Soak it all in at Alberta's hot springs
The Banff Upper Hot Springs have a long history as sacred waters for Indigenous people. Railway workers came across the hot springs in the 1880s, eventually leading to the construction of a European-inspired spa. Ultimately, the hot springs helped inspire the creation of Canada's national parks system.
The thermal water at Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park is so hot it has to be cooled before it enters the pool. Your super-relaxed body will be thankful for that.
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Frequently asked questions
Alberta has two natural hot springs accessible to visitors, both tucked into the mountains of the Canadian Rockies national parks.
Banff Upper Hot Springs sits high on Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park, easily accessed via Roam Public Transit from the town of Banff. At 1,585 metres (5,200 feet), Banff Upper Hot Springs is the highest hot spring in Canada. The mineral-rich water is kept between 37°C and 40°C (98°F to 104°F), and the open-air pool looks straight out at Mount Rundle. The Banff Hot Springs are open year-round—including all holidays. You can soak with snow falling around you after a ski day in winter or post-hike in summer.
Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park is the hottest in the Canadian Rockies. Its source water emerges from the mountain at a steaming 54°C (129°F) before it's cooled to a much more comfortable 40°C (104°F) for the pools. Reached by a scenic, winding drive up Miette Road, it's a quieter, more remote soak.
Nearby Miette Hot Springs, there are a few easy and moderate hiking trails to choose between. Experienced hikers can plan on the challenging Sulphur Skyline trail to really earn their relaxation. Good to know: Miette Hot Springs is seasonal, open from May through mid-October. Miette Hot Springs is closed throughout winter and early spring when the winding mountain road to reach it is closed.
Alberta's hot springs and spas are worth visiting in every season, but winter is especially magical.
Imagine sinking into warm water as snowflakes fall and mountain peaks rise around you. After a day spent skiing, snowshoeing or exploring the outdoors, there are few better ways to warm up and unwind. Alberta's Nordic spas and hot springs are at their most atmospheric during the colder months.
No matter when you visit, Alberta's spas and hot springs offer a chance to relax, recharge and savour the province's spectacular natural surroundings.
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