Frequently asked questions

Radium Hot Springs

General FAQ

Do I need to make a reservation?

No. Entry to Radium, Miette and 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?

Radium and Banff Upper Hot Springs are open on all Canadian holidays.

Miette Hot Springs is open on all Canadian holidays within its operating season.

Canadian holidays include:

How long should you spend in the hot springs?

Admission to Radium, Miette, and Banff Upper Hot Springs facilities 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. Patrons should consume plenty of water and take frequent breaks from the hot pool to avoid overheating.

Can the hot springs accommodate large groups?

Yes, Radium, Miette, and Banff Upper Hot Springs accommodate 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 whether they have a pre-paid voucher or not.

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

Will I have to wait in line?

Entry to Radium, Miette, and Banff Upper Hot Springs is on a first-come, first-served basis. Annual, seasonal and day 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 if I can’t wait in line or am caring for someone who can’t wait in line?

If medical reasons prevent you, or the person you are caring for, from waiting in line please approach a staff member for a return access pass.

The staff member will estimate the wait time based on the current line and provide you with a pass containing the date, size of your party (max. 7/pass) and return time.

Return at your designated time and bring your pass to the staff member at the front of the line or reception desk. At this time, you will be permitted to pay your entry fee and continue directly into the hot springs.

If addressing a staff member in person to request a return access pass creates a hardship, please call 1-800-767-1611, select the site you are planning to visit then press 0 to make alternate arrangements with someone at the front desk.

What minerals are in the hot springs water?

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Sulphate (552 ppm)
Calcium (205 ppm)
Bicarbonate (134 ppm)
Magnesium (42 ppm)
Sodium (6.2 ppm)

Radium Hot Springs

Sulphate (302 ppm)
Calcium (135 ppm)
Bicarbonate (100.8 ppm)
Silica (31.8 ppm)
Magnesium (31.6 ppm)

Miette Hot Springs

Sulphate (1130 ppm)
Calcium (307 ppm)
Bicarbonate (124 ppm)
Magnesium (56 ppm)
Sodium (10.5 ppm)

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. Radium, Miette, and Banff Upper Hot Springs facilities are all located within National parks, therefore a national park pass is required when visiting them.

Do the hot springs close due to cold weather?

During temperatures colder than -30 degrees Celsius/-22 Fahrenheit, and Banff Upper Hot Springs closely monitor pool temperatures and may close due to cold weather. If a cold weather closure occurs, an update will be made on the phone line  1-800-767-1611.

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, patrons will be directed to leave the pool immediately.

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Accessibility

Are the Hot Springs wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Radium, Miette, and Banff Upper Hot Springs are wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking, drop off areas, change rooms and washrooms are available at each site. Personal wheelchairs are not allowed in the water at any of the hot springs. 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 Radium, Miette, and Banff Upper Hot Springs does not formally participate in the Access2 card program, however, the above policy offers comparable access to caregivers.

What if I can’t wait in line or am caring for someone who can’t wait in line?

If medical reasons prevent you, or the person you are caring for, from waiting in line please approach a staff member for a return access pass.

The staff member will estimate the wait time based on the current line and provide you with a pass containing the date, size of your party (max. 7/pass) and return time.

Return at your designated time and bring your pass to the staff member at the front of the line or reception desk. At this time, you will be permitted to pay your entry fee and continue directly into the hot springs.

If addressing a staff member in person to request a return access pass creates a hardship, please call 1-800-767-1611, select the site you are planning to visit then press 0 to make alternate arrangements with someone at the front desk.

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

Service animals

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

All service dogs must be certified per the British Columbia Guide Dog and Service Dog Act, or the Alberta Service Dogs Act. Staff may request patrons show their B.C. Guide Dog and Service Dog certificate or Alberta Service Dog Identification Card.

Out-of-province and international visitors are encouraged to visit the Government of British Columbia or 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 BC Guide Dogs and Service Dog Act or Alberta Service Dogs Act and are not permitted at any of the Radium, Miette, and 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. Patrons 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 Miette, Radium and 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 Radium, Miette, and Banff Upper Hot Springs facilities regardless of race, gender, orientation or ability. Information for caregivers and commonly asked questions regarding accessibility can be found in the Accessibility category.

For site specific information about how the facility is accessible, select the facility you plan on visiting.

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 bathers take breaks to cool off every 10 minutes and drink water while soaking. Water must be kept in an unbreakable 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 each facility’s reception desk.

To use the lockers, patrons 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 in the single entry, group rates, day passes, punch cards and books of 10 tickets. 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.

Do you have accommodations at your facilities?

Parks Canada operates Radium, Miette, and Banff Upper Hot Springs as day-use attractions. There are no accommodations on-site. Commercial accommodations, including hotels, campgrounds, and motels are available near each facility.

Are the hot springs chlorinated?

Public health regulations require that the mineral water at Radium, Miette and 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. Radium, Miette, and Banff Upper Hot Springs are family-friendly facilities. You must wear appropriate swimwear while in the hot springs.

In addition to traditional North American swimwear, patrons may wear:

In all swimming areas managed by Parks Canada, bathers are required to wear a swimwear bottom.

All swimwear, must be:

Underwear on its own is not appropriate swimwear.

Do I need to bring my own towel?

Towels are available for rent at Radium, Miette, and Banff Upper Hot Springs. Patrons 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 reception desk at Banff Upper Hot Springs and Miette Hot Springs or the dry hall at Radium 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 in single entry, group entry, punch card, and day pass costs. Additional locker tokens are available for purchase for annual pass holders and those who need to access their locker more than once.

Stroller storage varies site to site. Please select the facility you plan on visiting for additional information.

How are visitors expected to behave in the hot springs?

Hot Pool Etiquette

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

Cool Pool etiquette (Radium Hot Springs only)

The diving board and slides must be used in a safe manner:

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?

Patrons must be sober while visiting Radium, Miette, and Banff Upper Hot Springs. All three locations are smoke-free facilities.

Consuming alcohol, smoking or vaping tobacco or cannabis, or taking any other intoxicating substance is not permitted within Radium, Miette, and Banff Upper Hot Springs facilities.

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?

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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):

For example:

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?

Banff Upper Hot Springs

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.

Radium Hot Springs

Youth 8-17 are welcome to visit Radium and Miette Hot Springs without an adult.

Youth 7 and under must be accompanied by a person aged 12 or older.

Unaccompanied youth behaving in an unsafe or inappropriate manner will be asked to sit in the facility’s lobby until their parents can pick them up.

Miette Hot Springs

Youth 14-17 are welcome to visit without an adult.

Children ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a responsible person (age 14 or older) and stay within arms reach.

Non-swimmers must remain within arm’s reach of a responsible person at all times.

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

Non-swimmers and children five and under must be kept within arm’s reach of their parent or guardian at all times.

Youth aged 8 and older who wish to use the deep end of the cool pool at Radium Hot Springs without their parent or guardian present must complete a swim test consisting of a:

Are life jackets available at the hot springs?

Youth life jackets are available free of charge based on availability at Radium, Miette, and 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 Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs.

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Day passes

Where can I purchase a day pass?

Day passes can be purchased at Radium and Miette Hot Springs. Day passes are not available at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Can I visit multiple facilities in the same day using my day pass?

No. Day passes are only valid at the facility where they were purchased.

Do I have to wear a wristband if I purchase a day pass?

Yes. Wristbands must be worn by day pass holders.

How long is a day pass valid for?

Day passes are valid during business hours on the day the pass is purchased. During this time, the pass holder may re-enter the facility multiple times by showing their wristband.

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