Banff Upper Hot Springs

One of Banff National Park's greatest traditions is visiting the Upper Hot Springs for a soothing soak in the hot, mineral-rich water. The bath house is a federal heritage building. Relaxing in the outdoor pool among the jagged peaks of Rundle and Cascade Mountains is a magical experience that has drawn visitors to Banff since 1886.

Hours of operation

Open Daily

10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Last entry at 9:30 p.m.

Hours are subject to change. 

Entry to Banff Upper Hot Springs is first come, first served.

Admission can only be purchased in person at reception. Advance and online tickets are not available.

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Pricing

Advance and online tickets are not available. Admission can only be purchased in person at reception.

Locker Token Included with entry, except for annual passes.

 GST is included in the price.

Family*

Available in the following combination of four family members (maximum 2 people aged 18 or older)  

  • two adults and two youths 
  • one adult and three youths 
  • two seniors and two youths 
  • one senior, one adult, and two youths 
  • four youths (siblings)

Youth 13 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 18 or older.

Multi-entry passes**

Annual passes, books of ten, and punch cards: 

  • Do not provide expedited entry.
  • If the facility is at capacity, the pass holder is required to wait prior to entering.
  • Partially used passes are non-refundable.

Punch cards: 

  • Not transferable between users. 
  • Redeemable at any Canadian Rockies Hot Springs facility within its period of validity.

Accessibility

Banff Upper Hot Springs is a federal heritage building that was last renovated in the 1990’s.

Our team strives to provide an accessible and inclusive experience for all visitors within the limitations of our heritage building. If you require assistance during your visit, please ask a staff member.

Amenities

Banff Upper Hot Springs hot pool.

Hot pool

Take in mountain views of the Rundle Range from the Banff Upper Hot Springs hot pool. Enjoy direct access to the hot pool when it is cold or rainy. In the summer, cool off and enjoy the views from the comfort of a red chair on the pool deck.

Men’s, women’s, and gender-neutral accessible change rooms are located on the pool level of the facility. Change rooms offer washrooms, showers, private change stalls, and one-time-use lockers.

Food near Banff Upper Hot Springs

Food

The Banff Upper Hot Springs Café is located on the upper level of the bathhouse. Enjoy a meal, coffee, or cool off with an ice cream after your soak.
Banff Upper Hot Springs gift shop.

Gift shop

Take home the perfect souvenir from the on-site gift shop! A wide range of keepsakes and practical items are available for purchase.

Current conditions

Water flow

The flow of natural spring water in the Banff Upper Hot Springs is currently insufficient to fill the pool. Until natural flows increase in springtime, heated municipal water will be added to the pool.

Learn more about the mineral waters

Weather

Water temperature

Water temperature is between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius or 98 and 104 Fahrenheit

Directions

Banff Upper Hot Spring is located in Banff National Park.  A national park pass (day pass or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass) is required to visit the Hot Springs facilities, and anytime visitors stop to use amenities and services within a national park.

1 Mountain Ave, Banff AB

Public transit

Transit is the best way to access Banff Upper Hot Springs. The Upper Hot Springs has limited parking for cars, RVs, and motor coaches.

ROAM Transit Route 1 provides service between Downtown Banff and the Upper Hot Springs. From the transit stop it is a short walk to the hot springs.

Free parking is available at the train station parking lot, with paid parking throughout the town of Banff.

Driving

Transit is the best way to access Banff Upper Hot Springs.

The Upper Hot Springs has limited parking for cars, RVs, and motor coaches, and at peak visitation times traffic congestion can be significant.

Banff Upper Hot Springs is located 3.6 km up Sulphur Mountain. The road is well signed with steady traffic.

Things to do

Thermal Waters Pass

Experience and learn about the hot springs in Banff National Park by visiting two great Parks Canada administered sites for one low price!

Treasured by Indigenous Peoples and coveted by explorers and travellers, the hot springs played a vital role in the establishment of Canada’s first national park.

Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and learn how the re-discovery of the hot springs led to the creation of a national park and the discovery of Banff’s smallest endangered species.

Visit Banff Upper Hot Springs to soak in the soothing mineral rich water that has drawn visitors to Banff National Park since 1886.

The Thermal Waters Pass is your chance to discover Banff’s rich hot springs history for yourself.

Other adventures in the area

Banff Upper Hot Springs is located on Sulphur Mountain. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the deck overlooking the hot springs with views of Cascade Mountain and the Rundle range or go higher!

Get your heart pumping on a 13 km (return), 750 m elevation gain hike to the summit of Sulphur Mountain and the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site to experience the ultimate view of the town of Banff and surrounding mountain ranges.