Banff 
As the old adage goes, it is not about the destination but rather the journey. This rule should apply to every road trip, especially between Alberta and BC. On these mountain highways are numerous natural and manmade attractions to explore.
There are a total of five hot springs open to the public within a five-hour drive of Calgary, easily making a hot springs road trip more about the journey than the destination. Not only will this road trip bring you to the most beautiful hot springs and soaking locations in the country, but it will also prove to be a memorable drive no matter the season.
Miette Hot Springs, located in Jasper, is excluded due to its distance, being a 6-hour drive north from Calgary and off the main route of the rest of the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs.
Plan this trip as part of a larger Canadian Rocky Mountain National Parks Road Trip: Calgary – Waterton Lakes – Kootenay – Banff – Yoho – Jasper
Banff Upper Hot Springs
The Banff Upper Hot Springs, which is located 90 minutes from Calgary, receive their warm mineral water from Sulphur Mountain. The hot springs facility is located on the side of Sulphur Mountain and provides visitors with views of the Banff townsite and Bow River Valley. Amenities include changing areas, washrooms, and lockers.
Cost: $17.25-$19.75
Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Radium Hot Springs
From Banff, the road trip will take you to Castle Junction where you’ll head through the Kootenay Pass. The drive involves a lot of twists and turns, and beautiful scenery along the way. At the end of the highway, the mountain opens up into a large valley with the cliffs hanging over the road. You’ll immediately notice the Radium Hot Springs at this clearing, as the steam rises up beside the highway and the cliffs.
Cost: $17.25-$19.75
Fairmont Hot Springs
One incredible reason to make the Fairmont Hot Springs a stop on this road trip is the fact that this is the largest natural hot spring in all of Canada. This may be a good place to book your stay as well, as the pools are part of a full resort which is also attached to a large ski resort. There are also numerous dining options on site, including a poolside snack bar. Guests of the resort also have exclusive access to a guest-only mineral pool.
Cost: $15 to $17/Day Pass – $22 to $25
Credit: Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Lussier Hot Springs
Unlike the other hot springs which are maintained with facilities, these final two BC hot springs offer a much more natural experience. They are both off the main highway and on a Forest Service Road. With this, drivers must have winter tires on these roads for winter visits. The drive to Lussier Creek is beautiful still, as the service road brings you deep into the creek’s valley.
There are spaces to park, and a walk down further into the valley via a flight of stairs. Even on a cold, snowy December day, the Lussier Hot Springs are bubbling with three different pools. The larger main pool is also the hottest and where you’ll find the spring’s source. Lussier Creek Hot Springs is located near the west boundary of Whiteswan Lake Park.
Cost: free
Ram Creek Hot Springs
Follow the Forest Service Road further alongside Lussier River until a west turn onto the next service road. This will bring your road trip to the final Ram Creek Hot Springs located in Ram Creek Ecological Reserve. These are a bit trickier to access in the winter with only a dirt and snow-covered path leading to the pools. The Ram Creek Hot Springs provide incredible mountain views right from the edges.
Cost: free
Map
Return to Calgary via Crowsnest Highway and Cowboy Trail for a scenic end to the road trip.
