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Compiled by the Highway Journey Alberta crew
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 finest issues to do in Banff Nationwide Park, and the Higher Sizzling Springs have lengthy offered relaxation, rest, and therapeutic to folks because 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 must know earlier than they go to. This information will let you know every thing concerning the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs.
Every little thing You Must Know concerning the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs
Concerning 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 ultimately effervescent its approach as much as the floor of Sulphur Moutain; from there, the thermal waters move and trickle down the mountain to the springs at a price 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 circulation of pure spring water is simply too low to fill the swimming pools, supplemental municipal water is used in order that the new springs might 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 remedy sickness and preserve good well being. In 1883, Canadian Pacific Railway employees 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. Because of the reputation of spas in Europe, the positioning grew to become extraordinarily standard, particularly with the enlargement of the railway system within the late Eighteen Eighties and motorway building within the 1910s.
Whereas numerous buildings have been constructed after which destroyed (usually by hearth), the Higher Sizzling Springs Bathtub Home opened in 1923. Much like a number of 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 situated on Mountain Avenue, 4 kilometres south of the city of Banff. The path to get there may be 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. Observe the indicators for 3.6 kilometres to the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs parking zone.
Sadly, there may be restricted parking, and why many individuals select to take public transit to the new springs as an alternative. If you happen to’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.
You may also stroll or cycle to the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs, which is a good way to see the city and get just a little 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 value to go to the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs?
Contemplating how costly actions in Banff might be, a go to to Banff Higher Sizzling Springs is comparatively inexpensive. Be aware that advance tickets and reservations usually are not obtainable 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: (beneath 3): Free
- Further 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
Further 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 Website and the new springs there, you should purchase a thermal move that mixes the 2 admissions.
For extra details about admissions and tickets, please go to the web site.
A reminder that you just’ll want a park move to be in Banff Nationwide Park (whether or not that’s a day move or a Parks Canada Discovery Move).
Hours of Operation
The Banff Higher Sizzling Springs is open each day of the yr. And after we say each day, it’s true: the Higher Sizzling Springs are even open on Canadian holidays, together with Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Yr’s Day, Good Friday, and Easter.
Through the peak season (Might to September), the new springs are open each day from 9 am to 11 pm. Through the low season (October to April), the new springs are open each day from 10 am to 10 pm.
That being mentioned, the swimming pools can shut at occasions for upkeep and cleansing. It’s vital to examine 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 shall be very crowded, and there’s a restrict to how many individuals can enter the new springs directly.
Weekdays are typically 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 standard occasions 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 predict 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 convey swimsuits, towels, and water footwear to the Banff Sizzling Springs, though there are additionally bathing fits and towels obtainable for rental in case you don’t have your personal. You may additionally need to convey every other toiletries you are feeling you’ll want after the springs, i.e. deodorant, make-up, and many others.
You could have entry to one-time-use lockers however can buy an extra locker token if wanted.
How lengthy do you have to spend on the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs?
When you may simply spend half a day soaking within the mineral-rich water – these views are unbelievable! – we really useful planning for at the least two hours on the sizzling springs. This might additionally offer you a little bit of time wanted to alter, bathe, and many others.
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 also be obtainable 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 stress-free in a sizzling pool is a magical expertise. The big sizzling pool can accommodate as much as 200 folks, whereas there’s a smaller, cooler pool for many who choose barely colder temperatures. You may also spend time within the steam room.
While you’re prepared for a snack, a café sells mild bites and drinks. The reward store can also be cease to choose up a memento out of your time on the springs. Additionally, make sure that to take a look at the interpretive reveals across the bathhouse, which doc its historical past and the historical past of the new springs themselves.
Issues to Do Close by
You may also 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 can hike the Sulphur Mountain Path (a difficult, 9 km out-and-back hike) after which soak within the pure sizzling springs afterward to assuage your physique. This hike is likely one of the hottest hikes in Banff, and the trailhead is true subsequent to Springs.
Dalene Heck is a co-founder of Highway 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 international locations)! 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.