A Wonderful Experience
- March 12, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
vkhanel from banff, Alberta
After moving to Banff, one of the first things I had to try was the hot springs. I’ve heard of them, seen pictures, but never experienced them before. And what a wonderful experience it was. There is nothing better than soaking in the soothing waters while enjoying the beautiful view of the mountains. The change rooms were clean and spacious, and there is an indoor hallway that leads you right into the pool so you don’t have to freeze outside before getting in!
It can get pretty busy later on in the day, but on a weekday morning the pool had only a few other people and was very quiet and relaxing; perfect for someone who doesn’t like large crowds. I will most definitely be coming here again.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
- January 26, 2003
- Rated 3 of 5 by
hoplight from New York, New York
Entry is only $5.50 CAD, and you can rent bathing suits and/or towels. A locker is $1 CAD. This is a great place to relax, especially in the winter time. The temperature is somewhere around 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
From journal Great Skiing in Banff
Editor Pick
Banff Upper Hot Springs
It's a fabulous experience, especially after a long day skiing, to soak in these waters (40 degrees C, or 105 deg. F) in the cold air of Sulphur mountain. We visited three times in one week as it was a 5 minute walk from the Rimrock hotel where we were staying. Our best experience was the afternoon when it was snowing. It can get a little crowded at times, but the spectacular view and the mix of the cold air and hot water are truly invigorating.
The springs have been in use by the general public for more than 100 years, but were presumably known to native people before that. The facilities here were updated in the 1990s.
The cafe is barely worth mentioning.
I had a massage at the on-site Pleides Massage and Spa. They charged $70CAD for an hour massage (compared with $95CAD at the Rimrock down the street). The practioner was skilled and very plesant. They offer other spa services as well (403-760-2500).
Towel, bathing suit and locker rentals are available on site. The locker rooms are clean and relatively comfortable, as these things go. The hot springs facilities are universally accessible.
My only complaints: it sometimes gets a little crowded and you can't stay forever...
Prices:Adults are $7.50 CAD in the summer and $5.50 in the winter. Children are $1 less.
1-800-767-1611. Two sister locations in Kootenay and Jasper National Parks are also open (although Jasper is only open mid May- mid October).
From journal Spring skiing and relaxing in Canadian Rockies