Hot Springs & Wildlife

The Canadian Rockies are not just a visual spectacle—they also offer hot springs for relaxation and some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world.

♨️ Hot Springs

The Banff Upper Hot Springs were the reason the national park was established in 1885. Three railway workers discovered the hot springs, and the Canadian government immediately recognized the tourist potential. Today, you can bathe in the 37–40°C warm, mineral-rich water—with views of Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain. 9 CAD entry, open until 11 PM. Sitting in hot water in winter while snowflakes fall on your face—priceless.

The Miette Hot Springs in Jasper are the hottest natural springs in the Rockies (54°C at the source, cooled to 40°C). More remote than Banff, fewer tourists, more authentic. The 18 km access road is an adventure in itself—bears and bighorn sheep are common here.

🐻 Wildlife of the Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are home to a megafauna that has been extinct in Europe for centuries:

• Grizzly Bears: About 65 live in Banff National Park alone. Best viewing time: May–June (valley floors) and September (berry season). Always carry bear spray (30 CAD at the outdoor shop)!
• Black Bears: More common than grizzlies and less aggressive, but still wild animals. Often seen on the Icefields Parkway.
• Elk: The majestic deer are everywhere—they graze on meadows, in front yards, and sometimes on the golf course. Do NOT approach antlered males, especially during the rut (September/October)!
• Bighorn Sheep: Often along rock walls by the road, especially on the Icefields Parkway.
• Mountain Goats: White, fluffy, on impossible rock faces. Common on Sulphur Mountain and the Icefields Parkway.
• Coyotes, Cougars, Wolves: Rarely seen, but present. Wolves have been successfully reintroduced since the 1980s.