Quick FactsOverview
About Mist Mountain Hot Springs
Mist Mountain Hot Springs, Canada is a natural geothermal spring in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park in Alberta's Kananaskis Country, accessible only by a moderate to challenging hike of approximately 6 to 8 kilometres return from an unsigned pull-off on Highway 40 with 450 to 580 metres of elevation gain. The spring features two small lukewarm pools at high alpine elevation, sitting on an exposed mountain slope with panoramic views of the surrounding Kananaskis ranges. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for vehicle parking. Highway 40 is subject to a seasonal road closure from December 1 to mid-June for wildlife.
The hot springs are among the most frequently cited natural springs in Alberta, and are the only undeveloped soakable hot spring in southern Alberta. Despite being called "hot springs," the water temperature is more accurately described as lukewarm, approximately 29 degrees Celsius, and the pools are small enough to hold only two to four people at a time. During peak summer weekends, waits to enter the pools are common. Natural hot springs near Canmore of this wild character do not otherwise exist in the region, and the hike through alpine meadows, forest, and scree terrain is the primary draw for many visitors.
Location & Access
Getting to Mist Mountain Hot Springs
Mist Mountain Hot Springs is in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, reached via Highway 40 (the Kananaskis Trail) south from the Trans-Canada Highway. The trailhead is on the east side of Highway 40, approximately 74 kilometres south of the Trans-Canada and about 15 kilometres south of Highwood Pass. There is no official trailhead sign; the starting point is an unsigned shoulder pull-off. From Banff or Canmore, the drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. From Calgary, the drive is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via Highway 22 and Highway 40.
Highway 40 south of Highwood Pass is closed to vehicles from December 1 to mid-June. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass must be purchased and displayed to park a vehicle. There are no facilities, no vault toilets, and no cell coverage at the trailhead. A navigation app with offline maps downloaded in advance is essential, as the trail is unmarked throughout.
The round-trip hike is approximately 6 to 8 kilometres with 450 to 580 metres of elevation gain through forest, alpine meadows, and scree. Hikers should plan a full day and depart early to avoid the pools being occupied on arrival. For those exploring natural hot springs in British Columbia and Alberta, Mist Mountain is the most accessible wild spring in southern Alberta accessible on foot.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Mist Mountain Hot Springs
Mist Mountain Hot Springs suits fit adults and experienced hikers comfortable on unmarked mountain terrain with significant elevation gain, exposed scree slopes, and no facilities along the route or at the spring. The hike is not suitable for young children, inexperienced hikers, or anyone with limited mobility. For those seeking natural hot springs in Canada that require a genuine mountain effort to reach, Mist Mountain delivers a rare combination of a wild geothermal spring and high alpine scenery.
Visitors should be aware that the spring water is lukewarm rather than hot, at approximately 29 degrees Celsius, and the pools are very small, fitting two to four people each. During busy summer weekends, queuing at the pools is common and wait times can be significant. Those expecting a hot soak on a cold day may find the experience underwhelming. The views from the approach and at the spring are widely praised as among the best of any hot spring hike in the Canadian Rockies.
Dogs are permitted on the trail on a leash but the terrain is challenging for many breeds. The surrounding area is grizzly bear habitat and hikers are strongly advised to travel in groups of four or more, make noise, and carry bear spray. The trail and Highway 40 are closed for much of the year; the optimal visiting window is July through October. Come early to avoid crowds and secure a spot at the pools.
Safety & Etiquette
Mist Mountain Hot Springs Safety Tips
Mist Mountain Hot Springs warrants mindfulness, as the hike involves unmarked terrain, steep and loose scree, exposed alpine slopes, and no emergency services or cell coverage. The spring itself sits on an unprotected mountain slope with steep drop-offs; visitors should be careful with footing and where they place belongings, particularly when changing near the pools. The surrounding rock is often wet and slippery.
The water temperature is approximately 29 degrees Celsius, warm but not hot, and provides limited warmth in cold or windy conditions. Getting out of the pools in cold weather requires having dry clothes immediately to hand. The exposed alpine slope offers no shelter from wind, rain, or afternoon thunderstorms. Alpine weather in Kananaskis changes rapidly; carry waterproof layers and warm clothing regardless of valley conditions.
The area is active grizzly bear territory. Hike in groups of four or more, make noise on the approach, carry bear spray in an accessible holster, and keep dogs on a leash. The trail is unmarked; download an offline navigation map before leaving cell coverage. Do not attempt the hike without a reliable offline map.
Highway 40 is closed to vehicles December 1 to mid-June. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass must be purchased for any vehicle parked in Kananaskis Country. Early season hiking when snow covers the upper sections adds difficulty and avalanche risk. The recommended visiting window is late July through October. Turn around if weather deteriorates; the upper slope has no shelter and lightning exposure is a real risk during summer afternoon storms.
