a hike along one of the walking trails that lead up Sulphur Mountain. After a couple of hours’ in the wilderness, admiring the spectacular alpine scenery and perhaps stopping for a picnic, relax upon your return with a soak in the soothing pools of Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Ways to explore

Featuring a restored 1932 bathhouse, the Banff Upper Hot Springs blend historic character with modern amenities. Many visitors come to the springs independently, to relax and rejuvenate after hiking, biking, or skiing in Banff National Park or next-door Jasper National Park. Others come to reap the purported health benefits of the spa’s mineral waters, which contain sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, and sodium. Still others visit on tours, many of which focus on the park’s best sites—and views.

Accessibility

The facility is largely accessible—there are ramps, accessible changing rooms, and aquatic wheelchairs available for rent.

Age limits

Be aware of some restrictions at the hot springs: Visitors 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult; kids 5 and under, and non-swimmers, need to be kept within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian. Children 3 and under need to wear swim diapers in the pool. It’s also wise to research health recommendations about exposure to hot water if you’re traveling with babies or toddlers.

What to pack

Bring a towel, swimsuit, flip-flops, sunscreen, water bottle, and extra change of clothes; for the lockers, either bring a lock or rent one on-site.

What to wear

Any swimwear is allowed, as long as it’s freshly laundered and different from what you arrived in.

Not allowed

Consuming alcohol, smoking or vaping tobacco or cannabis, eating or drinking (besides water) outside the café, glass objects, disregarding standard pool etiquette

Amenities

Hot springs, lockers, showers, changing rooms, rentals, gift shop, restaurant with mountain views

Address 

You’ll find Banff’s Upper Hot Springs on Mountain Avenue, just a few minutes' drive from downtown. Right on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain, it’s easy to get there in a number of ways.

Driving

From downtown Banff, take Mountain Avenue south for about 3 miles (5 kilometers). Free parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

Roam Transit Route 1 (Sulphur Mountain) runs from downtown Banff to the hot springs. Buses run about every 20 minutes in the summer. You could also nab a taxi or rideshare.

Best times to visit

Arrive in the early morning or on a weekday afternoon to avoid crowds. Winter evenings offer the magical experience of soaking in the snow, under the stars.

Best days to visit

Tuesday through Thursday tend to be the quietest; avoid weekends and holidays if you can.

Best months to visit

Come December through March for the classic snow-and-steam experience, or go in September or October for fall colors (and fewer tourists than in the summer).

Special events

The hot springs themselves don’t hold any festivals, but Banff National Park has plenty of events. Check the park website for more info.