Disclaimer: This web page might include affiliate hyperlinks. Please overview our full Phrases and Situations for extra data and our Privateness Coverage. Observe that any pricing, working hours, or different such data supplied beneath might have modified since preliminary publication.
Compiled by the Street Journey Alberta staff
Final up to date on January 10, 2025
Nestled within the Canadian Rockies, within the shadow of Sulphur Mountain, you’ll discover the magnificent Banff Higher Sizzling Springs. A soothing soak is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Banff Nationwide Park, and the Higher Sizzling Springs have lengthy supplied relaxation, rest, and therapeutic to folks as a result of its mineral-rich water. We like to soak within the steaming water of the out of doors pool and take within the nationwide park’s gorgeous panoramic mountain views. Nevertheless, there are some issues guests have to know earlier than they go to. This information will inform you every little thing concerning the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs.
Every little thing You Have to Know concerning the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs
In regards to the Springs
What makes the water on the Banff Sizzling Springs so particular? Rainwater that has seeped into the earth’s crust undergoes thermal heating earlier than finally effervescent its means as much as the floor of Sulphur Moutain; from there, the thermal waters go and trickle down the mountain to the springs at a charge of as much as 900 litres per minute. Alongside its journey, the water picks up an infusion of minerals, together with sulfate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, and sodium.
The water temperatures are additionally particular right here, and it’s stored at round 40°C (104°F) in the principle sizzling pool. When the move of pure spring water is just too low to fill the swimming pools, supplemental municipal water is used in order that the new springs will be loved all yr spherical.
The Banff Higher Sizzling Springs is the best sizzling spring in all of Canada at an elevation of 1,585 metres!
Historical past of the Springs
The historical past of Banff Higher Sizzling Springs goes again centuries, as Indigenous peoples used the new springs as a sacred place to treatment sickness and preserve good well being. In 1883, Canadian Pacific Railway staff began utilizing the Cave and Basin Sizzling Springs, paving the best way to create Banff Nationwide Park; the next yr, Europeans additionally began utilizing Banff Higher Sizzling Springs. As a result of recognition of spas in Europe, the location turned extraordinarily widespread, particularly with the enlargement of the railway system within the late Eighties and motorway development within the 1910s.
Whereas varied buildings have been constructed after which destroyed (usually by hearth), the Higher Sizzling Springs Bathtub Home opened in 1923. Much like among the well-known spas in Europe, the bathhouse has a sulphur-water swimming pool, plunge baths, steam rooms, tubs, showers, and dressing rooms. In 1931, the Canadian authorities declared the bathhouse a Registered Federal Heritage Constructing.
After many renovations, the bathhouse has been restored to resemble its 1932 look, and a restaurant and a present store have been added. With over 300,000 guests yearly, the Higher Sizzling Springs is one in all Banff Nationwide Park’s hottest vacationer locations.
The place are the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs? Location and parking
Banff Higher Sizzling Springs is positioned on Mountain Avenue, 4 kilometres south of the city of Banff. The path to get there’s well-marked. If driving, strolling or biking, comply with Banff Avenue over the Bow River and switch left (east) on the final set of lights. Comply with the indicators for 3.6 kilometres to the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs parking zone.
Sadly, there’s restricted parking, and why many individuals select to take public transit to the new springs as a substitute. When you’d prefer to take the bus from downtown Banff, take the bus marked with Route 1, “Sulphur Mountain.” Buses run each 20 minutes throughout common operation hours.
It’s also possible to stroll or cycle to the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs, which is an effective way to see the city and get somewhat little bit of train earlier than your soak!
Earlier than or after your soak, we advocate going up Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola, seeing they’re so shut to at least one one other.
How a lot does it price to go to the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs?
Contemplating how costly actions in Banff will be, a go to to Banff Higher Sizzling Springs is comparatively reasonably priced. Observe that advance tickets and reservations aren’t out there and admission can solely be bought in particular person at reception. One-time-use lockers are included in all charges.
Present charges are as follows:
Single Entry Charges (GST included)
- Grownup: $17.50
- Senior: $15.25
- Youth (ages 3-17): $15.25
- Youngsters: (below 3): Free
- Additional Youth: $8.50
- Household: $56.75
Group Charges (ten or extra folks all checking in and paying in a single fee – GST included)
- Grownup: $16.00 every
- Senior: $14.00 every
- Youth (ages 3-17): $14 every
Extra Admission Choices
Annual passes and multi-use passes can be found for many who need to go to the Higher Sizzling Springs greater than as soon as. Moreover, in case you plan to go to the Cave and Basin Nationwide Historic Web site and the new springs there, you should purchase a thermal go that mixes the 2 admissions.
For extra details about admissions and tickets, please go to the web site.
A reminder that you simply’ll want a park go to be in Banff Nationwide Park (whether or not that’s a day go or a Parks Canada Discovery Cross).
Hours of Operation
The Banff Higher Sizzling Springs is open daily of the yr. And after we say daily, it’s true: the Higher Sizzling Springs are even open on Canadian holidays, together with Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New 12 months’s Day, Good Friday, and Easter.
Through the peak season (Could to September), the new springs are open day by day from 9 am to 11 pm. Through the low season (October to April), the new springs are open day by day from 10 am to 10 pm.
That being stated, the swimming pools can shut at instances for upkeep and cleansing. It’s necessary to verify the Parks Canada web site for surprising closures earlier than you go to.
When to Go to the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs
As talked about above, the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs are open year-round! Subsequently, there are advantages to visiting throughout each season, regardless of the temperature. The busiest time on the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs is in the summertime months, as it’s the peak season for Banff Nationwide Park. And being peak season, the new springs will likely be very crowded, and there’s a restrict to how many individuals can enter the new springs directly.
Weekdays are usually much less busy than weekends, with Monday and Tuesday being the quietest days to go to. Moreover, early morning and later night are much less widespread instances to go to; the new springs peak within the afternoon.
We advocate visiting within the springtime or fall in case you’re after cooler temperatures and fewer folks. The Canadian Rockies are nonetheless lovely, and the new spring waters are a welcome deal with on a cold day. However we extremely advocate going within the winter. We expect the colder the higher as we benefit from the heat swimming pools as we soak in each the panoramic views of the snowy mountains and the thermal waters.
What to Carry to the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs
Guests ought to deliver swimsuits, towels, and water footwear to the Banff Sizzling Springs, though there are additionally bathing fits and towels out there for rental in case you do not need your individual. You might also need to deliver every other toiletries you are feeling you’ll want after the springs, i.e. deodorant, make-up, and so on.
You might have entry to one-time-use lockers however can buy a further locker token if wanted.
How lengthy must you spend on the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs?
When you might simply spend half a day soaking within the mineral-rich water – these views are unbelievable! – we beneficial planning for no less than two hours on the sizzling springs. This could additionally provide you with a little bit of time wanted to vary, bathe, and so on.
Accessibility
Banff Higher Sizzling Springs is wheelchair-accessible, with many ramps, an elevator within the facility and accessible parking out entrance. An aquatic wheelchair can be out there upon request (first come, first served). Service canines are allowed on the Banff Sizzling Springs, though they don’t seem to be allowed within the water.
Issues to Do on the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs
The principle factor to do on the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs is loosen up! The pure spring water of the new springs is supposed to have therapeutic properties, and enjoyable in a sizzling pool is a magical expertise. The massive sizzling pool can accommodate as much as 200 folks, whereas there’s a smaller, cooler pool for many who desire barely colder temperatures. It’s also possible to spend time within the steam room.
If you’re prepared for a snack, a café sells gentle bites and drinks. The present store can be cease to choose up a memento out of your time on the springs. Additionally, ensure that to take a look at the interpretive displays across the bathhouse, which doc its historical past and the historical past of the new springs themselves.
Issues to Do Close by
It’s also possible to mix a go to to the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs with the Banff Gondola, as they’re so shut to at least one one other. Or you could possibly hike the Sulphur Mountain Path (a difficult, 9 km out-and-back hike) after which soak within the pure sizzling springs afterward to appease your physique. This hike is likely one of the hottest hikes in Banff, and the trailhead is correct subsequent to Springs.
Dalene Heck is a co-founder of Street Journey Alberta. She was born in Edmonton, grew up within the Peace Nation, and has ventured to nearly each nook of Alberta and the world (she’s travelled to 60 nations)! She is a serial blogger, the CEO of HMI Advertising and marketing, co-creator of the Journey Chaser card recreation, a leukemia-slayer, and cat whisperer.
