Frequently asked questions

General FAQ

Do I need to make a reservation?

No. Entry to Banff Upper Hot Springs is first come, first served. Reservations and pre-booked tickets are not available.

Are the hot springs open on Canadian holidays?

Banff Upper Hot Springs is open on all Canadian holidays.

Canadian holidays include:

• New Year’s Day
• Family Day (third Monday in February)
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Canada Day (July 1)
• Civic Holiday (first Monday in August)
• Labour Day (first Monday in September)
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30)
• Thanksgiving (second Monday in October)
• Remembrance Day (November 11)
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day

How long should you spend in the hot springs?

Admission to Banff Upper Hot Springs is charged based on a per-entry fee. Within regular business hours, there is no maximum time limit per visit, however we recommend limiting your visit to one to two hours. Visitors should consume plenty of water and take frequent breaks from the hot pool to avoid overheating.

Can the hot springs accommodate large groups?

Yes Banff Upper Hot Springs accommodates large groups. Reservations and pre-bookings are not available. If the facility is at capacity upon arrival, large groups will need to wait in line.

Larger groups may need to stagger their entry to minimize wait times.

Will I have to wait in line?

Entry to Banff Upper Hot Springs is on a first-come, first-served basis. Annual, pass holders will be asked to wait in line to enter and re-enter the facility. Wait times are not guaranteed and tend to be longer on weekends, statutory holidays, and during school breaks.

What minerals are in the hot springs water?

Do I need a park pass to visit the Hot Springs?

Yes. All visitors require a park pass (day pass or Parks Canada Discovery Pass) when stopping to use amenities, services, and facilities within a national park. Banff Upper Hot Springs is located within Banff National Parks, therefore a national park pass is required when visiting them.

Where can I buy a Park Pass?

• National Park entry gates
• National Park visitor centres

For more information on park passes, including types and pricing, please visit the Parks Canada website.

Do the hot springs close due to cold weather?

During temperatures colder than -30 degrees Celsius/-22 Fahrenheit, Banff Upper Hot Springs closely monitors pool temperatures and may close due to cold weather.

What happens if the hot springs are closed unexpectantly?

The hot springs may need to be closed for unplanned maintenance, weather, safety, or emergency situations. When closures occur, visitors will be directed to leave the pool immediately.

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Accessibility

Are the Hot Springs wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The Banff Upper Hot Springs is wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking, drop off areas, change rooms and washrooms are available. Personal wheelchairs are not allowed in the pools. Aquatic wheelchairs can be borrowed based on availability at the reception desk.

Are aquatic wheelchairs available for use at the Hot Springs?

Personal wheelchairs are not allowed in the pools. Aquatic wheelchairs can be borrowed based on availability. Please ask the cashier at the reception desk for assistance.

Are caregivers required to pay for entry when accompanying an individual with a disability?

Caregivers accompanying a paying individual with a disability who requires assistance using the hot springs may enter free of charge. Swimsuit and towel rental fees will still apply to the caregiver if these items are required. Caregivers are welcome to bring their own swimsuit and towel.

If the caregiver and individual who requires assistance are travelling as part of the group, regular entry fees will apply to all other group members. Note that Banff Upper Hot Springs does not formally participate in the Access2 card program, however, the above policy offers comparable access to caregivers. 

Are service dogs or emotional support animals permitted in the hot springs?

Service animals

Certified service dogs are permitted throughout Banff Upper Hot Springs, including in the lobby, change rooms, café, washrooms and on the pool decks while on-duty. Following the Alberta’s public swimming pool regulations, service dogs are not permitted in the pool.

All service dogs must be certified per the Alberta Service Dogs Act. Staff may request patrons show their Alberta Service Dog Identification Card.

Out-of-province and international visitors are encouraged to visit the Government of Alberta websites for information on certifying your service dog prior to travelling.

Pets and emotional support animals

Pets and emotional support animals not included under the Alberta Service Dogs Act and are not permitted at any of the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Can adults wear swim diapers in the hot springs?

Yes. You may wear an adult swim diaper in the pools if you require.

Adults who are incontinent must wear a swim diaper while enjoying the hot springs. Visitors with diarrhea or a history of diarrhea over the previous two weeks, or individuals with open sores or wounds must not use the hot springs.

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Health and medical

Are the hot springs a safe experience for individuals who are pregnant?

Water at Banff Upper Hot Springs is kept between 37° C and 40 °C. Individuals who are pregnant should consult with their physician prior to visiting.

Can individuals with disabilities go in the hot springs?

Yes. Everyone is welcome at Banff Upper Hot Springs regardless of race, gender, orientation or ability. Information for caregivers and commonly asked questions regarding accessibility can be found in the Accessibility category.

For more information about how the facility is accessible, visit the Facility accessibility page.

Can you overheat while soaking in the hot springs?

Yes. Water in the hot springs is kept between 37° C and 40 °C, and soaking for prolonged periods can cause your body to overheat.

To avoid dehydration and overheating, we recommend all visitors take breaks to cool off every 10 minutes and drink water while soaking. Water must be kept in an unbreakable, resealable drink container. Water fountains are available to refill water bottles at each site.

Can individuals with health conditions soak in the hot springs?

People with diarrhea or a history of diarrhea over the previous two weeks, or individuals with open wounds or who are feeling ill are not permitted in the hot springs until they have recovered.

Individuals with heart conditions, diabetes or other chronic health concerns or conditions should consult with their physician prior to visiting.

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Facility

How often are the change rooms cleaned?

Staff regularly check and clean the change rooms throughout the day. Change rooms, wet halls, dry halls and lobby areas are deep cleaned each evening after the facility closes to the public.

What kind of lockers are in the change rooms?

The change rooms have one-time use lockers. Tokens for the lockers are available at the reception desk.

To use the lockers, visitors must place their belonging in the locker after changing, then insert the token, close the door and turn the key to lock.

Locker tokens are included in the cost for single entry . Annual pass holders must purchase the token upon their arrival. If you open the locker before the end of your soak, additional token(s) can be purchased at the reception desk.

Please note that oversized bags, coolers, and sports equipment (e.g., skis, hockey sticks, skates) are not permitted in lockers. Parks Canada is not responsible for lost and stolen items.

 

Do you have accommodations at your facility?

Parks Canada operates Banff Upper Hot Springs as a day-use attraction. There are no accommodations on-site. Commercial accommodations, including hotels and campgrounds are available near the facility.

Are the hot springs chlorinated?

Public health regulations require that the mineral water at Banff Upper Hot Springs be chlorinated, tested hourly, and constantly refreshed to ensure the highest standards of quality and cleanliness.

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Visiting the hot springs

Am I required to wear a swimsuit in the hot springs?

Parks Canada is committed to providing an aquatic environment where individuals from all backgrounds are welcome. Banff Upper Hot Springs is a family-friendly facility. You must wear appropriate swimwear while in the hot springs.

In addition to swimwear, visitors may wear:

• long-sleeved shirts and pants
• t-shirts and shorts
• any other swimwear that allows them to feel comfortable whether for cultural, religious personal preference and/or medical and health reason , with the exception of underwear, which is not permitted as swimwear. 

All swimwear, must be:

• different from the clothing the visitor arrived in
• freshly laundered
• not impair the visitor’s ability to swim or the lifeguard’s ability to perform a rescue in the event of an emergency
• Include a swim diaper for children under 3 or for reasons related to incontinence 

Do you have swimsuit rentals?

Yes, we offer swimsuit rentals in both modern and historical styles for adults and children.
Sizes available:>

• Adults: XS – 3XL
• Children: Ages 2 – 14

Do I need to bring my own towel?

Towels are available for rent. Visitors are welcome to bring their own towels.

Can I wear shoes into the change rooms or onto the pool deck?

Outdoor shoes are not allowed beyond the dry hallway at Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Visitors are welcome to carry in an additional pair of clean shoes (flip flops or water socks) to wear in the change rooms and onto the pool deck.

Where can I store my belongings while enjoying the hot springs?

Unbreakable drink containers containing water and personal items such as cameras, sunglasses and towels are permitted on deck.

Street shoes, street clothes, winter coats, other belongings and bags must be stored in a locker.

A locker token is included with single entry costs. Additional locker tokens are available for purchase for annual pass holders and those who need to access their locker more than once. 

Limited stroller storage is available onsite in the dry hallway.  

How are visitors expected to behave in the hot springs?

Hot Pool Etiquette

• People visit Banff Upper Hot Springs for peace and quiet, and to relax
• Screaming, running, pushing, play fighting, rough play, jumping, diving, inflatable toys, portable speakers, and other aquatic items like mermaid fins, pool noodles, and snorkels are not permitted in any of the hot pools
• The Banff Upper Hot Springs is a family-friendly facility. We ask that visitors be considerate of others and use family-appropriate language while they soak
• Visitors must be sober while visiting the Banff Upper Hot Springs
• Consuming alcohol, smoking or vaping tobacco or cannabis, or taking any other intoxicating substance is not permitted within the Banff Upper Hot Springs facility

Individuals who ignore warnings from lifeguards, or who choose to behave in an unsafe or inappropriate manner will be asked to leave.

Is smoking or alcohol allowed in the pool?

Visitors must be sober while visiting the Banff Upper Hot Springs. The hot springs is a smoke-free facility.

Consuming alcohol, smoking or vaping tobacco or cannabis, or taking any other intoxicating substance is not permitted within the Banff Upper Hot Springs facility.

For the safety of visitors and staff, individuals who appear to be intoxicated will not be permitted to enter the hot springs. Visitors who show signs of impairment once in the pools will be asked to leave.

Can food or beverages be brought onto the pool deck?

• Water is permitted on the pool deck in an unbreakable bottle
• Alcohol, juice and soft drinks are not permitted on the pool deck
• Eating is not permitted in the pool, wet hall, or change rooms
• Café facilities are available at Banff Upper Hot Springs
  • food and beverages purchased at the café must be consumed at the café or the designated picnic areas
  • please ask staff for directions to these areas if required

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Visiting with children

Why do I have to pay for my children to use the hot springs?

Youth entry to all national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada is free. The admission fee associated with the hot springs is separate from the entrance fee to the national parks.

Youth fees are applicable to additional activities and services such as guided hikes and soaking in the hot springs.

Who is eligible for the family rate?

The family rate is available in the following combinations of four family members (maximum 2 people aged 18 or older):

• two adults and two youths
• one adult and three youths
• two seniors and two youths
• one senior, one adult and two youths
• four youths (in the same family)

For example:

• a family consisting of one parent and three youth between the ages of 3 and 17 will be charged the family rate
• a family consisting of more than four people – such as one adult and four children or two adults and three children – will be charged the family rate plus the extra youth rate for each additional youth

Extended families with more than two adults and families with adult children (18+) will be charged per person entry rates.

Can four siblings (aged 3 to 17) enter the hot springs together on the family rate?

Yes. Four siblings can enter the hot springs together using the family rate provided they meet the facility’s age requirements.

Can children visit the hot springs without an adult?

Youth 14-17 are welcome to visit Banff Upper Hot Springs without an adult.

Youth 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. 

Are children required to complete a swim test to use the hot springs?

No. Non-swimmers and children five and under must be kept within arm’s reach of their parent or guardian at all times. 

Are life jackets available at the hot springs?

Youth life jackets are available free of charge based on availability at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Can babies and toddlers go in the water?

Babies and toddlers are allowed in the hot springs.

Children aged 3 and under and those who are incontinent are required to wear swim diapers while in the pools.

Children’s swim diapers are available for purchase at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.