Dec
01
2011
Feb
28
2012
Dec
01
2012
Feb
28
2013
Dec
01
2013
Feb
28
2014
Dec
01
2014
Feb
28
2015
Unwind Under Nature's Canopy at the Banff Upper Hot Springs
Published by Sidonie Wybourn, Writer
Country: Canada 
The Experience
Tucked away above a small resort town amid beautiful alpine scenery, the Banff Upper Hot Springs is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the incredible mountain views of Banff National Park. Discovered in 1884 by settlers, the streams that formed the Banff Upper Hot Springs were once considered to have sacred healing powers by Natives in the area. These naturally-heated mineral-rich waters come from deep within the appropriately named Sulphur Mountain, and are enjoyed by visitors from all over the world.
Today, the ancient waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs are fed into a large modern pool which overlooks the Rocky Mountains behind the historic bath house building. Buy your entry ticket for less than C$10, and head to the spacious change rooms below to prepare for your relaxing experience. Walking across the heated floors towards the main pool, you will feel the water gently warming your feet and slowly moving up your legs until you have glided completely into the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
As you sink back into the comfortably hot water and gaze out over the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, you feel your muscles letting go, and any stress you may have experienced before your visit is replaced by the complete serenity that comes with each trip to the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
After your dip, indulge in some extra pampering at the Pleiades Massage and Spa, or enjoy a hot beverage in the cafe upstairs. When your visit is over, you will feel invigorated, refreshed, and ready to take on your next adventure in Banff National Park. Whether or not the legends are true, it is quite easy to believe in the magic of a place like the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Today, the ancient waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs are fed into a large modern pool which overlooks the Rocky Mountains behind the historic bath house building. Buy your entry ticket for less than C$10, and head to the spacious change rooms below to prepare for your relaxing experience. Walking across the heated floors towards the main pool, you will feel the water gently warming your feet and slowly moving up your legs until you have glided completely into the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
As you sink back into the comfortably hot water and gaze out over the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, you feel your muscles letting go, and any stress you may have experienced before your visit is replaced by the complete serenity that comes with each trip to the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
After your dip, indulge in some extra pampering at the Pleiades Massage and Spa, or enjoy a hot beverage in the cafe upstairs. When your visit is over, you will feel invigorated, refreshed, and ready to take on your next adventure in Banff National Park. Whether or not the legends are true, it is quite easy to believe in the magic of a place like the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
When to Go to Banff Hot Springs
If you would like to experience the Banff Upper Hot Springs in a more private setting, the least crowded times to go are early mornings during the week. However, the waters are so wonderful that you won’t regret your visit no matter when you choose to make the trip. An especially nice time of year to visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs is during the winter, fusing together two extreme sensations of hot water and cold weather.
Odds n' Ends
You can enjoy the Banff Upper Hot Springs actively by floating and swimming around them, or relax by sitting on the underwater bench that runs along the circumference of the pool. There are also several shallow wading areas for children and others who prefer not to be fully immersed, and beach chairs for anyone who needs a break from the heat.
If you don't bring your own towel and bathing suit, these are available to rent for just under C$2 each. But take note: the bathing suits on hand are old fashioned to match the bath house's 1930s style.
A single adult admission ticket costs C$7.30, while children and seniors can get in for C$6.30. Group rates and multi-ticket packages are also available.
The Banff Upper Hot Springs is open year-round, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with extended hours offered during peak holiday periods and weekends.
If you don't bring your own towel and bathing suit, these are available to rent for just under C$2 each. But take note: the bathing suits on hand are old fashioned to match the bath house's 1930s style.
A single adult admission ticket costs C$7.30, while children and seniors can get in for C$6.30. Group rates and multi-ticket packages are also available.
The Banff Upper Hot Springs is open year-round, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with extended hours offered during peak holiday periods and weekends.
Want a Guide?
- Brewster Inc.
- Brewster Inc. has set the standard of excellence for travelling in Canada's West and the Canadian Rockies for over 115 years. As a leader in the Canadian tourism industry, Brewster provides an integrated system through multiple businesses allowing our customers to create outstanding travel experiences in Canada.
- Discover Banff Tours
- Discover Banff Tours provides sightseeing tours and activities in both summer and winter for individuals and groups. Using mini-buses and vans personalizes our tours of Banff National Park and gives you plenty of time to chat with our friendly, local and professionally trained guides.
Places to Eat
- Maple Leaf Grille & Lounge
- Our menu features a variety of fresh seafood from both Canadian coasts and succulent cuts of bison, beef and elk. To compliment these amazing dishes the Maple Leaf offers an award winning wine list.
- Wild Bill's Legendary Saloon
- Wild Bill's offers a comfortable western atmosphere with delicious food and hearty portions.
- Magpie and Stump
- Part frontier saloon, part Tex-Mex restaurant, and mostly a resting place for old matchbooks, bottles, Mexican party regalia and animal heads, this place has no shortage of character. The menu is Mexican to the core, with tacos, nachos and a variety of tequilas.
- Timbers Food Company
- The restaurant (a favourite for locals in Banff) has a relaxed atmosphere noted for its ambiance with a prefect blend of casual dining melding unique house made dishes. Chef Nigel Walker has recreated old and new favourites from his 26 years experience offering "homemade" quality dishes.
- The Banff Grizzly House
- Welcome to Banff’s famous Fondue restaurant! In operation since 1967, The Grizzly House is a landmark destination for thousands of visitors and locals in Banff National Park. Indulge in our unique atmosphere for what will prove to be a memorable dining experience!
Recommended Places to Stay
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
The Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada's "Castle in the Rockies", is located on the banks of the scenic Bow and Spray Rivers. Cradled by the surrounding ... 1 miles away
$215 CAD+
The Rimrock Resort Hotel is located in Banff approximately 90 miles (145 kilometres) west of the Calgary International Airport. The hotel is carved half way ... 1 miles away
$153 CAD+
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Glide Over the Canadian Rockies on the Banff Gondola
- When you make the trip to Banff National Park in Canada, a ride on the Banff Gondola, just five minutes outside of Banff town, is not to be missed. This fantastic sightseeing excursion allows visitors to experience the unbelievable span of the Canadian Rocky Mountains from the comfort of a lofty perch, the perfect setting in which to appreciate this vast expanse of nature. Upon entering your private Banff Gondola cabin, you can enjoy 360 degree views from the enclosing windows as you move smoothly and safely up towards the summit: an awe-inspiring 2,281 meters above sea level. The comfortable ...2 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle. The Icefields Parkway runs from Banff National Park into ...2.12 miles away via Banff.
$122+
One of Canada's most scenic drives, the Icefields Parkway takes you through Banff and Jasper National Parks. At the Columbia Icefield, time is provided for ...2.12 miles away via Banff.
$122+
+ 18 others. Show all.
Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
See spectacular scenery as you learn the history of the birthplace of Canada's National Parks. Find out what the beautiful Bow Valley has to offer ...
Starting from $42.75 per person.
Starting from $42.75 per person.
Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
French 
,
Italian
,
Japanese
,
Lao
,
Portugese
,
Russian
,
Spanish
,
Turkish
,
Vietnamese
are some of the languages spoken in Canada. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
People with experience
People who wish to experience
Recent Tweets
Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "banff hot springs":
