Location Details: 

• Directions: 5 minute drive (2.4 km / 1.5 miles) southwest of Banff townsite. From downtown take Banff Ave south across Bow River, then a left on Cave Ave. Take a right on Mountain Ave and follow that road until it dead ends at the gondola parking area.
• Latitude / Longitude: 51.148236 / 115.559503

Hiking Details:

• N/A

Description: 

The Banff Upper Hot Springs is located very close to the Banff Gondola and makes it easy to enjoy these two locations during a single trip. The cost is moderate (around $9 Cdn/ $9 USD as of May 2008) and you'll save yourself an additional $2 by bringing your own towel. The hot springs are effectively a pool area fed by the springs. The pool itself is medium in size and has wonderful views of the surrounding mountains while you soak in its hot waters. There are no superheated pools or jets / waterfalls as in larger hot springs, but it is certainly relaxing and easy to get to from downtown Banff.

There is a small restaurant on the premises and a gift shop. If you do forget to bring your swimsuit have no fear - you can actually rent one here. These suits, however, are one style fits all and that style is circa 1940's (a blue one piece with a strap over each shoulder). While not the most comfortable, it does make for interesting pictures and stories with your friends.

• Johnston Canyon
• Banff Gondola
• Upper Hot Springs
• Vermillion Lakes
• Minnewanka Loop / Johnson Lake