Home to picturesque vistas known the world over, Banff National Park entices 4.5 million visitors every year to its breathtaking hiking trails, ski slopes, and myriad nature adventures.
While exploring the national park requires some physically arduous activities, there is no better way to unwind after a day of exploration than by soaking in the therapeutic waters of a natural mineral spring.
For this reason, I have created this list of the best Banff hotels with hot springs on site or within close proximity to the region’s famous Banff Upper Hot Springs to help you get the most out of your holiday to Canada’s first and best national park.
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These are just some of the best Banff hot spring hotels for different types of travelers.
- Best Hotel in Banff With Onsite Hot Springs: Fairmont Banff Springs
- Best Banff Hot Spring Hotel for Families: Hidden Ridge Resort
- Best Luxury Banff Hot Spring Hotel: The Rimrock Resort Hotel
The 8 Best Banff Hotels With Hot Springs
1. Fairmont Banff Springs
Built in 1888, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a staple of Banff and is nearly as old as the national park itself.
The extensive complex continues to be the premier accommodation option in the park and is one of the only true hot spring hotels in Banff today, offering its guests unlimited access to the region’s celebrated mineral waters.
Modeled after a Scottish Baronial castle, the Fairmont Banff Springs was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1988 and continues to impress visitors with a myriad of onsite amenities that include 11 restaurants, 14 shops, and a full-service spa boasting 27 treatment areas.
But of course, the most alluring draw to this luxury hotel is the complex’s onsite 32-meter lap pool, its heated outdoor pool, and a series of waterfall whirlpools, all fed from the natural mineral spring that flows through the region.
Meanwhile, Banff Upper Hot Springs is located less than 5 kilometers away for guests looking for a more rusticly primitive swimming experience.
Along with offering plenty of opportunities to relax within the site’s natural mineral waters, the Fairmont Banff Springs also promises plenty of onsite activities and excursions, including horseback riding, skiing, bowling, tennis, and golfing at the onsite 18-hole golf course.
2. The Rimrock Resort Hotel
While it may not boast the history of the Fairmont Banff Springs, The Rimrock Resort Hotel rivals the monumental complex as one of Banff’s premier accommodation options and provides visitors with a wide array of onsite comforts.
Perched atop a scenic cliff with some of the most awe-inspiring views of Banff National Park, the Rimrock Resort Complex features an abundance of onsite facilities, including a diverse selection of luxury rooms, two restaurants, a cafe, two cocktail lounges, and an extensive spa facility offering a deep catalog of specialty treatments.
And while the hotel’s spa complex includes a heated indoor swimming pool, visitors looking to take advantage of the park’s natural mineral waters won’t have to look too far, with the Banff Upper Hot Springs being just a short 7-minute talk up the road.
However, before unwinding in the soothing waters of the natural spring, guests should take advantage of the hotel’s onsite activities and excursions, which include skiing, a fitness center, horseback riding, and hiking trails starting directly on the property.
Overall, the Rimrock Hotel provides the perfect accommodation for exploring Banff National Park while unwinding in the soothing waters of its mineral springs.
3. Hidden Ridge Resort
Located about a 15-minute drive from the Banff Upper Hot Springs, the Hidden Ridge Resort is slightly further from the park’s natural mineral waters. Still, it does offer plenty of soaking opportunities within its outdoor swimming pool and hot tub.
While this extensive Banff resort does not feature access to the region’s underground aquifer, it does promise plenty of onsite comforts that make it a fantastic base for delving into the national park’s pristine natural pools.
Promising condo-style accommodation, the Hidden Ridge Resort is a favorite amongst visiting families and promises traditional Canadian comforts, including a full kitchen, wood-burning fireplaces, and an outdoor BBQ available year round.
Also found within the resort complex are a children’s play area, a sauna, an upper-level outdoor hot pool with breathtaking views of Banff town and the surrounding scenery, and a lower-level wading pool promising plenty of relaxation.
Bike rentals are also available through the resort and promise easy access to nearby attractions, including Banff Town and the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
4. Moose Hotel & Suites
Set within the heart of Banff town, the Moose Hotel & Suites is just 5 kilometers from the Banff Upper Hot Springs. While that is the nearest access to the region’s famous mineral waters, the Moose Hotel also offers several onsite soaking options in a selection of treated pools.
Along with its selection of queen and king rooms, the Moose Hotel offers a massive complex of onsite facilities, including the Pacini Italian Restaurant, an a la carte breakfast service, and an extensive spa center.
Meadow Spa & Pools, the onsite wellness complex, features ten treatment rooms and a private outdoor hot pool perfect for floating your worries away.
Meanwhile, on the complex’s fourth floor, visitors will find a fitness room and an indoor swimming pool well-suited for exercise, while two rooftop hot pools are available for a soothing soak amidst some breathtaking views.
What’s more, thanks to the hotel’s central location in downtown Banff, the Moose serves as a fantastic base for exploring the numerous attractions of town while within convenient proximity to the nearby hot springs and other travel services.
5. Fox Hotel & Suites
Another cozy lodging located in the heart of the historic community of Banff, the Fox Hotel & Suites serves as a convenient base for exploring the region while boasting several onsite comforts.
And while the authentic mineral waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs are just a short drive from this accommodation complex, the onsite cave-themed hot pool provides a heightened soaking experience directly onsite.
Inspired by the historic cave and basin in which the original Banff hot springs were first found, the Fox Hotel’s hot pool features an open roof and rustic designs that accentuate the natural elements of the national park while providing a controlled setting for immersing in its soothing waters. A sauna is also featured within the pool area.
Along with its one-of-a-kind pool, the Fox Hotel & Suites promises plenty of onsite facilities, including a Chili’s Restaurant & Grill, a fitness room, a ski storage, and a free shuttle to the Banff Ski Gondola.
Additionally, thanks to its central location in the downtown area, the hotel is also within walking distance of several attractions and services operating within the community.
6. Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
Featuring a traditional mountain lodge design, the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa promises visitors an extensive hotel complex of 184 guest rooms and a wide selection of onsite facilities.
Among Banff Caribou Lodge’s most enticing amenities is the complex’s indoor hot pool. Featuring soothing decor and bench seats capable of accommodating a capacity of 26 people, the indoor hot pool provides plenty of room to unwind within its soothing waters.
Meanwhile, guests looking for a more authentic hot spring experience in a natural mineral pool can head over to the nearby Banff Upper Hot Springs along the region’s ROAM Transit, for which the hotel provides complimentary passes for each of its guests.
Other comforts found within the hotel complex include the Red Earth Spa, which provides a diverse catalog of treatments in six separate treatment rooms, and the Keg Steakhouse & Bar, which serves onsite dining for breakfast and dinner.
7. Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Set within 8 acres of private parkland just outside the historical Banff community, the Banff Rocky Mountain Resort promises a cozy getaway within the idyllic landscapes of the national park while being just a short drive from town and the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Of course, the resort also offers plenty of onsite comforts for those who prefer to find soothing tranquility within the hotel’s property.
Found within the extensive complex is a massive variety of facilities, including tennis and squash courts, a full gym and fitness club, the Alpha Bistro restaurant, bike rentals, and complimentary shuttles for accessing nearby attractions.
While the authentic natural hot springs are just 15 minutes away from the hotel, the Banff Rocky Mountain Resorts also provides its guests with plenty of soaking opportunities within its indoor swimming pool and hot tub and an outdoor hot tub.
8. Mount Royal Hotel
Set along the historic Banff Avenue, Mount Royal Hotel is a premium accommodation option within one of the most sought-after locations in Banff and promises guests a wide variety of unique facilities and amenities.
Among the hotel’s offerings are two restaurants, a hotel library, a lobby museum, and a downstairs shopping center.
The hotel’s Cascade Lounge provides the complex’s most popular services, serving a variety of snacks while providing breathtaking mountain scenery and several soothing hot tubs for soaking away your stresses.
Meanwhile, Banff Upper Hot Springs is located just a 10-minute drive from the hotel complex, providing a primitive pool for guests seeking a more authentic mineral soaking experience.
Other activities located nearby include hiking, horseback riding, and skiing, with the hotel even offering ski storage services.
Best Banff Hotels With Hot Springs- Final Thoughts
Offering a variety of outdoor activities, the best way to unwind after a day of arduous adventures in Banff is to immerse in the natural soothing properties of the national park’s mineral hot springs.
While only one hotel offers direct onsite access to the region’s natural aquifer, several hotels provide convenient access to the famous Banff Upper Hot Springs while providing an array of unique amenities.
