Banff Upper Hot Springs

Young families

Gendered change rooms have change stalls, washrooms, and showers.

Accessible change rooms may be used if families with young children do not feel comfortable using the gendered change rooms. Please be mindful of users with limited mobility who may need access to these spaces.

Floors in the change rooms have an anti-slip coating.

Lockers

Change rooms have one-time-use lockers.

We suggest packing a smaller diaper bag to ensure that it will fit into a locker.

Changing stalls

Gendered change rooms offer private change stalls with benches and hooks.

Infant change stations

Banff Upper Hot Springs has 1 infant change station in each of the gendered change rooms.

There are no change stations in the accessible change rooms.

Swim diapers

Children aged 3 and under must wear a swim diaper while in the pool.

Swim diapers may be purchased at the reception desk.

Strollers

Strollers are not permitted on the pool deck or change rooms but may be parked in designated areas in the dry hall.  

Visiting with children FAQ

Visiting with children

a

Why do I have to pay for my children to use the hot springs?

Youth entry to all national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada is free. The admission fee associated with the hot springs is separate from the entrance fee to the national parks.

Youth fees are applicable to additional activities and services such as guided hikes and soaking in the hot springs.

a

Who is eligible for the family rate?

The family rate is available in the following combinations 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 (in the same family)

For example:

  • A family consisting of one parent and three youth between the ages of 3 and 17 will be charged the family rate.
  • A family consisting of more than four people – such as one adult and four children or two adults and three children – will be charged the family rate plus the extra youth rate for each additional youth.

Extended families with more than two adults and families with adult children (18+) will be charged per person entry rates.

a

Can four siblings (aged 3 to 17) enter the hot springs together on the family rate?

Yes, four siblings can enter the hot springs together using the family rate provided they meet the facility’s age requirements.

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Youth 14-17 are welcome to visit Banff Upper Hot Springs without an adult.

Youth 13 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 18 or older when visiting the Upper Hot Springs.

Radium and Miette Hot Springs

Youth 8-17 are welcome to visit Radium and Miette Hot Springs without an adult present.

Youth 7 and under must be accompanied by a person aged 12 or older at Miette and Radium Hot Springs.

a

Can children visit the hot springs without an adult?

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Youth 14-17 are welcome to visit Banff Upper Hot Springs without an adult.

Youth 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older.

Radium and Miette Hot Springs

Youth 8-17 are welcome to visit Radium and Miette Hot Springs without an adult.

Youth 7 and under must be accompanied by a person aged 12 or older.

Unaccompanied youth behaving in an unsafe or inappropriate manner will be asked to sit in the facility’s lobby until their parents can pick them up.

a

Are children required to complete a swim test to use the hot springs?

Non-swimmers and children five and under must be kept within arm’s reach of their parent or guardian at all times.

Youth aged 8 and older who wish to use the deep end of the cool pool at Radium Hot Springs without their parent or guardian present must complete a swim test consisting of a:

  • Swim the width of the pool without stopping or resting, using any style of stroke
  • Jump (feet first) into deep water, and
  • Recover and tread water for 30 seconds, keeping their mouth and nose above water at all times
a

Are life jackets available at the hot springs?

Youth life jackets are available free of charge based on availability at Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Youth life jackets are available for rent based on availability at Radium Hot Springs. Please ask the cashier if you require a life jacket.

a

Can babies and toddlers go in the water?

Babies and toddlers are allowed in the hot springs.

Children aged 3 and under and those who are incontinent are required to wear swim diapers while in the pools.

Children’s swim diapers are available for purchase at Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs.