Photo: KAZ2.0 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · editedBanff Upper Hot Springs
- from CAD 19.75
- Not step-free
- Good on a rainy day
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Bods · CC BY-SA 2.0 · edited
Why go
- Canada’s highest hot spring, at 1,585 metres.
Opening hours
Today10:00 – 22:00Show all
Pools and water temperature
- Hot pool
- About 38 °C Outdoor
What you see
- The outdoor pool looks across the valley toward Mount Rundle, with Rundle and Cascade Mountains forming its alpine backdrop.
- From the outdoor water, bathers can watch falling snow or stars.
Facilities
- Toilets Accessible public washrooms are on the main floor; accessible washrooms are also on the pool level.
- Changing rooms Two accessible change rooms are on the pool level.
- Parking Three accessible spaces are beside the facility at the top of the hill.
Interesting facts6
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Water reaches the spring through a rock fissure called the Sulphur Mountain Thrust Fault.
Banff Upper Hot Springs - Wikipedia -
900 litres
During snowmelt, spring flow exceeds 900 litres per minute.
Banff Upper Hot Springs - Wikipedia -
Since the early 2000s, natural spring flow has stopped for several winter months, when municipal water supplies the recreational pools.
Banff Upper Hot Springs - Wikipedia -
Reduced spring flow in late spring may also require artificially heated water.
Banff - Wikivoyage (do) -
The spring is one of nine naturally occurring hot springs in the Banff area.
Banff Upper Hot Springs - Wikipedia -
The water source lies higher on either Sulphur Mountain or Mount Rundle.
Banff Upper Hot Springs - Wikipedia
History
Indigenous Peoples, including the Stoney Nakoda and Secwépemc, used the springs for healing and ceremonies.
- 1883Frank McCabe and brothers William and Tom McCardell fenced the spring opening and built a cabin, which they operated as a hotel.
- 1885The Canadian government reserved the land as the Hot Springs Reserve.
- 1886Dr. Robert Gordon Brett established Grand View Villa, the first formal building at the springs.
- 1887The Rocky Mountains Park Act established Banff National Park, then called Rocky Mountains Park.
- 1901 and 1931Grand View Villa was rebuilt after fires; the building is now known as the Grand View Hotel.
Show all
- 1915The Upper Hot Springs road opened to motorists.
- 1931The bathhouse became a Registered Federal Heritage Building.
- 1932After a fire, the bathhouse reopened with a swimming pool, plunge baths, steam rooms, tubs, showers and dressing rooms.
- 1961The large basin was rebuilt and the bathhouse interior updated.
- 1995–1996Renovation work added a spa, restaurant and gift shop; the bathhouse reopened in 1996.
Shorts
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Banff - Upper Banff Hot Springs - Jan2023JH
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Banff Upper Hot SpringsLincoln Ho | YEGventures.ca
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Add ‘Visiting the Banff Hot Springs’ to your travel bucket list!Mel Roselyn
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Banff Upper Hot SpringsLive Simple, Live Free
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Banff Upper Hot Springs, Alberta, Canada.비추라TV
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Banff Upper Hot Spring | Alberta Canada | AmanzWorldAB Travel
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Vintage Swimwear at Banff Upper Hot SpringsLincoln Ho | YEGventures.ca
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One Of The Coolest Experiences In Banff National Park! | Banff Upper …Dominic Ong
How to get there
- 20 minBusFrom downtown Banff, take Roam Route 1, “Sulphur Mountain.” Buses run every 20 minutes during regular operating hours.
- On footFrom the main parking lot, follow the paved sidewalk uphill about 200 m to the bathhouse.
- ParkingThe hot pool is at 1 Mountain Avenue, Banff National Park, Alberta.
Accessibility
- Step-free entry A ramp and push-button automatic door provide access to the entrance. A ramp through a side door near the stairs reaches the pool level.
- Lift The elevator serves all three levels, though some motorized chairs may not fit.
- Parking
- Aquatic wheelchair Request one at the front desk. Personal wheelchairs cannot enter the spring water.
Sources: Banff Upper Hot Springs - Wikipedia · Banff - Wikivoyage (do) · Banff Upper Hot Springs · Fees - Banff Upper Hot Springs · Facility accessibility - Banff Upper Hot Springs · checked 28 Sep 2026
- Phone
- +1 800-767-1611
Questions and answers
Does free park admission include youth entry to Banff Upper Hot Springs?
No. Youth admission to the hot springs is still charged.
Is Banff Upper Hot Springs Banff’s only natural hot spring?
No. It is one of nine naturally occurring hot springs in the Banff area.
What are Banff Upper Hot Springs’ opening hours?
The pool is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
Where does the water at Banff Upper Hot Springs come from?
Its source lies higher on either Sulphur Mountain or Mount Rundle.
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