Canadian Rockies Hot Springs
The Canadian Rockies Hot Springs are owned and operated by Parks Canada. Located in Jasper, Kootenay and Banff national parks, the iconic Miette, Radium and Banff Upper Hot Springs facilities offer a relaxing, easy to access pool experience for visitors of all ages.
Miette, Radium and Banff Upper Hot Springs operate on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are neither required, nor available.
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Frequently asked questions
How to Visit Radium Hot Springs
Updated: December 21, 2020
Your visit to Radium Hot Springs will be different. Here is what you should expect:
Wearing a mask indoors is required by BC provincial health order. Those without a mask will be denied entry.
Limited capacity to allow for physical distancing.
Reduced hours of operation to allow for additional cleaning and sanitizing.
Towels and swimsuits are not available to rent.
Hand sanitizer stations.
Signage to help you move safely through the building.
Plexiglass barriers.
You may need to wait outside before entering. Please dress appropriately
for the weather.
Please be patient and follow directions from Parks Canada staff.
Capacity has been adjusted to meet public health guidelines and enable physical distancing. This may result in delays entering when visiting the hot springs. Reservations to soak in Radium Hot Springs are neither required, nor available. For hours, fees and more information about Radium Hot Springs, visit hotsprings.ca/radium, read our FAQ or call 1-800-767-1611.
Remember to bring your own freshly laundered swimsuit and towel. Please be considerate of your fellow visitors and wear a mask until you reach the changeroom where you can safely stow it in your locker. Masks are required in the lobby, dry hall and change rooms. Masks are not required in the wet hall or while in the water.
Banff Upper Hot Springs remains closed until further notice as Parks Canada continues to assess how this iconic experience can safely resume operations. Anticipated reopening dates and information about what to expect when Banff Upper Hot Springs reopens will be shared on our website as soon as it is available.
Miette Hot Springs, along with Miette Road and Miette Hot Springs Bungalows, will remain closed for 2020 and are expected to reopen in spring of 2021.
Parks Canada reminds all visitors to arrive prepared when visiting Canada’s national parks and national historic sites. Every visit should start with a trip to Parks Canada's How to visit during COVID-19 web page. Here you can find up to date information on what is open, what is closed and how to visit safely.
Follow all provincial health orders including only visiting with members of your household or core bubble. If you have a runny nose, cough, fever or feel ill, please stay home and visit when you are well.
Accessibility
Are the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs are wheelchair accessible.
Accessible parking, drop off areas, change rooms and washrooms are available at each site. Submersible wheelchairs may be borrowed at the reception desk (based on availability).
Please select the site you plan to visit for more information:
Are caregivers required to pay for entry when accompanying an individual with a disability?
One caregiver may enter the hot springs free of charge when accompanying a paying individual with a disability who requires assistance using the hot springs. Swimsuit and towel rental fees will still apply to the caregiver if these are required.
If the caregiver and individual who requires assistance are travelling as part of a group, regular entry fees will apply to all other group members.
Are service dogs and emotional support animals permitted in the hot springs?
Certified service dogs are permitted throughout the Miette, Radium and Banff Upper Hot Springs facilities including in the lobby, change rooms, café, spa, washrooms and the pool deck while on duty.
Per the BC Public Health Act – Pool Regulations and Alberta Public Swimming Pool Regulations, service dogs are not permitted in the water.
All service dogs must be certified per the B.C. Guide Dog and Service Dog Act or Alberta Service Dogs Act. Staff may request the individual’s B.C. Guide Dog and Service Dog certificate or Alberta Service Dog Identification card.
Out-of-province and International visitors are encouraged to visit the Government of British Columbia or Government of Alberta websites for information on certifying your service dog prior to travelling.
Emotional support dogs and other animals not covered under either the BC Guide Dog and Service Dog Act or Alberta Service Dogs Act are not permitted in the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs facilities.
Are submersable wheelchairs available for use at the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs?
Yes. Please ask cashiers for assistance at the reception desk. Submersible wheelchairs can be borrowed from the reception desk (based on availability).
Health and Medical Conditions
Is this a safe experience for women who are pregnant?
Water at Miette, Radium and Banff Upper Hot Springs is kept between 37° C and 40 °C. Pregnant women should consult their doctor prior to visiting.
Can individuals with health conditions soak in the hot springs?
People with diarrhea, open wounds or who are feeling ill are not permitted in the hot springs.
Individuals with heart conditions, diabetes or other chronic health concerns or conditions should consult their doctor prior to visiting.
Can you over heat while soaking in the hot springs?
Water in the hot springs is kept between 37° C and 40 °C. To avoid dehydration and overheating, we recommend all bathers take breaks to cool off every 20 minutes and drink water while soaking.
Can babies and toddlers go in the water?
Can adults with disabilities go in the hot springs?
Yes, everyone is welcome at the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs facilities regardless of race, gender, orientation or ability. Adults with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or heart conditions should consult their doctor prior to visiting. Adults who are incontinent must wear a swim diaper while in the pools.
Trip Planning Information
Do I have to make reservations to visit the hot springs?
No. Visitors are welcome to soak in Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are not available during regular business hours.
Do you have accomodations available at your facilities?
Parks Canada operates the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs as day-use attractions. Commercial accommodations, including hotels, campgrounds, and motels are available near each facility.
For more information about accommodations please visit:
About Your Visit
Where can I store my belongings while enjoying the hot springs?
One-time use lockers are available in all change rooms at Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs. Unbreakable drink containers containing water and personal items such as cameras, sunglasses and towels are permitted on deck.
Street shoes, street clothes, winter coats, other belongings and bags must be stored in a locker.
How long can I stay in the hot springs?
Admission to the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs’ facilities is charged based on a per-entry fee. Within regular business hours, there is no maximum time limit per visit.
Am I required to wear a swimsuit in the hot springs?
- Long-sleeved shirt and pants
- T-shirt and shorts
- Any other swimwear that allows them to feel confident and comfortable, whether for cultural, religious, or medical/health reasons or personal preference.
To ensure our aquatic environments are safe and free from any external contaminants, swimwear and clothing worn in the water must:
- Be different from the clothing the patron arrived in
- Be freshly laundered
- Not impair the bather’s safety or ability to swim, put their health at risk, or impair the lifeguard’s ability to perform a rescue in the event of an emergency.
Is partying allowed in the hot springs?
People visit the hot springs for peace and quiet and to relax.
Jumping, diving, running, portable music players and screaming are not permitted. Individuals who ignore warnings from lifeguards, or who choose to behave in an unsafe or inappropriate manner will be asked to leave.
Unaccompanied youth behaving in an unsafe or inappropriate manner will be asked to sit in the facility’s lobby until their parents can pick them up.
Are lifejackets available at the hot springs?
Youth lifejackets are available for rent at Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Is smoking or alcohol allowed in the pool?
The Canadian Rockies Hot Springs are smoke-free facilities. Smoking and vaping of Tobacco or Cannabis are not permitted at the hot springs facilities, including in the pools, or on the pool decks, access walkways and outdoor terraces.
Alcohol and drugs, including those in edible treats, are not permitted at the hot springs facilities, including in the pools or on the pool decks and outdoor terraces.
For the safety of visitors and staff, individuals who appear to be intoxicated will not be permitted to enter the hot springs. Visitors who show signs of impairment once in the pools will be asked to leave.
For more information about the consumption of Cannabis in Canada’s national parks, and areas where Cannabis consumption is prohibited, please visit:
-
Cannabis in Canada’s national parks -
Kootenay National Park important bulletins – Radium Hot Springs -
Banff National Park important bulletins – Banff Upper Hot Springs -
Jasper National Park important bulletins – Miette Hot Springs
Can food or beverages be brought on the pool deck?
Water is permitted on the pool deck in an unbreakable bottle. Alcohol, juice and soft drinks are not permitted.
Cafe facilities are available at Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs. Food purchased at the cafes must be consumed on the cafe decks or the designated picnic areas. Please ask staff for directions to these areas if required.
Is there a cafe or gift shop at the hot springs?
Fees
How much does it cost to rent a locker?
One-time use lockers are available in the change rooms at Miette, Radium and Banff Upper Hot Springs. A locker token, valued at $1, will be provided at the reception desk with each adult and senior paid entry. Two locker tokens will be provided with each family entry.
Locker tokens are one-time use only. Patrons should place all belongings that they wish to secure in their locker prior to locking it.
Annual pass holders and book of 10 ticket holders (purchased prior to March 26, 2018), or anyone requiring additional access to their locker, may purchase additional tokens at the reception desk for $1 each.
Why do I have to pay for youth to use the hot springs?
Youth entry to all national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada is free.
Regular fees for additional activities and services such as guided hikes and soaking in the hot springs still apply.
Age Requirements
Can children visit the hot springs without an adult?
Youth ages 8-17 are welcome to visit Radium and Miette Hot Springs without an adult.
Youth ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a person aged 12 or older.
Youth ages 14-17 are welcome to visit Banff Upper Hot Springs without an adult. Youth ages 13 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 18 year or older.
Are children required to complete a swim test to use the hot springs?
Non-swimmers and children aged five and under must be kept within an arm’s reach of their parent or guardian at all times.
Youth aged 8 and older who wish to use the deep end of the cool pool at Radium Hot Springs without their parent or guardian present must complete a swim test consisting of:
-
Swim the width of the pool without stopping or resting, using any style of stroke -
Jump (feet first) into deep water, and -
Recover and tread water for 30 seconds, keeping their mouth and nose above water at all times
Misc.
Where may I purchase a heritage suit similar to the rental suits at the hot springs?
Heritage swim suits are available for purchase at the Banff Upper Hot Springs gift shop.
Are gift certificates available?
Gift certificates for Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs are available and can be purchased at each facility’s reception desk.
Covid-19
Are the hot springs open?
Radium Hot Springs is open. Please be prepared for your visit to be different than in the
-
Wearing a mask indoors is required by BC provincial health order. Those without a mask will be denied entry. -
Hours have been adjusted to allow for additional cleaning by staff. -
The number of visitors that can be accommodated at one time has been adjusted -
to meet public health guidelines to enable physical distancing. This is likely to -
result in delays entering the hot springs. -
Increased safety protocols in are place, including hand sanitizing stations, -
Plexiglas guards and signage to help you move safely through the building. -
Towels and swimsuits are not available to rent.
Parks Canada reminds all visitors to plan ahead. Every visit should start with a trip to Parks Canada's How to visit during COVID-19 webpage. Here you can find up to date information on what is open, what is closed and how to visit the park safely. When visiting national parks, only visit areas that are open, always adhere to the guidance of public health authorities, and be respectful of other visitors.
Is physical distancing procedures be in effect at the hot springs?
Yes. The safety of visitors and staff is Parks Canada’s number one priority.
You will see modifications similar to those found in your local grocery store when you visit the hot springs. Plexiglas barriers have been installed around the reception desk, entry and exit doors are clearly marked and directional and spacing signage is clearly posted throughout the facility. Additional signage reminding patrons of new rules – including mandatory masks are posted in the entry ways and other parts of the facility.
Is the hot springs water chlorinated?
Public health regulations require that the mineral water at Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs is chlorinated, tested hourly and constantly refreshed to ensure the highest standards of quality and cleanliness. This proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection with chlorine should deactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.
There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread through chlorinated pool water.
How often are the change rooms cleaned?
Staff regularly check and clean the change rooms throughout the day. High touch surfaces are regularly sanitized and the change rooms, wet halls, dry halls and lobby areas are deep cleaned each evening after the facility closes to the public.
Can I enter a Canadian Rockies Hot Springs facility without a mask?
Information about British Columbia’s province-wide restrictions, including mask requirements in indoor public settings is available here.
Do I have to wear a mask while soaking in the hot springs?
Masks are not effective when soiled or wet. As such, the local health authority has confirmed that masks may be safely stowed in your locker while you enjoy the hot springs. Patrons may therefore exit the change rooms via the shower areas and walk through the wet hall to access the hot and cool pools without a mask.
Please remember to keep 2 m distance between yourself and other visitors who are not from your household.
Is my child required to wear a mask / what if I can’t wear a mask?
Information about British Columbia’s province-wide restrictions, including mask requirements in indoor public settings is available here.
What constitutes an acceptable mask?
Acceptable masks or face coverings can be homemade or purchased and should:
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Be made of at least two (2) layers of tightly woven material (such as cotton or linen) -
Be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaping -
Shall not incorporate any inhalation and /or exhalation valve(s) -
Be comfortable, allow for easy breathing and not require frequent adjustments -
Fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops -
Maintain its shape after washing and drying.
Other clothing items, such as socks or t-shirts pulled over the face, are not acceptable alternatives to face coverings.
More information about making your own mask, including fabric choices, and recent recommendations to incorporate a filter are available on Health Canada’s website.
If you are unsure of how to safely put on, remove and clean your mask before visiting a video and instructions are available here.
What rules or new procedures have been implemented at the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs to prevent the spread of Covid-19?
- Wearing a mask indoors as required by BC provincial health order. Those without a mask will be denied entry.
- Hand sanitizing/cleaning stations are located throughout the building.
- Visitor capacity is limited to 100 patrons in the pools and buildings to allow for physical distancing. This will result in delays entering the hot spring, particularly during busy periods.
- Not renting swimsuits or towels
While thorough cleaning procedures were already followed at the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs, enhanced cleaning protocols are in effect and high-touch surfaces are sanitized frequently.
Rescue and first aid protocols have been modified to align with new guidance from the Lifesaving Society and staff wear additional Personal Protective Equipment.
Visitors are reminded to sanitize their hands upon arrival, shower with soap and water before entering the pool, and cover coughs and sneezes then immediately wash their hands with soap. As towels and swimsuits are not available for rent, your towel and swim suit should be freshly laundered.
Visitors must not enter the facilities if they are feeling ill, have travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days or been in contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 14 days. For information about Covid-19 including information about prevention, risks, symptoms and treatment click here to visit Health Canada’s website.
Spa and Wellness
Can I book a massage or spa treatment?
Pleiades Spa and Wellness, previously located on the pool level of the Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt, has permanently closed. Massage, steam room and spa treatments are currently not available at Radium Hot Springs.
For more information about spas and wellness centres in the Village of Radium Hot Springs, please click here.