The Canadian Rockies are home to several amazing hot springs from developed pools to completely untouched hideaways. Whether you want to drive right up, find a cozy little pool along the river, or hike to the top of a mountain and enjoy a soak with a view, we`ve got you covered. This guide is broken up into 3 sections: developed pools, undeveloped springs, and a bonus section ON the best hot tubs in Banff National Park.
With the goal of saving the best for last, let’s start with the developed hot pools. These springs are scattered throughout the southern Rockies and most of them have become popular tourist attractions. You can expect a fee to enter, changing rooms, showers, and even towel rentals at most of these places.
Developed hot springs are a great idea for families with young kids or those of you who aren’t interested in the idea of a natural pool. Untouched springs are beautiful, but they do typically involve hikes, dirt, no change rooms, slippery rocks, and some form of algae. If you are looking for the easiest to access and most luxurious hot springs in the Canadian Rockies, stick to these developed pools and the hot tubs in Banff.
Developed Springs & Pools
The Banff Upper Hot Springs
The Banff Upper Hot Springs are probably the most popular public pools in the Rockies where you can even rent a towel and a bathing suit if needed. These natural springs have been developed into an outdoor pool with beautiful views of the surrounding area. Entry costs around $8.50 CAD per adult and they have showers and changing rooms on site.
Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs is a developed outdoor pool that is located on the southwest edge of Kootenay National Park. It requires no hike in, has a cool and hot pool to choose from, and is great for all ages. The cost is $7.50 CAD per person and they have showers and changing rooms on site.
Fairmont Hot Springs
Fairmont Hot Springs is located about 25 minutes south of Radium and Kootenay National Park. They have pools for soaking, swimming, and diving as well as a resort & spa, a golf course, and an RV resort. This is a good place to stay to enjoy a little luxury with the whole family!
TIP: If developed hot springs aren’t really your jam, hit up the secret natural pools at the Fairmont Hot Springs instead! *See next Natural Springs section for more info*
Related Post: Fairmont Hot Springs: Finding The Secret Natural Pools & Hidden Hot Waterfall
Miette Hot Springs
Miette Hot Springs are the hottest springs in the Canadian Rockies located northeast of the town of Jasper. The developed pools offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and scenery. If you’re in the area and looking for a hike before you soak, check out the Sulpher Skyline.
The Kananaskis Nordic Spa
The Kananaskis Nordic Spa has become a go-to “alpine sanctuary” of the Canadian Rockies and there is no question why! This stunning spa combines luxury with natural beauty and allows you to rejuvenate in a scenic environment. Although not technically a hot spring, I couldn’t leave it off this list because I would highly recommend a visit!
The idea of this invigorating therapy cycle is to move through the hot, warm, and cold pools numerous times in a specific order. Along with these pools, you can also enjoy a massage, different saunas, and steam rooms, as well as fantastic food and drinks from the Two Trees Bistro! The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is located about 45 minutes west of Calgary and 1 hour east of Banff.
Related Post: The Kananaskis Nordic Spa: Pure Luxury Only 45 Minutes From Calgary!
While both David and I always appreciate any hot pools, for us, the undeveloped ones are where it’s at! Being closer to nature, away from the crowds, and often having these places all to ourselves is something that we have always loved. My hope in sharing them with you is that you will love them as much as we do. But I do have something to ask of you in return.
Please be respectful of these natural springs and the areas that are home to them. Don’t bring glass bottles, pick up all of your trash, and leave the area in excellent condition. Taking care of these natural springs will ensure that we can all enjoy them for years to come.
undeveloped & hike in springs
The Natural Fairmont Hot Springs
These completely natural hidden hot springs are located just a few minute’s walk from the developed pools at Fairmont. To get there, park in the regular hot springs parking lot and start walking towards the RV park. On your right, you will see a gravel road leading down along the creek that crosses underneath the pedestrian bridge. If you continue on that road for about 5 minutes, you’ll arrive at a stunning set of hot springs and a hot waterfall.
Related Post: Fairmont Hot Springs: Finding The Secret Natural Pools & Hidden Hot Waterfall
Lussier Hot Springs
Continuing south on our hot springs journey, the Lussier Hot Springs is another great option that is partially developed in a completely natural way. About an hour from Radium, there’s no entrance fee but you will have to take a short hike down some rock steps to get to the springs.
These pools are located right on the Lussier River boasting incredible views and an entirely immersive experience. They can get quite crowded during the evenings and weekends, so show up early on a weekday for a better shot at having them to yourself.
Lussier Hot Springs: Incredible Natural Hot Springs in The Kootenays!
Ram Creek Hot Springs
Ram Creek Hot Springs are lesser-known and some of our favorite hike-in springs in the area. Although they are a bit of a drive from Kootenay National Park and require a hike, we love them so much that we couldn’t help but include them in this post.
NOTE: Please do your part in keeping these hot springs clean and enjoyable for years to come. Pack out your trash and take care of this beautiful area!
Mist Mountain Hot Springs
Mist Mountain Hot Springs is a moderately trafficked hike located along Highway 40 in Kananaskis Country. The entire trail is remarkable winding you through the forest, alpine meadows, and along a rocky ridge to the springs. There are 2 hot pools to reward your efforts with views of the entire valley.
TIP: This trail has become quite popular over the past few years. If you want to increase your chances of having the hot springs to yourself, either go early in the morning or for sunset on a weekday! If you do happen to arrive at a busy time and want some peace and quiet, continue past the hot spring and around the mountain a few hundred meters. No one goes that way and the views are excellent! We hung out there for about an hour and made some hot chocolate to escape the crowds after our soak.
The Best Hot Tubs near banff
There are several hotels near Banff that offer incredible indoor and outdoor hot tubs/spas. The Fox Hotel, which is a cave-themed replica of The Cave and Basin, and The Fairmont Banff Springs are two of our favorite indoor pools to visit. The best outdoor hot tubs in Banff are Hidden Ridge Resort(don’t miss this one!), Deer Lodge, Sunshine Mountain Lodge, Emerald Lake Lodge, and Moose Hotel & Suites.
We hope you enjoy your time in the Rocky Mountains. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comment below with your favorite hot springs in The Canadian Rockies! We`d love to hear from you.
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