Joshua D.
Yelp
Review Visit: July 13th, 2015
During a 50+ hour drive, you naturally stop at gas stations and restaurants for a stretch of the legs and bathroom breaks. But a hot spring? Sure, why not!
If you've been reading my last few blogs, you'll note that I went on a 50+ hour trip across America and Canada to reach Nakusp, British Columbia. Along the way, we made many stops at gas stations, restaurants and various odds and ends. When we were approaching the Banff National Park area, Laura asked us if we wanted to spend the afternoon taking a break from driving. All the adults immediately said yes and so did the kids. We set our new coordinates to Banff Upper Hot Springs and got excited in anticipation.
As we pulled up, Laura had to hunt for a spot to park as the number of parking spots was rather limiting. After we waited for a spot to open up, everyone filed out of the van, gathered our swimming gear and headed in. The building that houses the business is beautifully built. I'm not expert on buildings but it felt like a mansion that was lifted out of the Swiss mountains. As we headed in, we got in line and read the signs and posters as the line slowly moved forward. When it came time to pay, I think it was around $10 or so per adult? Maybe a little more or little less? The website says under $10/adult but they may have seasonal pricing. Either way, it is a fairly cheap admission cost.
After paying, the guys and girls split up and head to their respective locker room. Andy and I shared a locker since we weren't carrying much. After getting in our swimming trunks, it was hot springs time. Now, if you are thinking of a normal pool with screaming kids, parents lounging on chairs, a life guard with sunscreen on his nose and that one person doing cannonballs, you couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, the hot spring was more of a relaxation experience. No noisy kids. No diving board. No nothing. Just relaxation.
That first toe or foot in to the water was exciting. I believe the big pool were the majority of the people were had it's temperature around 100F/38C. It was comfortably hot and as you fully submerged in to the pool, you felt yourself melt and all your worries slowly dissolve. We spent about 30 minutes or so in the main pool and that is about your limit before the heat of the hot spring causes you to feel dehydrated and thirsty. During that 30 minutes, Andy and I decided to try the hotter springs behind the main pool. This is like the hot tub version of a hot spring. Smaller, more intimate and a solid 20F hotter than the main spring. I don't recall exactly how hot the hotter spring is but I know after 10 minutes, I had to cool off and go back in to the main spring.
Laura told us that the indigenous people of the area would relax in hot springs to open the body's pores to let out negative/bad stuff and then they would jump in cold water to close everything back up. Here, they offered a cold shower in the corner walking area. Being the explorer that I am, I jumped out of the pool and took a deep breath before dumping a ton of cold water on me. Talk about shocking! As I stood there with cold water pouring over me, I couldn't help but stare at the mountains as my body cooled down and I wonder why I do the things I do.
Did I mention the beautiful view from the pool? While your body gets to enjoy the benefits of relaxing in the hot water, your eyes get to enjoy a gorgeous view of the mountains and skyline. I tried to include photos of the view but they do far from serve it justice. I found myself just zoning out while staring at the landscape that poked up beyond the wall. All my worries and concerns just disappeared as I became attuned with nature and serenity.
While I highly visit anyone and everyone to try a hot spring out at least once in their life, you should really just come and check out Banff National Park in general. It's one of the most gorgeous places I've ever visited. I am from Central Illinois, so the change in landscape from flat lands and corn fields to mountains and forests was a welcoming one. If you can't make it to Banff, just know there are a ton of hot springs in the world and if there is one within a feasible distance from you at any time, don't hesitate to go. Your mind, body and soul won't regret it.