My recent trip to Banff Hot Springs was absolutely incredible. Situated in the stunning Banff National Park in Canada, the hot springs offer a unique experience of soaking in a warm bath surrounded by majestic mountains. It's a popular spot for people to unwind and take in the breathtaking views. I was eager to take a dip in the soothing waters and witness the beauty of the mountains firsthand. It’s honestly an ideal place to relax and have a great time.

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Getting to Banff Hot Springs

The journey to Banff Upper Hot Springs was quite an adventure. I kicked off my trip from a charming little town called Banff, nestled right in the heart of a massive Canadian park. Following the signs that guided me towards the hot springs, I embarked on a short drive. As I ascended a hill, the road meandered and twisted, treating me to breathtaking vistas of majestic mountains and lush trees. In just 10 minutes, I arrived at Banff Hot Springs. Finding a parking spot was a breeze, and a short stroll was all it took to reach the inviting hot springs. The journey was quick, the road was smooth, and my anticipation to plunge into the soothing warm water grew even stronger.

Address: 1 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada

Hours:

Monday: 10 AM–10 PM

Tuesday: 10 AM–10 PM

Wednesday: 10 AM–10 PM

Thursday: 10 AM–10 PM

Friday: 10 AM–10 PM

Saturday: 10 AM–10 PM

Sunday: 10 AM–10 PM

More Options and Information:

Driving: Parking is available but fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons. If you drive, aim to arrive early or later in the day. The parking lot is 200 meters from the bathhouse, with a passenger drop-off zone and handicap parking.
Public Transit: The ROAM Transit Route 1 bus from downtown Banff provides a convenient option, dropping you close to the hot springs. Buses run every 20 minutes during operating hours
Biking: Visitors can bike the 3.6 km up Mountain Avenue, which has large shoulders for safe riding. There is a bike parking area near the bathhouse.
Walking: The uphill walk from downtown Banff takes about an hour. The path is alongside Mountain Avenue but is not continuous, so be cautious if walking this route

The Pools

Stepping into the pool Banff Hot Springs was like walking into a warm hug. The water was just the right kind of warm, not too hot, making it easy to slide in and let out a sigh of relief. Around me, the pool was buzzing with people, but it never felt too crowded. Everyone seemed to be there for the same reason: to soak up the warmth, the benefits of the hot springs, and enjoy the beautiful views. Looking up, the mountains stood tall around us, making me feel small in the best way. It was amazing how the water stayed warm even when the air was cooler, especially in the evening.

Floating in the pool, I couldn't help but keep looking at the scenery. The mountains, the trees, and the sky—it was all so big and beautiful. The pool itself was simple, nothing fancy, but that’s what made it perfect. It was just about the warm water, good company, and the incredible views. People chatted quietly or just relaxed in silence, taking it all in. I remember thinking, this is what peace feels like. Just me, the warm water, and the mountains. It was a moment I didn’t want to end.

Water Temperature and Minerals

The water at Banff Upper Hot Springs is heated naturally and contains a variety of beneficial minerals:

Temperature: The water is kept between 37°C and 40°C (98–104°F), although it can fluctuate slightly. The daily water temperature is posted at the entrance
Mineral Content: The spring water contains:
- Sulphate: 572 mg/l
- Calcium: 205 mg/l
- Bicarbonate: 134 mg/l
- Magnesium: 42 mg/l
- Sodium: 6.6 mg/l

Best Time to Visit

The Banff Upper Hot Springs are open year-round, but the experience can vary based on the time of day and season:

Peak Season (May–September): The hot springs are open from 9 AM to 11 PM. To avoid crowds, plan your visit early in the morning or late in the evening. Weekends are busiest, with peak crowds between 3 PM and 5 PM
Off-Peak Season (October–April): The springs operate from 10 AM to 10 PM. Visiting on a weekday, particularly Tuesdays, typically offers the quietest experience
Best for Snow: For a unique experience, visit in winter when snow surrounds the hot springs, creating a beautiful contrast with the hot water

banff upper hot springs review — image courtesy of @tshipp22

The Amenities

The Banff Upper Hot Springs offered convenient amenities to enhance the visit, such as spacious and clean changing rooms with lockers to secure belongings. Additionally, there was an option to rent swimsuits and towels, which came in handy for those who forgot to bring their own.

Adjacent to the pool was a charming cafe where I enjoyed a snack and a hot beverage after my swim. The cozy atmosphere and the view of the mountains through the window made the experience even more enjoyable.

The staff at the hot springs were welcoming and attentive, ensuring that all visitors were having a pleasant and safe time. Their friendly demeanor and willingness to assist with any inquiries added to the overall positive experience of the visit.

Facilities

When I arrived at Banff Hot Springs, I immediately noticed the convenient facilities that made my visit incredibly comfortable. They had designated areas for changing and lockers to store my belongings, which was really handy. I was also pleased to find showers available, allowing me to rinse off before and after taking a dip in the hot pool. The cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities put me at ease and made me feel more relaxed. Additionally, they had a convenient spot where you could rent swimsuits and towels in case you forgot to bring your own, showing that they truly think of everything to assist their visitors.

Rent Prices: Swimsuits and towels are $2 each. Lockers are available for $1.25.

Apart from the essential amenities, there was a charming café nearby where you could grab a snack or a refreshing drink. This was particularly great because spending a lot of time at the hot springs can work up an appetite or make you thirsty. Sitting at the café with a warm beverage, gazing at the breathtaking mountains, was simply perfect. Furthermore, they had a gift shop that offered souvenirs and items related to the hot springs and the park. I couldn't resist picking up a few postcards to commemorate my visit. It's impressive how they have everything you could possibly need right there, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy the hot springs without any worries.

Things To Do Near Banff Upper Hot Springs

First off, hiking around Banff National Park is a must. The trails are everywhere, leading to amazing views, waterfalls, and hidden lakes. I hit a few trails, like the one to Johnston Canyon, and it was breathtaking. The walk wasn't too tough, and seeing the water crash through the canyon was totally worth it. Here’s a big list of other things to do near the hot springs.

Hiking in Banff National Park: The trails are awesome. I walked through forests and saw waterfalls. Johnston Canyon was a favorite.
Riding the Banff Gondola: I went up Sulphur Mountain. The view from the top is crazy good. You can see the whole town and mountains.
Walking around Downtown Banff: It’s a cool place with lots of shops and places to eat. I loved just hanging out and taking it all in.
Visiting Lake Louise: A bit of a drive, but the lake's color and the mountains around it are amazing. You can canoe or walk around the lake.
Checking out Moraine Lake: Not far from Lake Louise, and it’s stunning. The water is super blue, and there are lots of hiking trails.
Exploring the Icefields Parkway: I drove part of it. The scenery is like nothing else, with glaciers and big mountains.
Seeing the wildlife: I saw deer and elk right by the roads. Always keep a safe distance, though.
Going to the Banff Centre: They have art shows and concerts. It’s a cool spot to see some culture.
Taking a dip in the Upper Hot Springs: Of course, soaking in the hot springs was the best part, especially with the mountain view.
Trying snow sports in winter: If you go in winter, skiing and snowboarding are big here. The slopes are nearby and have something for every level.

Best restaurants near Banff Hot Springs

In and around Banff Hot Springs, I found some great places to eat that really made my trip even better. Here's where I had some of the best meals:

The Maple Leaf: This place serves up Canadian dishes that are delicious. I had a steak that was cooked perfectly and the atmosphere felt very cozy and welcoming.
Block Kitchen + Bar: It's a smaller spot but the food is amazing. I tried some tapas-style dishes here, like the tuna poke, and everything was fresh and tasty.
Eddie Burger + Bar: If you're in the mood for a good burger, this is the spot. The burgers are juicy and they have a bunch of different kinds to choose from. Plus, the milkshakes are a must-try.
Tooloulou's: I went here for breakfast and it didn’t disappoint. The menu is huge, but I went with the pancakes and they were some of the best I’ve ever had.
Banff Ave Brewing Co.: Great for when you want to kick back with a craft beer. The food is good too, especially the pub fare like wings and nachos. Plus, you can try different beers brewed right there.
Park Distillery: This place is unique because it’s a distillery and a restaurant. I had a meal with some of their spirits in the dishes and drinks. The vibe is cool, and it's fun to learn a bit about how they make their spirits.

banff upper hot springs pictures — image courtesy of @globe_.jpg

Is Banff Hot Springs worth it?

Honestly, you have to check out Banff Upper Hot Springs! It's seriously amazing. Imagine soaking in the hot water while gazing at the breathtaking mountains. It's not an everyday experience, that's for sure. The place has this cool historic vibe that adds to its charm. Sure, it can get a bit crowded, but if you time it right, like going early in the morning or later in the evening, it's super laid-back. And the best part? The price to get in is totally reasonable, especially considering how unique and special the whole experience is. Trust me, there's nothing quite like sitting in natural hot water and just enjoying the stunning view. If you find yourself in Banff, you absolutely have to make it a priority!