Playing in all the snow in Banff National Park can be exhausting. After hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and all of the other winter activities the park has to offer you can end your day being utterly exhausted. After a particularly fun day of hiking I found myself thinking “Self, what can I do to relax and unwind that takes ZERO energy?” OMG! I know! Let’s soak in the warm waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs! Just float around like a manatee in a canal (I’m from Florida BTW, sea cows are very popular in our waters).
The Banff Upper Hot Springs are located in the heart of Banff National Park only minutes from downtown Banff. The springs were used by Canada’s First Nations people in the 1800s and were introduced to European traders in the 1880s. In 1882 Canadian Pacific Railway workers discovered the Cave and Basin Hot Springs at the foot of Sulphur Mountain. This discovery captured the attention of the nation and led to the creation of Banff National Park, Canada’s very first National Park.
After a long day of hiking in the frigid weather of Alberta, there seemed no better idea than one of just soaking away my aches and pains in a giant heated pool.
You can’t beat the view from the Banff Hot Springs either. Sitting in the 100 degree F waters and looking out over the mountains with the chilly air blowing around you can create a feeling of utter tranquility
Even Kenin agrees that there is no better way to spend an afternoon in Banff than floating in the Upper Hot Springs.
The Banff Upper Hot Springs really was the perfect end to a perfect day in Banff National Park. Make sure to bring your towel and swimsuit. Just because you are visiting a winter wonderland doesn’t mean you won’t need them. :)
If you are planning a visit to the Banff Upper Hot Springs here are a couple tips to make sure you have a great day.
- Bring a Towel and Swimsuit – If you didn’t think to pack them before your trip they do offer onsite rental of both
- Don’t Drink Alcohol – The combination of soaking in the hot springs plus the altitude can dramatically increase the effects of alcohol on your system.
- Hours – Banff Upper Hot Springs is open 10a – 10p most days
- Admission – Adult Admission is $7.30 and youth admission is $6.30 – they offer group rates for parties of 6 or larger.
I hope you enjoyed this post about the Banff Upper Hot Springs. While you’re here you should subscribe to our newsletter, or take a look at these other Banff related posts.
Banff National Park – It’s Love at First Hike
It’s Snow Days at Banff National Park
Finding A Second Home at the Banff Hidden Ridge Resort
Exotic Meat, Fondue, and Swingers? It’s all at Banff’s Grizzly House
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Hell yeah! Floating like a sea cow is one of my most favoritest (yeah that’s not a word or great grammar, I know) things to do. Swimming is for the fishes I’d rather float about.
I love hot springs….these look amazing and like a great way to warm up!
Floating in the upper hot springs of Banff seems amazingly relaxing.
It was absolutely fantastic Laura :)
I would love to take a dip in those hot springs. The scenery is breathtaking. Thanks for sharing!
Mary, Banff is so beautiful, it’s hard to find a bad view. Soaking in warm mineral water just made it fantastic.
We have hot springs here in Turkey – should put them on your bucket list – well worth the travel
I always make a point to visit any hot spring available wherever I am traveling… Only the people who have tried it can really understand, how incredibly relaxing it is! It’s worth a good massage.
It was a first time experience for us, but it wont be the last.
Great to hear you two enjoyed the Upper Hot Springs in Banff so much. If you are ever in the neighborhood during the summer, we suggest the other Canadian Rockies hot spot as well – Miette Hot Springs in Jasper.
Miette Hot Springs