Upper Hot Springs in Banff

Upper Hot Springs

Rejuvenate your body in the geothermal waters of these historic hot springs while admiring the exquisite views of Banff National Park.

Upper Hot Springs is a thermal pool within the gorgeous landscapes of Banff National Park. Come here to relax in the geothermally heated and bubbling mineral water that flows from the Earth’s crust through the Sulphur Mountain Thrust Fault. Marvel at panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains as the therapeutic water cleanses and soothes your body. Have a scenic picnic or eat at the café at Upper Hot Springs.

Canadian Pacific Railroad workers discovered the springs in 1883. Prior to this, the site was most likely a sacred bathing place for First Nations people. The natural water temperature fluctuates between 81 F (27 C) and 116 F (47 C). Enjoy the pool at a full level even during winter, when the reduced amount of spring water is supplemented by municipal water.

The hot springs have been developed for tourism with a bathhouse, changing facilities and lifeguard service. Soak in the warm water and experience its revitalizing qualities. Gaze up at the surrounding snow-capped mountain peaks and alpine forests. Visit in the winter months for the chance to bathe in the hot water while snowflakes fall from the sky onto your head and shoulders.

Bring your own food to eat at the picnic tables set on a terrace above the pool. Purchase drinks and snacks from the on-site café. Browse for handicrafts and souvenirs at the gift shop.

You’ll find the hot springs about 3 miles (4 kilometers) south of Banff’s town center within the national park, which requires an entry fee. Public buses operate between the attraction and Banff. Park at the entrance to the pools. Nearby is the Banff Gondola, a scenic cable car with access to hiking trails and a walkway atop Sulphur Mountain. You can also hike from the springs to the top of the mountain along the Sulphur Mountain Trail.

Upper Hot Springs is open daily until late in the evening. It closes for yearly maintenance in late October. Pay a fee to use the pools. Lockers, swimsuits and towels are available for rent. Visit the springs’ official website for more information.

Guide to Exploring Upper Hot Springs

Sunshine Village

Choose from more than 100 runs at this ski resort located 15 minutes from Banff.

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Banff Gondola

Ride the gondola from Banff to the top of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy snowy mountain vistas.

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Peyto Lake

This glacial lake draws visitors for its turquoise waters and surrounding mountain scenery.

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Mount Norquay Ski Resort

Supreme ski vacation packages in Canada are yours when you head to Mount Norquay. With only five minutes between you and Banff, you are in the heart of snow country.

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Lake Minnewanka

The “Lake of the Spirits” offers fishing, boating and hiking facilities not far from Banff village.

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Lake Louise Ski Resort

If you are a snow bunny or love the exhilaration of taking the slopes with absolute abandon, Canada has what you are looking for at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.

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Vermilion Lakes

Mountain scenery, wildlife-spotting opportunities, hiking trails and canoeing adventures await you at this series of lakes in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.

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Map

Top Hotel Deals

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The Rimrock Resort Hotel C$199

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The Rimrock Resort Hotel

300 Moutain Avenue, Banff

4.5

of 5, from 2,091 reviews

4.0 out of 5.0

Nestled in the mountains 750 feet above the town of Banff, The Rimrock Resort Hotel is across from the Upper Hot Springs and within walking distance of the Banff gondola.

Fairmont Banff Springs C$399

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Fairmont Banff Springs

405 Spray Ave, Banff

4.4

of 5, from 1,716 reviews

4.0 out of 5.0

This opulent 1888 Scottish baronial-style resort towers over 2 scenic river valleys, 0.5 km (0.25 mi) from downtown Banff and within 10 km (6 mi) of Mount Norquay and Lake Minnewanka.

Inns of Banff C$79

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Inns of Banff

600 Banff Avenue, Banff

3.3

of 5, from 2,171 reviews

2.5 out of 5.0

Located on the main street of Banff, this inn is within 5 km (3 mi) of the Sulphur Mountain Gondola and Upper Hot Springs.

Hidden Ridge Resort C$129

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Hidden Ridge Resort

901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff

4.2

of 5, from 1,879 reviews

3.5 out of 5.0

This resort, situated high on Tunnel Mountain, features views of downtown Banff and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

Moose Hotel And Suites C$179

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Moose Hotel And Suites

345 Banff Ave, Banff

4.7

of 5, from 851 reviews

3.5 out of 5.0

Located in the heart of Banff, this spa hotel is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Banff National Park Information Centre and within 3 mi (5 km) of Upper Hot Springs and Banff Gondola. Cave and Basin National Historic Site is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) away. Banff Station is 7 minutes by foot.

The Fox Hotel and Suites C$129

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The Fox Hotel and Suites

461 Banff Ave, Banff

4.2

of 5, from 2,136 reviews

3.5 out of 5.0

The Fox Hotel and Suites is 4 blocks from downtown Banff, 1 km (0.6 mi) from the Bow River, and 5 km (3 mi) from the Sulphur Mountain Gondola.

Banff Park Lodge C$99

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Banff Park Lodge

222 Lynx St, Banff

4.1

of 5, from 2,105 reviews

3.0 out of 5.0

Located in the Canadian Rockies, this Banff hotel's quiet location is 2 blocks from Banff Avenue shopping and museums, 1 block from the Bow River and is close to skiing and hiking .

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa C$99

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Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

521 Banff Ave, Banff

4.0

of 5, from 2,144 reviews

3.5 out of 5.0

Located in Banff National Park just a short walk from downtown Banff, Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa has friendly staff and convenient location with easy access to local sights and activities.

Upper Hot Springs

Upper Hot Springs