Top 15 Hot Springs in Alberta Canada
If you want to visit hot springs in Western Canada, you can’t miss the hot springs in Alberta.
Seasonal Access & Road Conditions
Always verify road closures and seasonal accessibility, especially for undeveloped springs. For instance, Highway 40, which leads to Mist Mountain Hot Springs, is closed from December to June , and winter conditions can make roads to remote sites like Halfway Hot Springs impassable without specialized vehicles or snowshoeing.
Many popular Parks Canada sites, including Banff Upper, Miette, and Radium Hot Springs, operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with no advance reservations for entry. Similarly, camping at Halfway Hot Springs is first-come, first-serve.
Safety First
Prioritize safety, particularly in wilderness areas. Carry bear spray in regions known for wildlife, such as Kananaskis Provincial Park near Mist Mountain. Wear adequate footwear for challenging hikes like those to Halfway Hot Springs , and be aware of avalanche risks during winter visits to mountainous areas. Remember that cell service is often unavailable in remote locations.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Banff Upper Hot Springs stands as one of Banff National Park's enduring traditions, offering a soothing soak in naturally mineral-rich water amidst stunning mountain scenery. This historic outdoor pool facility has drawn visitors since 1886.
The water is 100% natural mineral water, with the top five minerals being Sulphate (572 mg/l), Calcium (205 mg/l), Bicarbonate (134 mg/l), Magnesium (42 mg/l), and Sodium (6.6 mg/l).
While the hot springs do not offer on-site lodging, their central location within Banff National Park provides access to numerous hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals in the Banff townsite. Visitors can explore interpretive exhibits at the bathhouse, celebrating the site's rich history.
Stay nearby at Canalta Lodge with free breakfast, ski storage and fitness facilities. Enjoy the wooden cabin facade, pinecone decor, and hot tubs.
Being situated in Banff National Park, a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing (with views of Rundle and Cascade Mountains directly from the pool), and exploring downtown Banff are readily available.
It has convenient public transit access via the "Sulphur Mountain" bus route , positions it as a major tourist attraction.
Kananaskis Nordic Spa
The Kananaskis Nordic Spa offers a comprehensive Nordic hydrotherapy experience. This modern, purpose-built spa focuses on a rejuvenating "hot, cold, rest, repeat" cycle.
Unlike natural hot springs, this spa utilizes a municipal water supply, which is then treated with chemicals such as chlorine, muriatic acid, sodium bicarbonate, and cyanuric acid. Some pools also employ salt to generate chlorine through electrolysis.
The spa directly partners with Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, providing "Spa + Stay" packages, with the lodge located just steps away. You can also stay nearby at a number of beautiful stone cottages.
The primary activity at the spa is its extensive hydrotherapy circuit, which includes multiple hot and cold pools, various saunas (Finnish, Banya, Barrel), steam rooms (Eucalyptus, Alchemist), and an exfoliation cabin. Massage services are also available.
Situated amidst stunning alpine scenery, the spa implicitly offers easy access to a range of outdoor activities like hiking in the Kananaskis region.
Miette Hot Springs
Nestled in Jasper National Park, Miette Hot Springs holds the distinction of being the "hottest hot springs in the Canadian Rockies".
The natural spring water emerges from the mountain at a scorching 54°C (129°F) but is carefully cooled to a soothing 40°C (104°F) before entering the facility's four pools.
The mineral composition of Miette Hot Springs is notable, with top five minerals including Sulphate (1130 mg/l), Calcium (307 mg/l), Bicarbonate (124 mg/l), Magnesium (56 mg/l), and Sodium (10.5 mg/l).
Stay nearby at the Miette Mountain Cabins with a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub and in-room fireplace.
The area around Miette Hot Springs offers several hiking trails, including one that leads directly to the source of the springs. The scenic drive to Miette through the Fiddle Valley also provides breathtaking views.
Miette Hot Springs is characterized as "one of Jasper's best-kept secrets" and "rarely crowded". This description directly influences the perception of solitude, making it highly appealing for those seeking a tranquil and less commercialized soaking experience.
The operating season for Miette Hot Springs is from May to October, and it is specifically highlighted as "especially indulgent in the shoulder seasons when the air is cooler, making the waters feel even more luxurious".
Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Banff Springs
The Willow Stream Spa, situated within the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, is an award-winning, 40,000-square-foot alpine sanctuary. This luxurious facility offers a wide array of treatments, mineral pools, steam rooms, and stunning mountain views.
While the spa features "mineral pools" , specific details regarding their natural source or precise mineral compositions are not extensively detailed in the provided information.
Lodging is directly available within the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, which offers various packages including "Spa + Stay" options. Beyond the spa itself, guests have access to extensive amenities and activities typical of a luxury resort, such as golf, hiking, and multiple dining options.
The destination caters to enthusiasts who seek a pampered, high-end wellness retreat where the "hot spring" element is integrated into a broader spa experience. The primary draw for visitors is the comprehensive range of services and the opulent setting, rather than the geological origin of the water.
Hidden Ridge Resort
Hidden Ridge Resort is a condo-style property nestled on Tunnel Mountain in Banff, known for its full kitchens, spacious units, and wood-burning fireplaces. A key amenity for guests is the exclusive access to an upper outdoor hot tub and a lower outdoor wading pool.
The resort itself serves as the lodging, offering condos that can accommodate groups ranging from 2 to 12 people. On-site amenities include a sauna, two BBQ and picnic areas, and bike rentals. Complimentary Banff Local Roam bus passes are provided, offering convenient access to downtown Banff for dining, shopping, and other activities, including the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs is a family-friendly facility located at the entrance to Kootenay National Park. It features both a shallow soak pool (hot pool) and a deep swimming pool (cool pool).
A distinctive characteristic of Radium Hot Springs is its uniquely odorless and clear mineral water. The mineral composition includes Sulphate (302 mg/l), Calcium (135 mg/l), Bicarbonate (100.8 mg/l), Silica (31.8 mg/l), and Magnesium (31.6 mg/l).
The nearby Village of Radium Hot Springs offers a wide array of accommodations, including resorts, boutique motels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. The village itself provides walking paths, pickleball courts, outdoor firepits, a community skating rink, and a splash park.
As the "gateway" to the Columbia Valley, it offers access to numerous outdoor activities and is known for its resident Bighorn Sheep. Nearby attractions also include local golf courses, Panorama Ski Resort, and the vast Kootenay National Park.
Lussier Hot Springs (aka White Swan Hot Springs)
Lussier Hot Springs, also known as White Swan Hot Springs, is a beautiful, serene, and 100% natural undeveloped hot spring destination nestled in the East Kootenays. It features four naturally constructed pools situated directly beside the Lussier River.
This site is free to the public and generally accessible year-round. The water is described as crystal clear but with a "slightly slimy feeling" and a "smell of sulphur". It is noted to "soften your skin" and even "heal cracked, tough skin".
Numerous lodging options are available in the surrounding communities, including guest houses and private rentals. Visitors can enjoy alternating between the hot pools and the frigid Lussier River for a refreshing cold plunge. Being part of Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, the area offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking.
Lussier Hot Springs is highly attractive due to its designation as "100% natural and 100% free" and "the most accessible undeveloped hot springs in BC". This combination of natural authenticity and freeness, however, directly contributes to its status as a "popular attraction for locals" with "alot of foot traffic".
It is also important to note that "during spring run-off the water may be a bit cooler than desired".
Halfway Hot Springs
Halfway Hot Springs offers a public, undeveloped, and secluded natural hot springs experience located approximately halfway between Nakusp and Revelstoke.
The site features two rustic soaking areas with stone-lined, mud-bottomed pools. The water emerges directly from the hillside and is described as "therapeutic".
Camping is available near the parking area, with 12 vehicle access sites and 10 additional tent sites, each equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. Reservations are not accepted, operating on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The primary activity at Halfway Hot Springs is the soak itself, complemented by the adventurous journey to reach it. The remote setting implies self-directed wilderness exploration as the main additional activity.
Halfway Hot Springs is promoted as an "off-the-beaten-path" and "remote hidden gem" , suggesting an expectation of solitude. However, the site has gained "massive popularity" and can be "overrun with festival goers" after events like Shambhala.
Visitors to Halfway Hot Springs must be prepared for a genuine wilderness experience, as evidenced by numerous warnings: "plenty of poison ivy," "dangerous animals (such as bears)," "no cell phone or electrical service," and "no first aid services".
The emphasis on responsible behavior, such as "pack out what you pack in" and adherence to rules regarding nudity (public nudity is illegal in Canada, despite unofficial practices) , highlights the high degree of self-reliance and preparedness required from visitors. The explicit warnings about past issues with visitor conduct underscore the importance of responsible tourism and respecting the delicate balance of sensitive natural areas.
Canyon Hot Springs
Canyon Hot Springs Resort is strategically located in Albert Canyon, nestled between Glacier and Mount Revelstoke National Parks.
The resort provides rustic accommodations and features two pools fed by natural mineral spring water. The water is described as "naturally-fed mineral spring water" and "steamy mineral waters".
Lodging options at the resort include cabins and lodges, which typically include passes to the hot springs, as well as RV and camp sites. The resort's location offers a wide array of nearby activities, including alpine hiking in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Park, scenic boardwalks (Skunk Cabbage, Giant Cedars), and family attractions like The Enchanted Forest and the Pipeline Mountain Coaster.
The nearby City of Revelstoke provides additional amenities such as museums (Railway Museum), golf courses, and tours of the Revelstoke Dam.
Liard Hot Springs
Liard Hot Springs, located in a lush boreal spruce forest along the Alaska Highway, is recognized as Canada's second-largest natural hot springs.
The Alpha pool is open to the public, with water temperatures ranging from 42°C to 52°C, and is accessible year-round. As the hot springs water emerges from the earth, it reacts with air, leading to the deposition of minerals like calcium carbonate, which forms distinctive tufa formations.
The park offers a campground, which tends to fill up early during the summer months due to the hot springs' popularity. Other activities in the area include hiking along a boardwalk that traverses a warm water swamp, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing (moose are frequently observed), and cycling.
Despite its remote location along the Alaska Highway, it is a "popular stop over" for tourists. This creates a dynamic where high visitor numbers interact with a sensitive natural environment. The park's emphasis on staying on designated boardwalks to protect "sensitive habitat" and the prohibition of soap or shampoo in the water underscore the delicate balance between human enjoyment and ecological preservation.
Mist Mountain Hot Springs
Mist Mountain Hot Springs, tucked away in Kananaskis Provincial Park, consists of two tiny, undeveloped hot pools that offer breathtaking mountain views. These are the only undeveloped hot springs in Southern Alberta suitable for bathing.
There is no lodging directly at the springs, with camping in Kananaskis Provincial Park being the closest option and nearby homestays.
The primary activity associated with Mist Mountain Hot Springs is the challenging 8km (round trip) hike, involving a 490m elevation gain and taking approximately 2.5-3.5 hours. The journey itself is an integral part of the experience, with the hot springs serving as the ultimate reward.
Mist Mountain is described as "one of the best hikes in Kananaskis" and an "incredible adventure" , with the hot springs serving as the "reward" for the strenuous effort. The hike is challenging, with warnings about bears, scree sections, and the absence of cell service.
Dewar Creek Hot Springs
Dewar Creek Hot Springs is a unique site located within a protected ecological reserve. The water is extremely hot, reaching above 80°C at surface vents and over 100°C underground, and is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur compounds. Dewar Creek Hot Springs is NOT intended for bathing.
Hiker camping is permitted at Bugle Basin, approximately 0.5 km past the springs, and an established horse camping area is available across the creek. Other activities involve hiking an old outfitting trail, which typically takes 3-4 hours round trip. The area is ecologically significant, home to rare plants and a red-listed damselfly. It also serves as a critical mineral lick for various ungulate species (elk, goat, deer, moose) and their predators (grizzly bear, wolves, wolverine).
BC Parks actively removes man-made pools, emphasizing that the "intrinsic value of the springs for wildlife use far outweighs modification of the springs for recreational bathing." The water is also too hot for safe human bathing.
The explicit mandate from BC Parks states that "the intrinsic value of the springs for wildlife use far outweighs modification of the springs for recreational bathing". This directly contradicts the common expectation of hot springs enthusiasts to soak in the waters.
Ram Creek Hot Springs
Ram Creek Hot Springs is an undeveloped natural hot spring located in the East Kootenay region, consisting of rock pools nestled amidst mountains and meadows. It is situated within the Ram Creek Ecological Reserve.
Some users have reported developing rashes after soaking, suggesting potential interactions with specific minerals or biological elements in the water.
Campsites with fire rings are available a short hike away from the springs. The hike to the hot springs is an integral part of the experience, offering opportunities for wilderness exploration.
Ram Creek Hot Springs is NOT intended for recreation. The Ram Creek Ecological Reserve was established to "protect the hot springs, restricted plant communities and rare plants against recreational and other damages." While the reserve is open for "non-destructive activities like hiking, nature observation and photography," it is explicitly stated that it is "not intended for outdoor recreation".
Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs, located on Little Manitou Lake in Saskatchewan, is home to Canada's largest indoor mineral spa.
The resort offers year-round access to its salt/mineral-rich water, which is heated between 93°F and 103°F, allowing for effortless floating. The mineral concentration of the lake is described as "astounding and unique to the Western Hemisphere," comparable to renowned sites like Carlsbad in Germany and the Dead Sea of Israel.
Key minerals present in high concentrations include Magnesium Sulphate (6153 mg/L), Sodium Sulphate (13710 mg/L), Potassium Sulphate (814 mg/L), Sodium Chloride (11581.8 mg/L Chloride), Calcium Sulphate (347 mg/L Calcium), Oxide of Iron and Aluminum, Silica, Sulphur, and Manganese.
The Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa itself is a 102-room resort offering various room types, including suites with full kitchens. On-site amenities include Serenity Massage and Esthetics spa services, the Water's Edge Restaurant and Lounge, a poolside Water Crest Café, a gift shop, an outdoor patio, and a fitness center. You can also stay nearby at the Cliff House at Pikes Peak where you can enjoy castle-like amenities.
Pleiades Massage & Spa
Crucially, Pleiades Massage & Spa is permanently closed. All listed hours indicate "Permanently closed".
Pleiades Massage & Spa formerly offered a range of services, including massage therapy, facials, and other spa treatments. It also provided visitors with the opportunity to enjoy natural mineral hot springs, specifically mentioning access to the Banff Upper Hot Springs pool.
The permanent closure of Pleiades Massage & Spa, despite its inclusion in the initial query, highlights the dynamic nature of the tourism and wellness industry. Businesses can cease operations, and information can quickly become outdated. For a travel guide, it is paramount to verify the current operational status of establishments to prevent reader disappointment and ensure the accuracy of recommendations. While Pleiades once offered a complementary service to Banff Upper Hot Springs, it no longer serves as a viable option for enthusiasts.
