When visiting Banff, the opportunity to unwind in natural hot springs or luxurious spas is almost unavoidable. The region’s mineral-rich waters and mountain scenery make for a uniquely relaxing experience. I personally love the Banff Hot Springs, which offers warm waters with panoramic mountain views, and the Banff Gondola that offers sweeping vistas of the Rockies before a soak in the springs. These experiences combine outdoor adventure with genuine relaxation, making Banff a top destination for spa lovers. Whether you’re after a quick soak or a full-day tour, Banff’s hot springs deliver an authentic taste of mountain tranquility.
To help you navigate the options, I’ve compiled a list of the 6 best spa and hot springs experiences in Banff. These tours offer everything from guided day trips with lakes and mountain views to private custom tours exploring the Rockies’ hidden gems. Read on for detailed descriptions to find the perfect fit for your trip.
Quick Overview
Our list features a mix of guided tours and private experiences that include visits to Banff’s iconic hot springs, scenic gondola rides, stunning lakes like Lake Louise and Minnewanka, and Kootenay National Park adventures. Each offers a different way to enjoy Banff’s natural beauty while soaking in mineral waters or exploring the surrounding wilderness. Whether you prefer a group adventure or a private custom tour, you’ll find options at various price points and durations. For an overview, check out Banff: Gondola, Hot Spring and Three Lakes Tour for a comprehensive day trip with a boat ride and mountain vistas, or explore Radium Hot Springs and Kootenay Park for a private, personalized experience.
1. Banff: Gondola, Hot Spring and Three Lakes Tour
This popular day trip from Calgary or Canmore offers a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation. For $78 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring Banff’s top highlights, including a scenic boat tour of Lake Minnewanka, a visit to Johnson Lake, and a ride on the Banff Gondola for panoramic views from Sulphur Mountain. The real highlight is the visit to the Banff Hot Springs, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters while gazing at the surrounding mountains. The tour also takes you to Surprise Corner, offering iconic views of the Banff Springs Hotel and Bow River, and provides plenty of time to explore Banff Downtown with its shops and cafes.
What makes this tour stand out is the inclusion of a boat tour and the combination of multiple iconic sites in one day. The hot springs are included in the itinerary, providing a relaxing break amid outdoor adventures. Reviews praise the well-rounded nature of this experience, noting that the scenic views and variety of activities give excellent value for the price.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers looking for a full, active day that combines sightseeing with a relaxing soak in Banff’s famous hot springs.
2. Banff Gondola Hot spring and Lake Louise day tour
This well-reviewed tour offers a 10-hour exploration of Banff’s most stunning sights, with a focus on Lake Louise, the Banff Gondola, and the Banff Upper Hot Springs. For $88.86 per person, you get a chance to see the unreal turquoise waters of Lake Louise, ride the Gondola—which promises sweeping mountain vistas—and unwind in the hot springs afterward. This tour is ideal for those keen on outdoor scenery and a relaxing soak. The itinerary also includes visits to Bow Falls and Surprise Corner, giving you a rich taste of Banff’s most photographed spots.
The Lake Louise stop is a highlight — its color and setting are truly postcard-perfect. The hot springs provide a warm counterpoint to the outdoor activities, with mineral waters offering relaxation after a day of sightseeing. Guests rave about how well this tour balances the natural wonders with leisure, noting it’s a great value given the full day of diverse experiences.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive day that combines iconic sights with a soothing hot springs experience.
$88.86 per person
3. Banff National Park: Lake Louise & Upper Hot Springs Tour
This 8-hour tour, priced at $93 per person, is a fantastic way to experience Banff’s top natural attractions. It focuses on Lake Louise and the Upper Hot Springs, with an emphasis on enjoying the stunning mountain landscapes and the rejuvenating waters. The tour covers Lake Louise, famous for its vividly colored waters, and allows ample time to explore or enjoy optional activities like ice skating in winter or hiking in summer.
What makes this tour stand out is the emphasis on hot springs relaxation combined with the spectacular scenery of Lake Louise. The guide’s 30 years of experience ensures a smooth, informative day. Guests appreciate the quiet, scenic atmosphere and the chance to relax in mineral-rich waters after exploring the surrounding trails or simply taking in the mountain views.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a focused day of lakes and springs, with a relaxed pace and expert guidance.
$93 per person
4. Calgary: Canadian Rockies, Banff Gondola, Hot Spring & Lakes
This full-day guided tour from Calgary, priced at $660 per group (up to 14), offers a comprehensive Rockies experience. It combines visits to Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, the Banff Gondola, and the Banff Hot Springs. As the largest group tour on our list, it’s a good value for families or groups wanting a mix of sightseeing and relaxing in mineral waters. The tour also includes visits to Bow Falls and Banff Downtown for shopping and dining.
What makes it unique is the extensive itinerary packed into 10 hours, with a chance to see the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel from Surprise Corner. Guests comment on how the guided format takes the stress out of planning and the convenience of visiting multiple highlights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a detailed, all-in-one Rockies tour with plenty of time for relaxation and sightseeing.
$660 per group up to 14
5. Soak & Explore: Radium Hot Springs and Kootenay Park Tour
This private 8.5-hour tour for up to 4 people costs $496 and offers a personalized mountain adventure. You’ll visit Kootenay National Park, stopping at Marble Canyon, Paint Pots, and the Kootenay Valley Viewpoint, before soaking in the famous Radium Hot Springs. The flexibility allows you to choose how long to spend at each stop, which is perfect if you want a mix of scenic stops, wildlife viewing, and hot springs relaxation.
What sets this experience apart is its customization and the chance to explore less-visited spots like Paint Pots and Olive Lake. The Radium Hot Springs is a highlight, offering warm mineral waters in a striking canyon setting. Reviewers praise the guide’s knowledge and the opportunity to tailor the day to their interests.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a private, flexible adventure that combines hidden park gems with soaking in mineral waters.
$496 per group up to 4
6. Private Tour Experience at Radium Hot Springs and Kootenay Park
This 8.5-hour private tour for up to 6 people costs $528.07. It features stops at Marble Canyon, Paint Pots, and Olive Lake as part of a comprehensive exploration of Kootenay National Park. You’ll then visit Radium Hot Springs for a soothing soak in mineral-rich waters amid dramatic canyon scenery. The trip is fully customizable, with the guide tailoring the pace and stops according to your interests.
What makes this tour attractive is the small-group intimacy and personalized attention. The itinerary includes stunning viewpoints like the Kootenay Valley Viewpoint and scenic walks at Paint Pots, making it a well-rounded day of scenery, wildlife, and relaxation. The guide’s in-depth knowledge ensures you get the most out of your visit.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want an intimate, flexible experience with expert guidance and plenty of time at hot springs.
$528.07 per group (up to 6)
How to Choose the Right Spa & Hot Springs Experience in Banff
When selecting the best hot springs or spa tour, consider your budget, time available, and personal interests. For a full-day adventure that includes lakes, gondola rides, and soaking, tours like Banff: Gondola, Hot Spring and Three Lakes are excellent. If you prefer a more private, customized day, options like the Radium Hot Springs private tour fit the bill.
For travelers on limited time, focusing on Lake Louise and Banff Hot Springs offers a manageable yet memorable experience (see Banff Gondola Hot spring and Lake Louise). Budget-wise, group tours tend to offer better value, while private options are suited for those seeking a more tailored experience.
Remember to book early, especially in peak summer months, to secure your preferred date and avoid disappointment.
To sum it up, Banff offers a wide range of spa and hot springs experiences to suit all preferences. Whether you want an active day with lakes and mountain views or a quiet soak in mineral waters, there’s an option just right for you. For the best experience, consider your priorities—whether it’s seeking iconic sights, enjoying a private tour, or balancing outdoor activities with relaxation. No matter your choice, early booking is recommended to ensure you get the most out of your Banff visit.