Banff Upper Hot Springs: Complete Visitor Guide
Natural mineral hot springs, 1,585 metres above sea level, open every day of the year. Here's what you need to know.
The pool
A single outdoor pool ranging from 37°C to 40°C, fed by natural hot springs from Sulphur Mountain. The mineral water contains sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium and sodium — the source of the spring's distinctive scent.
Pricing (2026)
- Adult: $17.50 CAD
- Senior/Child: $15.25 CAD
- Family (2 adults + up to 4 kids): $53.25 CAD
- Towel rental $2 · Swimsuit rental $2 · Locker $1
Hours
Typically 10am–10pm in summer, 10am–10pm winter. Occasionally closed mid-May for maintenance — always check the Parks Canada website before you visit.
When to go
Best experience: after 8pm in winter. Snowfall, stars, steam rising, mountains all around — genuinely unforgettable.
Worst experience: weekend afternoons in July, when it can be shoulder-to-shoulder.
What to bring
- Swimsuit (or rent one on-site)
- Towel (or rent one)
- Flip-flops for the change room
- Cash or card for the locker and snacks
- Leave jewellery at your hotel — the mineral water tarnishes silver
Getting there
The hot springs sit 4 km up Mountain Avenue from downtown Banff, right next to the Banff Gondola. Roam Transit Route 1 runs from Banff Avenue every 30 minutes, or walk 40 minutes from the Fairmont Banff Springs.
Arriving from Calgary
Book a private transfer from YYC — 90 minutes to your Banff hotel, then walk or shuttle to the springs.