Soaking in the warm waters of hot springs in Alberta, CA, comes with a host of health benefits. It treats eczema, relieves pain, cures congestion, lowers your stress levels, etc. So when in Alberta, which hot springs should you visit? Banff Upper Hot Springs and Miette Hot Springs are at the top of the list!
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Visiting Banff Upper Hot Springs is one of the best things that you can do in Alberta. The steamy pools have been attracting travelers from across the globe over the past hundred years or so in all seasons. The best time to soak in Banff Hot Springs in Alberta, CA, is during the early morning hours, when the pools are less crowded.
Banff Hot Springs are the highest hot springs in Canada. The water volume is greatest during the spring season when the flow rate is 900 liters a minute. The lowest volume is in the late winter season, when the flow rate is barely 500 liters per minute. Temperature varies between 37oC or 98oF and 116oF or 47oC. Sulfate, calcium and bicarbonate are mostly present in these springs.
Banff Hot Springs operate from 9 am till 11 pm during the summer season and 10 am till 10 pm in the winter and spring seasons. The pool fee is $8.30 per person. Children under 3 are free. A lower fee is charged for children, teenagers and seniors. The thermal waters pass is charged at $11.35. Discounted rates can be availed if you are a group of more than 10 people or by buying an annual pass.
Changing rooms, a cafe and gift shop are located close to the springs.
Miette Hot Springs
Miette Hot Springs in Alberta, CA, is situated in the Jasper National Park. Four pools have been constructed on the site— two hot and two cold. Temperature varies between 104oF or 40oC and 129oF or 54oC. The flow rate is 1540 liters per minute. The flowing waters are rich in calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate.
Miette Springs is open round the year. They open at 10:30 am in the early summer season and fall season and at 9 am in the later summer season. The springs are closed from October till April. The pool fee for adults is $7.05, whereas a day pass can be bought for $9.55. Changing rooms, lockers and restrooms are located close by.
The Fiddle Valley Café offers a wide menu including soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps, which you can enjoy by the poolside or at the dry seating area. Once you’re done with soaking, you can hike the nearby trails and enjoy breathtaking views.