The only hot springs pool in Banff National Park welcomes you year-round for a traditional experience popular with tourists.
For every visitor, Banff Upper Hot Springs aims to create a facility that is inclusive and accessible. There are ramps, accessible parking, and lift access all over the building. Wheelchairs that float can be used to enter and exit the pool.
Sulphur Mountain’s summit is close to where Banff Upper Hot Springs. While you’re there, bring a picnic lunch on the deck overlooking the hot springs, or get our Thermal Waters Pass and enter the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and the Upper Hot Springs of Banff for just one affordable charge!
Banff Gondola Ride Admission
With this round-trip gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, you can get the most out of your views of Banff National Park while exerting the least effort.
To start your journey, go to the Banff Gondola anytime during business hours. For the trip to the top of Sulphur Mountain, board a cozy, contemporary, 4-person gondola cabin. Enjoy bird’s eye views of Banff’s alpine landscapes and meandering rivers as your cabin soars high above this mountain paradise and reaches the peak of Sulphur Mountain.
Feel free to stroll down the boardwalk that leads to Sanson’s Peak, a national historic landmark, while on the summit, or sit back and take it all in. Simply board the designated gondola to return to the mountain’s base when the stipulated time has passed at the summit.
Johnston Canyon Icewalk
On this ice-walk trip, discover the winter wonderland of Johnston Canyon in Banff. Join a knowledgeable guide on a stroll down the steel pathways in the canyon to see the top and lower waterfalls and discover how this mighty canyon was built.
During this ice walk, discover the impressive, ice-covered waterfalls and stunning surroundings of Banff’s renowned Johnston Canyon. For a winter experience, strap in the accompanying ice cleats and hike along the canyon’s edge on steel walkways. Your experience starts with a pick-up from Banff and is offered in the morning or the afternoon.
After that, start your journey in Johnston Canyon. While moving further, look out for species that hibernate and pay attention to your guide as they go through the canyon’s geology and history.
Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus
With a Hop-On bus ticket, you can explore Banff National Park at your own leisure. To ensure your place on the shuttle that zips you around to park attractions that are difficult to access without wheels, purchase your ticket in advance.
Each Banff bus has an English-speaking host who can answer questions about the area, provide exciting anecdotes, and serve as your own concierge by reserving extra excursions, taking pictures, or even making dinner reservations.
Connect with breathtaking scenery and perspectives. Take a bus to Johnston Canyon, where you can get off and climb to the Upper and Lower Falls or even the renowned Ink Pots.
Learn about Grizzly Bears in Banff
This 10-hour tour departing from Banff is designed with animal lovers in mind and will allow you to get up close and engaged with the world of the Grizzly bear. Discover the Grizzly Bear’s natural habitat by stopping at the breathtaking Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s second-highest waterfall, and Emerald Lake. You will travel to Kicking Horse Mountain’s summit via gondola, which the Grizzlies call home.
Take in the breathtaking view as you climb, keeping an eye out for any potential Grizzlies in the area below. At the top, indulge in a complimentary gourmet meal at Canada’s highest restaurant, Eagle’s Eye Restaurant.
Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting
Enjoy experiencing whitewater rafting down a beautiful section of the Kanaskasis River, the ideal outing for groups, families, and first-timers. Discover the Kananaskis River’s magnificent rivers. Discover the unique beauty of the Canadian countryside while keeping an eye out for native species.
On Highway 1A, assemble at the Nakoda Lakeside Lodge. A 45-minute trip from Banff will put you on the road to your rafting adventure. As you cruise across the Canadian countryside, take a brief picturesque trip. After receiving your wetsuits and other safety gear, travel a short distance to the start location on the Kananaskis River in a comfortable bus. Your mentors will give you safety instructions and demonstrate proper paddling techniques here. Feel ready and prepared as you get ready for the river.
Mini Bus tour of Wildlife and Sights
Prepare to see the best of Banff while understanding the Bow Valley’s history. Visit Bow Falls, the location of numerous renowned 1950s motion pictures. View the Castle of the Rockies-style Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Your knowledgeable guide will teach you the value of wildlife management techniques during a stop at Lake Minnewanka.
Stunning views may be found at Surprise Corner and Hoodoos Lookout. There will be numerous breaks along the way where you can take in the scenery, take pictures, and hike to breathtaking overlooks.
Banff Canoe Club
On a family-friendly canoe tour, take in the tranquility of the Bow River. The stunning views of Banff National Park & the Canadian Rockies will surprise you from every angle. No prerequisite knowledge is needed for this sightseeing tour, making it ideal for the entire family.
Gather at the Banff Canoe Club, which is only a 5-minute stroll from the heart of Banff. Your knowledgeable guide will keep you entertained as you paddle upstream with historical tales, canoeing trivia, and intriguing local information. Enjoy the surroundings while honing your team paddling skills.
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Banff Legends and Landmarks
With a local historian as your guide, this walking tour is ideal for learning about Banff. Discover the history and trail networks of the Banff townsite and ask locals for advice on visiting other popular destinations nearby.
Prepare with ice cleats or walking poles if necessary (included) and depart from Banff’s Cave and Basin National Historic Site. To catch the best locations year-round, explore the area and travel along various routes according to the season.
At the Banff Springs Hotel, indulge in the Castle Food Experience
When you meet your guide inside the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, begin with a welcome taste of all house-prepared bread, meats, and preserves, along with a beverage pairing. Visit the greenhouse or micro-greenery, chat with the kitchen staff, and go behind the scenes to learn pastry techniques.
Visit a private dining area for a formal sit-down seafood and wine pairing. As you explore the hallways, your storyteller guide will teach you about the history, the arts, and the architecture. For a personal taste and food pairing, cozy up in the wine cellar.
Visit the photo archives to see Banff in its earlier days. Get advice on other fantastic things to do in the region as well as a special parting present.
FAQ
Can you go to the hot springs in Banff?
Visits to the Upper Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the warm, mineral-rich water are one of the most beloved traditions in Banff National Park. Since 1886, travelers have been drawn to Banff by the allure of relaxing in the outdoor pool amidst the craggy peaks of the Rundle and Cascade Mountains.
What makes Banff hot springs hot?
Three kilometers (1.8 miles) beneath the earth’s surface, the water in the Banff Upper Hot Springs is geothermally heated and bubbles up to the surface.
What are the benefits of Banff Hot Springs?
It eases stiff muscles and encourages blood circulation. The effects of arthritis can be reduced by taking a bath in hot springs. The high mineral content of the water helped remove pollutants from the body. Our bodies are helped by hot springs to absorb necessary minerals.
How many hot springs are there in Banff?
There are 9 naturally occurring hot springs in the vicinity of Banff, including The Upper Hot Springs. A significant rock fissure known as the Sulphur Mountain Thrust Fault allows the hot spring water to flow naturally.
