Need a little rest and relaxation? Located in Banff National Park, Alberta, is the Upper Hot Springs Trail, a beautiful route that leads to one of the “most beautiful destinations in the Rockies.”

Banff Upper Hot Springs Trail

Described as “not too challenging,” this particular route begins a short 2.2 km walk from downtown Banff.

Popular with cyclists and horseback riders in addition to hikers, adventure seekers will kick things off from the very popular Spray River Trailhead and then will head uphill.

While it’s been thinned out to protect it from fires, this winding pathway goes through a gorgeous forest of coniferous trees and offers an incredible payoff.

According to Travel Alberta, this trail runs all the way to the Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain and along the way hits the Upper Hot Springs.

Photo via Shutterstock

“The Upper Hot Springs pool will let you soak your tired muscles before heading back down the trail,” they explain.

“Its mineral waters have healing properties that have been sought out for hundreds of years by Indigenous Peoples and those working on the railroad in the late 1800s.”

Sound like a dream?

Admission is free for children under three, adult entry costs $17.50 and a family of four is a flat rate of $56.75.

After you’ve enjoyed a soak, continue on to grab a drink or a meal at the Rimrock Resort.

Banff Upper Hot Springs Trail, Alberta

Where: Directions to trailhead here

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Cassandra Stefanic

Regional Editor, Prairies –Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling, and storytelling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing, or editing, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, binge-watching a new series, at a speakeasy, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.

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