Banff is most notable known for their awesome camping and ski slopes, but after a long day of activities it’s time to relax and unwind at their hot springs. As you climb into the natural mineral waters and watch the snow fall, it’s truly a luxury experience you won’t soon forget. Banff Upper Hot Springs has brought in people from all over the world to get a taste of the good life and get ready for another great adventure day tomorrow.
The history of Banff hot springs dates all the way back to 1883 when some rail workers mistakenly found the water flowing near Sulphur Mountain. The hot springs water and steam was actually within a cave and it wasn’t until several years later that people starting coming to Banff to enjoy the benefits. As ‘healing waters’ starting to become more popular, people in Canada started visiting more and more to bottle the natural water for it’s healing minerals. Soon after commercial companies starting come in to create the springs we know today. Banff Upper Hot Springs is the last public thermal pool people can use for relaxation.
Professional Tip: Make sure to check out Banff Hot Springs early in the morning to avoid large crowds and get the most private experience possible.
The hot springs is most visited in the winter time due to all the tourists coming in for skiing and snowboarding. You can capture some unbelievable scenic views of snow capped mountains and a winter wonderland as you take a hot soak. The cold air also adds the need to stay warm, making it a popular place for people to flock and socialize. During the other seasons you’ll find people stopping by as they hike or camp through Banff. The views are just as magical as you are surrounded by wilderness.
Banff Upper Hot Springs does offer several amenities and accommodations to make your stay more enjoyable. Outside of the natural thermal pools you can also access a pool and cafe for some quick bites. If you happened to just stumble upon this place, they do offer bathing suits and towels for rent.
Why Visit Banff Upper Springs?
The reason so many people come to this hot springs is for it’s special blend of minerals. As the hot water comes through The Rock Mountains, they produce a wide variety of minerals and gasses that aid in the healing properties so many people love to experience. It does also help that the Upper Hot Springs is the hottest section of the thermal pools. Just a few of the minerals you will get to experience are:
Magnesium
Sulfate
Sodium
Bicarbonate
Calcium
With an elevation of roughly 5,000 ft, the waters trickle down into the ground, pressurized by the mounts, and then pushed back up through the rock while absorbing all the minerals. It’s quite the history lesson to learn how all this is done, and even more amazing when you get to see it in live action. Banff Hot Springs is the highest springs in Canada and will take your breath away from the moment you dip your toes into the water.
If you plan on camping in Banff National Park, be sure to take a quick stop here. There are many campgrounds in the area that give you close proximity to hikes and other activities to do throughout Alberta, but none truly compare to this. Travelers have made it a point to come here for over a 100 years so don’t be the one who misses out.
Banff Upper Hot Springs Temperature
Currently the hot springs are running between 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (38-40 degrees Celsius)
Banff Hot Springs Hours
January – May
Monday 10am – 10pm
Tuesday 10am – 10pm
Wednesday 10am – 10pm
Thursday 10am – 10pm
Friday 10am – 11pm
Saturday 10am – 11pm
Sunday 10am – 10pm
November – December
Monday 10am – 10pm
Tuesday 10am – 10pm
Wednesday 10am – 10pm
Thursday 10am – 10pm
Friday 10am – 11pm
Saturday 10am – 11pm
Sunday 10am – 10pm
*Holiday Hours can change so please call ahead or view their website to learn about their hours of operation
Banff Hot Springs Amenities and Facilities
Changing Room – Everyone must shower before using the hot springs. There are changing rooms, lockers, and showers available for both men and women
Gift Shop – Once you are done enjoying a hot soak, head on over to Banff’s gift shop and pick up a souvenir. There are a wide range of gifts available including smaller things that will be easier to travel with all the way up to old school swimsuits that were worn in the early 1900’s. Whichever item you decide to get, it will make the perfect keepsake to remember your magical experience.
Cafe – Banff Hot Springs does include a small restaurant to grab a snack in. You can also get a hot lunch or even ice cream during the hotter months.
Banff Transporation
If you plan on getting to the hot springs early, they do have limited parking for both cars and RVs. From their parking lot there is a short walk by trail to the thermal pools and facilities.
Banff also has a bus service called ROAM that will take you directly to the hot springs.
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