Fairmont Hot Springs
Canada's largest natural mineral hot springs offering relaxation and stunning mountain vistas, with both resort amenities and free natural pools.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Relaxing soak under the stars
Fairmont Hot Springs
Best Time
Relaxing soak under the stars
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Canada's largest natural mineral hot springs offering relaxation and stunning mountain vistas, with both resort amenities and free natural pools.
"The views are outstanding and the location is great. It just needs to be brought into 2025, cleaned up and maintained."
💰 Late Night Swim Deal
Score an $8 late-night swim special for a magical, less crowded experience.
👟 Explore the Natural Pools
Don't miss the free, rugged natural springs below the resort for an authentic soak.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Canada's Largest Natural Hot Springs
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Immerse yourself in mineral-rich waters with stunning mountain vistas. A truly rejuvenating experience.
Free Natural Hot Springs
Below Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Discover hidden, rugged pools for a more authentic and free hot spring experience.
Family Fun
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Shallow waters and mini-golf make it a hit for families with young children.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Natural Pools
Book Ahead for Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Late Night Swim Deal
Score an $8 late-night swim special for a magical, less crowded experience.
👟 Explore the Natural Pools
Don't miss the free, rugged natural springs below the resort for an authentic soak.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Great for families with shallow pools and activities like mini-golf.
🏨 Room Expectations
Rooms can be dated; focus on the hot springs and views for the best experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Late Night Swim Deal
Score an $8 late-night swim special for a magical, less crowded experience.
👟 Explore the Natural Pools
Don't miss the free, rugged natural springs below the resort for an authentic soak.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Great for families with shallow pools and activities like mini-golf.
🏨 Room Expectations
Rooms can be dated; focus on the hot springs and views for the best experience.
🧺 Towel Troubles
Pool towels may not always be available due to staffing; bring your own if possible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fairmont Hot Springs offers stunning mountain views and relaxing mineral waters, a consistent draw for visitors over the years. However, many reviews point to a decline in maintenance and rising prices, with guests noting chipped pool surfaces and non-functional lockers. While great for families with young children, some find the resort experience lacking in upkeep for the cost.
"We’ve been coming to the area for decades over Thanksgiving and always visit the Hot Springs.
Each year they get more and more run down but the prices keep rising. It doesn’t add up.
$25/person/day is a LOT. You should be able to keep up with the maintenance and general up keep of the pools.
- 1/2 the lockers don’t have keys. And 1/2 of the ones with keys don’t work.
- The toilets and showers don’t have locks and have duct tape covering the “holes”.
- The bottoms and sides of the pools are chipped and coming apart.
- There isn’t a diving board or access to the dive pool because “We’ve gone corporate and no longer have lifeguards” …?
But… The views are outstanding and the location is great. It just needs to be brought into 2025, cleaned up and maintained to justify why the price is so high!
I will say it is great for little kids as there is plenty of shallow water to play in."
Tara Spycher
"Great place if you want to relax. Rooms look old and need maintanance... Pools and steam room is great and sauna. We were lucky couse first day there was no children. The next day was different... Its a shame that kids can enter sauna.. it make no relax when they scream... Nice view around the hotel :)
The restaurant stuff very nice and friendly"
Agnieszka W.
"We’ve been visiting for years. We’ve always accepted that the rooms are a bit dated and rustic, but love the area and the hot springs.
We’ve gone before in September, like the off season and usually can find a decent rate. This year we decided to stay one night on our way somewhere else. The rate was high, but we do like the access to the pools so booked.
The Bear Paw Grill was decent, if a little on the pricy side.
The room was rustic, shower terrible, but fine for a night. I probably couldn’t have slept another night on the creaky bed.
Our big issue is that if you are going to charge premium rates PLUS a ridiculous resort fee, there should be pool towels available. There were none in the room and at the pools we were told that laundry was behind because of staff issues.
I can understand staff issues in September, I can’t understand charging premium rates and not providing services.
Also….the balcony was a bit terrifying, went back in quickly."
Lisa Zoppa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive from Calgary to Fairmont Hot Springs is approximately 3 hours via the Trans-Canada Highway. Many visitors enjoy the scenic drive through the mountains.
Public transportation options are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Fairmont Hot Springs.
Park in the gravel lot near the RV park and follow a short 3-5 minute walk down to the natural pools.
The Trans-Canada Highway offers stunning mountain scenery. Consider stopping at viewpoints along the way.
Shuttle services are not widely advertised. It's recommended to have your own vehicle for flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day passes for the resort pools can be around $25 per person for a few hours. Look for late-night specials for a reduced rate of $8.
Yes, you can purchase day passes to access the resort's pools. Alternatively, the natural hot springs below the resort are free to access.
Resort pool hours vary, but late-night swim specials are available. The natural hot springs are generally accessible at any time.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for peak times or special offers, is recommended.
Keep an eye out for late-night swim specials, which offer a significant discount.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The resort offers three pools (soaking, swimming, dive), a spa, dining options, and access to golf courses.
The resort no longer has lifeguards, which has impacted access to the dive pool.
Some reviews mention chipped and deteriorating pool surfaces, indicating a need for maintenance.
Yes, the shallow water areas are great for little kids, and there are also mini-golf and volleyball courts.
Some visitors have noted that children can enter the sauna, which may impact a relaxing experience for some.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The resort has dining facilities, such as the Bear Paw Grill, which is considered decent but can be a bit pricey.
Besides the resort's offerings, there are likely local eateries in the town of Fairmont Hot Springs.
Some guests find the resort dining to be on the pricier side.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check resort policies regarding outside food.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but most restaurants offer a variety.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic mountain views surrounding the hot springs are spectacular for photography.
Yes, the natural hot springs offer a more rugged and scenic backdrop for photos.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with resort management or local regulations before flying.
Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) will offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape shots.
Be mindful of other guests' privacy, especially in changing areas or more secluded spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the water, the availability of mini-golf and volleyball courts offers additional entertainment options to keep kids engaged. For a more adventurous family outing, consider exploring the free natural hot springs below the resort. While less developed, they offer a unique experience and a chance for kids to explore a more natural setting. Just be sure to pack extra snacks and water, as amenities are limited in this area.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, look for late-night swim specials at the resort, which can significantly reduce the cost of a day pass. Visiting during the off-season, like September, can also yield better rates on accommodations and potentially lower entry fees. Consider packing your own snacks and drinks to avoid the higher prices at resort restaurants.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Two Sides of Fairmont Hot Springs: Resort vs. Natural
However, some visitors find the resort's facilities to be dated and the prices high for the upkeep. The natural hot springs, on the other hand, provide a more authentic and uncommercialized experience. Accessible via a short walk from a gravel parking lot, these pools are a favorite for travelers seeking a raw connection with nature.
While they lack the amenities of the resort, they offer stunning views and a sense of discovery, often preferred by those who enjoy a more adventurous outing. When planning your visit, consider which experience aligns best with your travel style. The resort offers convenience and family-friendly features, while the natural springs appeal to the adventurous spirit looking for a more secluded and budget-friendly soak.
Navigating the Hot Springs Experience: Tips from Travelers
This is particularly appealing for those who want to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more relaxed soak. For those opting for the free natural springs, remember that this is a more rugged environment. While rewarding, it means fewer amenities and a need to be prepared. Bringing your own towels is a frequently recommended tip, as resort towels may not always be available due to staffing issues.
Finally, managing expectations regarding room conditions at the resort is key. While the views are consistently praised, some rooms are described as dated and in need of maintenance.
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