Friday, February 19, 2021

Banff Upper Hot Springs: A First Time Visitor's Guide

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Today I'm sharing a First Time Visitor's Guide to Banff Upper Hot Springs. We are all stuck inside doing the social distancing thing, and dreaming of our next getaway.  I'm fueling your wanderlust, and hoping we get the green light to travel again soon.

 I was born a few hours east of Banff, in Medicine Hat Alberta. I love every opportunity to write about my amazing and scenic country; Canada. 

History

The lower slopes of the springs at Sulphur Mountain is where 3 railway workers stumbled across the springs in 1883. A total of nine sulphurous hot springs were found. Not long after, a business operation was started and people began flocking to the hot springs. The soothing and healing properties of the mineral rich springs, are still attracting visitors and locals today.

The temperature of the water outlet fluctuates with the seasons. In the winter the springs can be up to 116 degrees. Surprisingly, the water is cooler in the spring at 81 degrees. During the colder months, the natural volume of the springs is lower.  To compensate municipal water is tapped in to top off the pool.

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Why Visit the Hot Springs?

Visiting the hot springs as a first time visitor; is definitely a magical experience. As I mentioned earliereast of Banff and never visited until a few years ago. I can't believe I waited so long!  Now every time we drive up to Calgary, this stop is a must.

If you get the chance to visit Banff National Park, do check out the 104 degree, soothing pool. The rejuvenating soak will have you on cloud nine. It won't take long to drift off into total relaxation.  The icing on the cake; the alpine views of the Canadian Rockies. It doesn't get any better than that!  Here you will find some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

The best part for a first time visitor to Banff; the entrance price will only set you back 8 dollars.  The suggested time to stay is 1-2 hours.  If you forget your swimsuit or towels, no worries- you can rent both.
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When to Go

The best time to visit Banff  Upper Hot Springs is on weekday mornings. It's open all year around. I would suggest visiting in June, July or August.  These are the warmest months at the park.  If you want to capture clear views, I wouldn't advise going in Spring. The snow is still melting and it is foggy and damp.

We arrived about 9 a.m on a Friday morning. It wasn't crowded and there lots of room in the pool.  The temperature at the park was perfect. Of course, it got cooler the higher we drove up the mountain.

Even though I'm not a fan of cold weather; I'd love to visit the hot springs in the winter. Imagine soaking in the toasty water, with the snow-capped Rocky Mountains in the background.


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Wildlife

On the drive to Banff Upper Hot Springs we saw the big horned boys! I couldn't believe they were having breakfast along side the car. If  It was tempting to reach out and touch one but no way would I do that. I want to keep all five of my fingers!

Imagine this...!

The Morning Moose Munch was gumming up the works and stalling traffic up the mountain.  It was worth the wait for sure. I've never seen moose this close. You never know the wild creatures you will run onto in the park. Be sure to get the scoop on this at the visitor center.



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Non-Soaking Attractions

Next to the hot pool, is the Upper Hot Springs Bathhouse.  Inside there are exhibits explaining the history and state of the springs today.  Spend some time here, it's great information for a first time visitor to Banff Upper Hot Springs.  A poolside restaurant, a gift shop and changing rooms are available for the public.

Hiking and walking trails abound.  Picnic sites are also available.  If you have a furry friend, leave them in the car. Pets are not permitted at the Hot Springs. If you don't arrive early in the morning, public transportation will be your friend. The parking lot fills ups fast.


On our way to the springs we saw horse back riders.  Banff offers the best in horse riding adventures. If I get brave enough to ride a horse, I'd love to explore the park this way. Horses kind of scare me, they are so huge and powerful.  If you decide to ride off into the wild blue yonder, please take a ride for me too! 

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I hope you can visit Banff Upper Hot Springs someday.  If you are in the Seattle area, it's about a 12 hour drive, or one hour flight. Calgary is the closest airport, if you'd rather wing your way there!

Have you been to Banff yet?


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  1. This looks surreal. I will be visiting Canada soon, and Banff is definitely on my list. Saving this post for later. Can't wait to get here :)
    Thanks for sharing ..

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  2. We did this on our very first visit to the Rockies and I absolutely loved it! It was such a great way to wind down after a long day of activities!

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    1. WAsnt it amazing? I cant wait for this pandemic to be over so I can go again!

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  3. I want to go to Banff so badly! I'll definitely include a hot springs soak after a bunch of hiking when I do go.

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    1. Yes so perfect after a hike! I am Canadian, but live in the States. During the pandemic, I am not allowed to stop on the way to see my mum. They will issue you a ticket for non essential travel..so ready for this to be over!

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  4. Banff is definitely on my list. So much wildlife and hiking. What a dream!

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    1. IT is definitely off the charts for outdoor adventures...Im obsessed!

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  5. Wow, banff hot springs sound perfect for a relaxing soak. I love that there's hiking trails nearby too, there's nothing better than a hot soak after an amazing hike (I imagine, anyway!)

    Gemma | mum off the map

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    1. IT is quite amazing..so many amazing options in Banff!

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  6. Such beautiful pictures and I'm sure the contrast in the winter makes it just that much more breathtaking. As an American, Canada has always been on my list because its so close and I will definitely be adding Banff to my itinerary.

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    1. I live in the States, but am Canadian born. Of all the destinations Ive been in the US and Canada...this is def tops on my list. The most pure natural beauty you will ever set eyes on, I do hope you can go someday.

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  7. I have been wanting to go to Banff ever since I saw amazing pictures from a colleague. Although I love walking, I am not really into hiking. But I can definitely start if the reward is something beautiful like this one.

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    1. HI Mayi..I am not an avid hiker either, I do a little, but def more walking and there is def a lot of opps in Banff to do just that!

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  8. I haven't been to Banff yet. It looks like an epic place to soak away all your worries in that hot pool. So cheap at only $8 entry

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  9. Banff looks so incredibly beautiful, it's definitely on my list! I never considered doing hot springs, so thanks for the inspiration!

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    1. I do hope you can make it someday...its stunning!

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  10. This looks like an incredible place to stay! Definitely going to look into it when I plan my trip to Banff.

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    1. Banff has so many wondeful options for accomodations and outdoor adventures.I do hope you make it one day soon, I miss traveling to all the amazing places of my Canadian Roots!

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  11. I have heard only good things about Banff, I hope to visit some day! Thanks for sharing this first time visitor guide, I will need it the day I can finally travel there!

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    1. Banff is off the charts amazing! I am so blessed I was born in Alberta, hope you see it someday soon!

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  12. I've been hearing so much about Banff especially lately. Now I can see why. The place looks amazing!

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    1. Hello Ummi, yes it is one of the most scenic places in the world..I was blessed to be born a few hours east of it! I hope you see it one day!

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  13. Banff looks so pretty. I’d love to go one day!

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    1. Hi Ella, you would love it...unbelievable scenery!

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  14. We were supposed to go to Banff last year, but obviously had to cancel. I hope to go one day soon! Love these pictures, they are SO pretty!

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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    1. HI Shauna, sorry you did not make it. I went to visit my mom and its on the way. I was not allowed to stop with American Plates..would've been issued a 1200 ticket for non essential travel...I was so bummed and hope we can visit there soon. Thank you! Valerie

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  15. I would absolutely love to visit one day! It looks like so much fun!

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  16. How nice to meet you and your blog! This looks very relaxed!

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    1. thank you Nancy....glad you stopped by and nice to mee you!

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  17. This is definitely on my bucket list for someday!! I love nature and it just looks beautiful there. Travel is something I really miss!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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    1. Hi Carrie, I live to travel....I do hope we can travel more...soon and hope you can see Banff!

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  18. I've always wanted to visit Banff. It looks so beautiful!

    Jill - Doused in Pink

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    1. HI Jill..You def need to see it..Is unrealy ..the scenery is so breathtaking. I was so blessed to be born not too far away from it!

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  19. Oh for the days when we are free to travel again. I would love to visit Canada and this area looks breathtaking. We love nature and this ticks all the boxes.x

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    1. I do hope you can see Banff ! I miss travel so much and I miss exploring my own country! I m transplanted to the USA for many years now and its sooo much red tape to go back to Canada just to see my mother :((

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  20. Wow the scenery was awesome, wish i could be there one day

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    1. Yes the scenery is bar none..youd love it..I do hope you can see it one day!

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  21. Such amazing pics, and this sounds like a wonderful trip!! I have been to Banff once before but when I was very young, so I don't remember it well. I would love to go back!

    Miles of smiles,
    Grace

    gracefulrags.com

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    1. Hi Grace I do hope you get to go back someday soon...its amazing in every way! Thx for stopping by. VAlere

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  22. Would love to visit here! The nature looks amazing!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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  23. No, I've never been to Banff but it's on our bucket list!

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  24. Banff is gorgeous- I've never been but your guide makes me want to go stat! :)

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  25. What a beautiful place to visit! It looks like so much fun I can see why you liked it there :)

    Hope your week is going well! It's a rainy one here!

    Away From The Blue

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