Operating Hours: Banff Upper Hot Springs is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the last entry at 9:30 PM.

It operates year-round, including Canadian holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and Easter.

Best Times to Visit:

• Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October): Milder weather, fewer crowds, and pleasant soaking conditions.
• Winter (December-February): A magical experience with snow-covered mountains, though it’s busier, especially around holidays. Early mornings (right at opening) or late evenings (closer to closing) can help avoid peak crowds.
• Summer (June-August): Peak season with stunning views but higher crowds; aim for early mornings or weekdays to beat the rush.
• Avoid weekends, statutory holidays, and school breaks if you prefer a quieter visit, as these are the busiest times.

• Single Entry (includes a locker token):
  • Adults (18-64): CA$17.50
  • Youth (3-17): CA$15.25
  • Seniors (65+): CA$15.25
  • Children (under 3): Free
  • Family (up to 4 members, max 2 adults): CA$56.75
  • Extra Youth (with family pass): CA$8.50
• Multi-Entry Passes:
  • 3-Entry Card: Valid for 5 days from purchase, transferable, pricing not specified but typically a discount over single entries.
  • 4-Entry Card: Valid for 7 days from purchase, transferable.
  • Annual Pass: CA$220.50 (adults), CA$187.50 (youth/seniors), CA$625.75 (family); locker tokens not included.
• Thermal Waters Pass: Combines entry to Banff Upper Hot Springs and Cave and Basin National Historic Site for a discounted rate (exact price varies, but it’s a cost-saving option for both).
• Group Rates: Discount available for 10+ people paying in one transaction.
• Additional Costs:
  • Swimsuit or towel rental: CA$2 each
  • Extra locker token: CA$1.25
• Note: A Banff National Park pass (day pass or Parks Canada Discovery Pass) is required to access the hot springs, as it’s within the park. Admission is first-come, first-served; no reservations are available.

• Lockers: One-time-use lockers are provided with single-entry tickets (additional tokens available for purchase). Annual pass holders must buy tokens separately.
• Rentals: Swimsuits (including historic 1920s-style options) and towels are available for around CA$2 each.
• Showers: Change rooms include washrooms, showers (with soap required before entering the pool), and private change stalls. Communal showers are gender-separated, with additional accessible options.
• Café: The Banff Upper Hot Springs Café, located on the upper level of the bathhouse, offers meals, coffee, snacks, and ice cream. Food must be consumed in the café or designated picnic areas, not on the pool deck.
• Gift Shop: Sells souvenirs, keepsakes, and practical items like historic swimsuits.
• Change Rooms: Men’s, women’s, and gender-neutral accessible options available.
• Additional Amenities:
  • Accessible facilities (ramps, elevator, aquatic wheelchairs upon request).
  • Outdoor terrace with views of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain.
  • Picnic deck overlooking the hot springs.

General Rules:

• Shower with soap before entering the pool (mandatory for water quality).
• No food or drinks (except water in unbreakable containers) on the pool deck, change rooms, or in the pool.
• No glass items (e.g., bottles) allowed on the pool deck or in the bathhouse.
• Street shoes must be removed beyond the reception desk and stored in lockers; clean indoor shoes (e.g., flip-flops) are permitted.
• Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult (18+).
• Limit immersion to 20 minutes at a time (less for children) to avoid overheating; take breaks to cool off.

Safety Guidelines:

• No running, pushing, or rough play on the deck or in the facility.
• No inflatable toys, snorkels, fins, or portable speakers allowed in the pool.
• Lifeguards are on duty; follow their instructions at all times.
• Water is chlorinated and tested hourly to meet public health standards.
• Temperature is maintained between 37°C and 40°C (98°F-104°F); currently supplemented with heated municipal water due to low natural flow (as of spring 2025).

Prohibitions:

• No alcohol, smoking, vaping, or intoxicating substances permitted. Intoxicated individuals will be denied entry or asked to leave, with RCMP called if necessary.
• No strollers on the pool deck or in change rooms (designated storage available).
• Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed; certified service dogs (per Alberta Service Dogs Act) are permitted everywhere except in the pool.

Consequences: Non-compliance may lead to eviction, RCMP involvement, or fines up to CA$25,000 under the Canada National Parks Act and Alberta pool standards.

Banff Upper Hot Springs is located at 1 Mountain Avenue, approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) south of the Banff town center in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Driving is a convenient option if you have a vehicle, but parking can be challenging due to limited spaces.

Route from Downtown Banff

• Starting Point: Banff Avenue in downtown Banff.
• Directions:
  1. Head south on Banff Avenue.
  2. Cross the Bow River bridge.
  3. At the last set of traffic lights, turn left (east) onto Mountain Avenue.
  4. Follow Mountain Avenue for 3.6 km (2.2 miles), staying on the road as it winds up Sulphur Mountain.
  5. The road ends at the Banff Upper Hot Springs parking lot.
• Distance: Approximately 4 km (2.5 miles).
• Drive Time: About 6-10 minutes, depending on traffic.

Route from Calgary

• Starting Point: Calgary, Alberta (closest major city).
• Directions:
  1. Take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west from Calgary.
  2. Drive approximately 128 km (80 miles) to the Banff exit.
  3. Follow Banff Avenue into town, then proceed as above from downtown Banff.
• Distance: Approximately 132 km (82 miles) total to the hot springs.
• Drive Time: About 1.5-2 hours from Calgary, depending on road conditions and traffic.

Parking Tips

• Parking Availability: The parking lot at Banff Upper Hot Springs is limited and fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons (summer and winter holidays). It accommodates cars, RVs, and buses, with larger vehicles directed to the rear.
• Cost: Parking is free, but you’ll need a valid Parks Canada pass (daily or annual Discovery Pass) to stop in Banff National Park.
• Tips:
  • Arrive early in the morning to secure a spot, particularly in summer or on weekends.
  • During peak times, consider parking at the Banff Train Station (free long-term parking) or in paid parking areas in downtown Banff and taking public transit (see below).
  • Avoid circling for spots; traffic congestion can be significant during busy periods.
  • Accessible parking is available near the bathhouse for those with permits.

Additional Notes

• A Parks Canada pass is required to visit the hot springs, as it’s within Banff National Park. Purchase online or at park gates.
• Road conditions can be icy in winter; ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with snow tires if traveling between November and March.

Banff Upper Hot Springs is easily accessible via public transit and shuttle options, making it a stress-free choice if you’re without a car. Note that there’s no train service directly to Banff; “public transport” here refers to buses.

Public Transport: Roam Transit Route 1

• Service: Roam Transit operates Route 1 (“Sulphur Mountain”) from downtown Banff to Banff Upper Hot Springs.
• Route Details:
  • Starting Point: Various stops along Banff Avenue (e.g., Banff Park Museum).
  • End Point: Rimrock Drop Off Only stop, a 3-minute walk (169 meters) uphill to the hot springs entrance.
  • Frequency: Buses run every 20-30 minutes during regular operating hours (typically 6:13 AM to 11:30 PM, but check roamtransit.com for current schedules).
  • Travel Time: About 7-10 minutes from downtown Banff.
• Fares:
  • Adults (19+): $2 CAD one-way, $5 CAD day pass.
  • Youth (13-18) and Seniors (65+): $1 CAD one-way, $2.50 CAD day pass.
  • Children (12 and under): Free with an adult.
  • Payment: Cash to the driver or pre-purchase via the Token Transit app for contactless boarding.
• Advantages:
  • Avoids parking hassles.
  • Eco-friendly hybrid buses with space for bikes, skis, or strollers (limited availability).

Shuttle Services

• From Banff Hotels: Many Banff hotels offer complimentary shuttles to the hot springs for guests. Check with your accommodation for availability and schedules.
• Private Shuttles: Companies like Banff Airporter or Pursuit offer custom shuttle services from Banff or nearby areas, though these are less common for short trips like this. They’re better suited for airport transfers (see below).

Getting to Banff Without a Car

• If you’re starting from outside Banff (e.g., Calgary), take a shuttle or bus to Banff first (see “By Air” section for airport transfers), then use Roam Transit Route 1.
• On-It Regional Transit: From Calgary to Banff, this budget option costs $10 CAD each way but operates only on weekends and holidays (mid-May to mid-September). Departs from downtown Calgary locations, not the airport.

Tips

• Check schedules at roamtransit.com, as times vary seasonally.
• The short walk from the bus stop to the hot springs is uphill; wear appropriate footwear, especially in winter.
• Bring exact change for fares if paying cash.

Banff has no commercial airport, so you’ll fly into a nearby hub and transfer to the hot springs by road. The closest and most practical option is Calgary International Airport (YYC).

Nearest Airport: Calgary International Airport (YYC)

• Location: 67.6 miles (109 km) east of Banff, 132 km (82 miles) from Banff Upper Hot Springs.
• Flight Options: Major airlines (Air Canada, WestJet, Delta, etc.) offer non-stop flights from cities like Toronto, Vancouver, London, and various U.S. hubs.
• Travel Time to Banff: About 1.5 hours by road from YYC to Banff, plus 10 minutes to the hot springs.

Transfers from Calgary Airport to Banff Upper Hot Springs

1. Shuttle Services:
   • Banff Airporter:
     • Details: Door-to-door service from YYC to Banff hotels or select stops. Runs multiple times daily (5 AM to 10:30 PM).
     • Cost: ~$70 CAD one-way/adult, discounts for round-trip or groups.
     • Travel Time: 2-2.5 hours to Banff, then take Roam Transit Route 1 (see above).
     • Booking: Required in advance at banffairporter.com.
   • Brewster Express:
     • Details: Connects YYC to Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise with regular departures.
     • Cost: ~$65-75 CAD one-way/adult.
     • Travel Time: ~2 hours to Banff, followed by a short transit ride.
     • Booking: Available online or at the airport.
   • Ten Peaks Shuttle:
     • Details: Serves Banff and Sunshine Village, with stops in Banff.
     • Cost: Varies (~$60-80 CAD), book at skibanff.com.
   • Notes: From Banff, use Roam Transit Route 1 to reach the hot springs (see “Public Transport” section).
2. Car Rental:
   • Details: All major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, etc.) operate at YYC. Drive to Banff Upper Hot Springs via Highway 1 (see “By Car” section).
   • Cost: ~$40-100 CAD/day, plus fuel and Parks Canada pass.
   • Advantages: Flexibility to explore beyond the hot springs.
3. Private Transfers:
   • Options: Banff Sedan, Limo To Go, or Banff Private Charters offer luxury vehicles or group vans.
   • Cost: $200-800 CAD depending on vehicle and group size (e.g., $803 for a 10-person van).
   • Travel Time: Direct to Banff (~1.5-2 hours), then 10 minutes to the hot springs.
4. Taxi/Uber:
   • Cost: ~$210-300 CAD one-way from YYC to Banff (Uber isn’t available in Banff itself).
   • Notes: Expensive and less practical; better for shuttle or rental.

Other Airports

• Edmonton International Airport (YEG): 401 km (249 miles) from Banff. Less convenient, requiring a 4-5 hour drive or longer shuttle.
• Springbank Airport (YBW): Small regional airport 25 km west of Calgary, but not served by commercial flights.

Tips

• Book shuttles at least 1-2 days in advance, especially in summer or ski season.
• Allow 30-45 minutes at YYC for baggage/customs before your transfer.
• For flights, arrive at YYC 2 hours before domestic departures, 3 hours for international.

The water temperature is maintained between 37°C and 40°C (98°F to 104°F). Historically, it’s a natural hot spring, but due to reduced flow in recent years, it’s supplemented with heated municipal water and chlorinated to meet health standards. The exact temperature may vary slightly within this range depending on weather and maintenance adjustments.

• Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October): Fewer crowds, mild weather.
• Winter (December-February): Scenic snow views, busier; early mornings or late evenings best.
• Summer (June-August): Peak season, crowded; weekdays or early mornings recommended.

Towels not provided for free; The below rentals are available.

Nope, you can’t book a spot ahead of time at Banff Upper Hot Springs. They stick to a first-come, first-served system, and you’ve got to buy your admission right there at the front desk. No fancy online tickets or advance reservations here; it’s old-school, in-person only!

• Parking available but limited, especially in peak seasons (summer, winter holidays).
• Arrive early or late for better chances; overflow along Mountain Avenue.

• Parking at the Hot Springs: There’s no direct parking fee at the Banff Upper Hot Springs lot itself—it’s free to park once you’re there. The lot is a short 200-meter walk from the bathhouse.
• National Park Pass Requirement: Since it’s within Banff National Park, you need a Parks Canada pass to park and visit. This is the main cost tied to parking.

• Lot Details: The parking lot is small and shared with the Banff Gondola, so it gets crowded fast, especially in summer and winter holidays. Early or late arrivals help snag a spot.
• Accessible Parking: Three free accessible stalls are available closer to the bathhouse, still requiring a park pass.
• Overflow Options: If the lot’s full, you might park in the Town of Banff, where charges apply downtown or free parking exists at the Train Station lot (8-minute walk to downtown, then a bus ride).

• Restrictions: No overnight parking or camping is allowed in the lot—enforced under the Canada National Parks Act.

Open year-round (10:00 AM – 10:00 PM) in rain or snow, unless extreme weather or maintenance occurs.

Fully accessible with ramps, elevator, and aquatic wheelchairs.

• The Rimrock Resort Hotel: Perched on Sulphur Mountain, just a 6-minute drive (or short hike) from the hot springs, this 5-star luxury spot offers stunning Rocky Mountain views, an indoor pool, hot tubs, and the acclaimed Eden restaurant. It’s steps away, making it the closest high-end option.
• Fairmont Banff Springs: Known as the “Castle in the Rockies,” this iconic resort is 3.6 km (about 10 minutes by car) from the hot springs. It boasts a spa, multiple dining options, and historic charm, perfect for a lavish stay with easy access.
• Moose Hotel & Suites: Located in downtown Banff, roughly 3.5 km (8-10 minute drive) from the hot springs, this modern hotel blends cabin-chic vibes with rooftop hot tubs and a spa, ideal for a cozy yet upscale experience.

• Tunnel Mountain Campground: Just 5 km (10-12 minute drive) from the hot springs, this popular Parks Canada site offers tent and RV camping with options like Tunnel Mountain Village I (tents) and Village II (RVs). It’s close to town and has showers, flush toilets, and fire pits at some sites.
• Banff Rocky Mountain Resort: About 4 km (10-minute drive) away, this resort doubles as an RV-friendly spot with full hookups, plus access to an indoor pool and hot tubs. It’s a hybrid of camping and resort comfort.
• Two Jack Lakeside Campground: A bit farther at 13 km (20-minute drive), this scenic spot offers tent camping near Lake Minnewanka, with no RV hookups but a peaceful, nature-focused escape.

• Storm Mountain Lodge & Cabins: Located 30 km (25-30 minute drive) west toward Lake Louise, these rustic log cabins offer fireplaces, a serene forest setting, and a restaurant, blending coziness with wilderness charm.
• Banff Boutique Inn: In downtown Banff, 3.5 km (8-10 minute drive) from the hot springs, this small, modern inn has just 10 rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor terrace—perfect for a quaint, intimate stay.
• Buffalo Mountain Lodge: About 4 km (10-minute drive) away, this lodge features cozy cabins with wood-burning fireplaces, a hot tub, and a rustic yet upscale vibe, nestled on Tunnel Mountain.

• Notes: Distances are approximate and based on driving from the Banff Upper Hot Springs on Sulphur Mountain. For the closest options, prioritize Rimrock Resort or Tunnel Mountain Campground. Roam Transit (Route 1) connects downtown Banff to the hot springs, making hotels and inns there convenient if you prefer not to drive. Book early, especially for summer and winter peak seasons!