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Canada🇨🇦 | attractionsBanff Upper Hot SpringsOutdoor thermal pool, Mount Rundle view, 1930s bathhouse, evening soak | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Banff Upper Hot Springs
🏆 Top pickattraction ranked #2
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Soaking in a mineral pool with Rocky Mountain peaks around you is why people come, and it is a good reason: the water leaves the rock near 47°C and is cooled to roughly 37 to 40°C for the pool. What gets overlooked is that this is the most affordable, sociable way in Banff to ease out trail-tired legs, and rented suits, towels and lockers mean you can arrive with nothing. Banff Upper Hot Springs sits on the lower slope of Sulphur Mountain, above Banff town in the Alberta Rockies of Canada. Go in the evening; midday is packed, and the pool is one big rectangle, not a wilderness lagoon. I rent the suit at the counter, lock my boots away and walk out barefoot over the damp deck. The mineral water has a faint sulfur whiff, and Mount Rundle’s tilted limestone slabs fill the skyline past the pool edge.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #2 attraction in CanadaWhat makes it a must-see attraction

Banff Upper Hot Springs is the simplest way to turn a hard day on the trail into a recovery night, and it has an unusual claim: at about 1,585 meters, it is the highest hot springs in Canada’s national parks. That altitude means cooler air around a warm pool and a clear view of the peaks, which is exactly what you want after hiking Johnston Canyon or Tunnel Mountain.
The second reason is history. The water belongs to the same Sulphur Mountain system that led to the creation of Canada’s first national park in 1885, so a soak here connects you to why Banff exists at all. The 1930s bathhouse still stands beside the pool, which adds character you will not get from a modern resort spa.
The third is value. Entry costs only a few dollars more than a restaurant coffee and cake, and the suit and towel … read more 👉
Banff Upper Hot Springs is the simplest way to turn a hard day on the trail into a recovery night, and it has an unusual claim: at about 1,585 meters, it is the highest hot springs in Canada’s national parks. That altitude means cooler air around a warm pool and a clear view of the peaks, which is exactly what you want after hiking Johnston Canyon or Tunnel Mountain.
The second reason is history. The water belongs to the same Sulphur Mountain system that led to the creation of Canada’s first national park in 1885, so a soak here connects you to why Banff exists at all. The 1930s bathhouse still stands beside the pool, which adds character you will not get from a modern resort spa.
The third is value. Entry costs only a few dollars more than a restaurant coffee and cake, and the suit and towel rental removes the need to pack gear. For a backpacker in one of Canada’s priciest mountain towns, that is rare. Treat it as a milestone on the Rockies route: a mellow, social stop between big hikes, best done once, in the evening.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Banff Upper Hot Springs

  1. The main thermal pool: A single large outdoor pool kept around 37 to 40°C, with shallow and deeper ends and a mix of locals and hikers. This is what everyone searches for, and it is the whole point. Adult entry runs roughly US$12 to 14, and a one to two hour soak is plenty.
  2. Mount Rundle and valley views: From the water you look across the Bow Valley to the angled slabs of Mount Rundle. It is the best free-with-entry viewpoint in town, and it is far better than any hotel pool view.
  3. The 1930s bathhouse: The stone and timber building has a heavy, rustic look and a restored interior. Spend ten minutes on the deck and in the lobby before you change.
  4. An evening soak: After dusk the pool lights glow against dark spruce, steam rises, and the crowd thins. Go during the last open hours for the quietest,
… read more 👉
  1. The main thermal pool: A single large outdoor pool kept around 37 to 40°C, with shallow and deeper ends and a mix of locals and hikers. This is what everyone searches for, and it is the whole point. Adult entry runs roughly US$12 to 14, and a one to two hour soak is plenty.
  2. Mount Rundle and valley views: From the water you look across the Bow Valley to the angled slabs of Mount Rundle. It is the best free-with-entry viewpoint in town, and it is far better than any hotel pool view.
  3. The 1930s bathhouse: The stone and timber building has a heavy, rustic look and a restored interior. Spend ten minutes on the deck and in the lobby before you change.
  4. An evening soak: After dusk the pool lights glow against dark spruce, steam rises, and the crowd thins. Go during the last open hours for the quietest, most atmospheric visit.
  5. The mineral water itself: The spring water is rich in sulfate, calcium and bicarbonate, with a mild mineral smell. It feels soft on the skin and leaves a faint chalky feel on the lips if you splash.
  6. Banff Gondola, next door: The gondola up Sulphur Mountain terminates close to the hot springs. Pair a summit view with a soak in the same afternoon.
  7. Cave and Basin National Historic Site: A short ride downhill, this is where the springs were first found by railway workers in the 1880s. You can look into the cave, but swimming is not allowed. It adds the story that the pool itself does not tell.
Banff Upper Hot Springs needs no booking for a regular soak, but Banff Gondola tickets are better reserved ahead in summer and holiday weekends.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

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Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

  • Winter (December to February): Winter is the classic time to soak. Air temperatures run about -15 to -5°C (5 to 23°F), the pool stays near 37 to 40°C (98 to 104°F), and steam hangs over snowy peaks. Daylight is short, so evening soaks happen in the dark. Ski-season lodging prices peak around Christmas.
  • Spring (March to May): Temperatures range from -5 to 12°C (23 to 54°F). Snow melts unevenly and the trails nearby are muddy. Crowds and room rates drop after ski season ends.
  • Summer (June to August): Highs reach 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F), with daylight past 9 pm. This is the busiest period, with the longest queues on weekends and the highest prices in town. The hot water feels less dramatic in the warmth.
  • Fall (September to October): Temperatures sit at 0 to 15°C (32 to 59°F). Larches turn gold on
… read more 👉
  • Winter (December to February): Winter is the classic time to soak. Air temperatures run about -15 to -5°C (5 to 23°F), the pool stays near 37 to 40°C (98 to 104°F), and steam hangs over snowy peaks. Daylight is short, so evening soaks happen in the dark. Ski-season lodging prices peak around Christmas.
  • Spring (March to May): Temperatures range from -5 to 12°C (23 to 54°F). Snow melts unevenly and the trails nearby are muddy. Crowds and room rates drop after ski season ends.
  • Summer (June to August): Highs reach 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F), with daylight past 9 pm. This is the busiest period, with the longest queues on weekends and the highest prices in town. The hot water feels less dramatic in the warmth.
  • Fall (September to October): Temperatures sit at 0 to 15°C (32 to 59°F). Larches turn gold on the slopes above, crowds thin out, and lodging prices ease.
Go on a weekday after dinner, when the pool is noticeably quieter than midday.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: highly recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: highly recommended for travelingMARMarch: good for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: highly recommended for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Downtown Banff townsite is the best base, since the pool sits on Mountain Avenue about 4 km (2.5 miles) uphill from the center. Buses run up from town, and the walk or ride is easy once you are settled. Stay within a few blocks of Banff Avenue and you have hostels, bars, groceries and the main bus stops at hand. This is where most budget travelers and solo backpackers end up, so it is easy to meet people for a group soak or a hike. The area is compact, well lit and busy late into the evening, which makes walking back after dark comfortable.

The streets just off Banff Avenue, toward the Bow River, … read more 👉
Downtown Banff townsite is the best base, since the pool sits on Mountain Avenue about 4 km (2.5 miles) uphill from the center. Buses run up from town, and the walk or ride is easy once you are settled. Stay within a few blocks of Banff Avenue and you have hostels, bars, groceries and the main bus stops at hand. This is where most budget travelers and solo backpackers end up, so it is easy to meet people for a group soak or a hike. The area is compact, well lit and busy late into the evening, which makes walking back after dark comfortable.

The streets just off Banff Avenue, toward the Bow River, are quieter and still within a short walk of restaurants and transit. They suit anyone who wants sleep over nightlife.

The Tunnel Mountain area on the edge of town is where the campgrounds sit. Camping is the cheapest option in summer, and a transit connection reaches the center. Book early for July and August, since beds and sites fill weeks ahead. Lake Louise is an alternative base about 55 km (34 miles) away, but it is much smaller and has fewer social options.
Best hostels in Canada


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👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entry to Banff Upper Hot SpringsUS$9 to 12Adult admission is paid per soak, with discounted rates for youth and seniors. Lockers and towel rentals are extra.
Rentals (towel, swimsuit, locker)US$2 to 6Bring your own swimsuit and towel to avoid fees.
Parks Canada passUS$6 to 8A Banff National Park day pass is required if you stop in the park, and is charged per adult per day.
Local transportUS$0 to 5Roam bus services connect downtown with the pool. Walking uphill takes about 45 minutes.
Accommodation (high season)US$45 to 90A dorm bed or campsite in summer. Winter and spring cost less, apart from the Christmas period.
Food and drinkUS$25 to 40Groceries and a cheap lunch in town, with a drink at the pool or in the evening costing more.
Total Daily BudgetUS$87 to 161A
… read more 👉
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entry to Banff Upper Hot SpringsUS$9 to 12Adult admission is paid per soak, with discounted rates for youth and seniors. Lockers and towel rentals are extra.
Rentals (towel, swimsuit, locker)US$2 to 6Bring your own swimsuit and towel to avoid fees.
Parks Canada passUS$6 to 8A Banff National Park day pass is required if you stop in the park, and is charged per adult per day.
Local transportUS$0 to 5Roam bus services connect downtown with the pool. Walking uphill takes about 45 minutes.
Accommodation (high season)US$45 to 90A dorm bed or campsite in summer. Winter and spring cost less, apart from the Christmas period.
Food and drinkUS$25 to 40Groceries and a cheap lunch in town, with a drink at the pool or in the evening costing more.
Total Daily BudgetUS$87 to 161A soak plus the main costs for one day in high season.


source: banfflakelouise.com
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

FAQFrequently asked questions about Banff Upper Hot Springs

Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours at Banff Upper Hot Springs, which covers a soak of about an hour plus changing and showering. Winter evenings are the best time to extend your stay, as the steam and cold air make a longer soak more appealing. The pool is roughly 4 km (2.5 miles) from downtown Banff, so add 15 minutes by bus each way.
Banff Upper Hot Springs is worth the roughly US$9 to 12 adult fee, especially in winter, when you soak in 37 to 40°C (98 to 104°F) water with snow-covered Mount Rundle in view. It is cheaper than most spa options in town and gives a classic Rockies experience. In summer the pool is busier and the warm air takes away some of the contrast, so go on a weekday evening.
Take a Roam bus from downtown Banff, which runs up Mountain Avenue to the pool in about 15 minutes for a few dollars. You can also drive in 10 minutes, but parking fills at midday in summer. Walking from Banff Avenue is about 4 km (2.5 miles) uphill and takes around 45 minutes.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Banff Upper Hot Springs is the place to relax, but many travelers make the mistake of arriving at midday on a summer weekend and fighting a packed pool. Go in the evening instead, bring your own towel to save on rental, and stay long enough to watch the peaks darken.

✈️ When did I visit Canada?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Canada in 2016.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Canada, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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