Overview
What Banff Upper Hot Springs is, right now
This is Canada’s classic drive-up hot springs facility on Sulphur Mountain, above the town of Banff. Parks Canada says the pool is typically kept between 37 and 40°C (98 and 104°F), and lists a mineral profile dominated by sulphate and calcium. At the moment, the key planning fact is simple: the site is closed for maintenance work and facility upgrades, with reopening expected in early 2026.
The experience when operating
When it’s open, you’re soaking in a managed outdoor pool beside a historic bathhouse, with mountain views and a controlled, predictable setup. It’s not a wilderness spring, it’s a high-elevation facility where you show up with a swimsuit and a plan for weather. If your trip dates are close to the reopening window, build flexibility into your schedule and verify current status before you drive up.
Location & Access
Where it is
Banff Upper Hot Springs is on Mountain Avenue, about 4 km south of the Town of Banff, up on Sulphur Mountain.
By car
It’s a paved, drive-up approach, but parking is limited and fills quickly. Expect a short walk from the main lot, and note that Parks Canada describes the main parking lot as being at the base of a hill, about a 200 m walk to the bathhouse.
Transit option
Parks Canada points visitors to Roam Public Transit, Route 1 (Sulphur Mountain), as the easiest way to get here when operating. Transit is often the least stressful choice in busy seasons.
Seasonality and closures
As of the latest Parks Canada update, the facility remains closed for upgrades and is expected to reopen in early 2026. Check the official page for reopening confirmation and any unexpected closure notes.
What to bring
Bring a swimsuit, a warm layer for the deck, and a water bottle. At this elevation, people often underestimate how fast they dehydrate after a hot soak, especially in dry winter air.
Suitability & Accessibility
This is the easiest “real hot springs” experience in the Banff area when it’s operating, built for travelers who want a dependable soak without backcountry variables. It suits first-timers, road trippers, and anyone who prefers lockers, staff presence, and a controlled pool over muddy river tubs.
Families
Family friendly in the practical sense: drive up, change, soak, leave. The main limiter is crowding. If you’re traveling with kids, plan for a shorter soak, frequent water breaks, and a quick warm-up plan for cold days.
Accessibility
Parks Canada describes several accessibility features within the limits of a heritage building: a ramp with an automatic door at the entrance, an elevator serving all levels (with some size limits for larger motorized chairs), and an aquatic wheelchair available on request. There are also accessible change rooms. The one catch to plan for is the hill and short walk from the main lot, plus a few steps on some routes, so allow extra time and ask staff for the step-free path once onsite.
What it isn’t
It isn’t a natural creek soak, and it isn’t a place to “wing it” in a snowstorm. Treat it like a mountain facility with real weather, and you’ll have a better day.
Safety & Etiquette
Heat and hydration
Even though the pool temperature is controlled, you can still overheat. Keep your first soak short, take breaks on the deck, and drink water. If you feel lightheaded, get out and cool down.
Altitude and weather
This is a high-elevation outdoor pool. Cold wind, sudden snow, and icy decks are normal mountain realities. Wear footwear with traction, move slowly on wet surfaces, and have a warm layer ready for the walk back to your car or the bus stop.
Facility etiquette
Keep the pool calm. Give people space on steps and along railings, don’t block ramps or narrow corridors, and follow posted rules about showering and appropriate behavior. If you’re taking photos, be quick and avoid framing strangers up close.
Respect closures
Because the site is currently closed for upgrades, don’t plan on “just checking the gate.” Build a backup activity in Banff and only make the drive up once you’ve verified it is open.
Accessibility courtesy
If someone is using the aquatic wheelchair or needs extra space on the ramped entry, give them time. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference in a busy pool.
FAQs
Is Banff Upper Hot Springs open right now?
Parks Canada reports the facility is closed for maintenance work and upgrades, with reopening expected in early 2026. Check the official Parks Canada page for the latest confirmation before you plan a visit.
How hot is the water at Banff Upper Hot Springs?
Parks Canada states the pool temperature is kept between 37 and 40°C (98 and 104°F) when operating.
Do you need reservations?
When operating, Parks Canada describes entry as first-come, first-served, with admission purchased in person. During the closure, there is nothing to reserve.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Parks Canada lists an accessible entrance ramp, elevator access, accessible change rooms, and an aquatic wheelchair available on request, with some limitations due to the heritage building and elevator size.
What’s the easiest way to get there from Banff?
Parks Canada suggests Roam Public Transit Route 1 (Sulphur Mountain) as an easy option, and notes parking is limited. If you’re visiting in peak season, transit is often the smoothest plan.