Miette Hot Springs (Jasper): Canada's hottest springs
How hot is Miette Hot Springs?
Miette Hot Springs water emerges at 54°C — the hottest natural mineral springs in Canada. The main outdoor pool is cooled to approximately 39°C for swimming. A second, cooler pool at around 29°C allows gradual acclimatisation. The springs are 61 km from Jasper townsite via Miette Road.
Miette Hot Springs holds a modest but genuine distinction: the water that emerges from the rock here is the hottest natural mineral water in Canada. At 54°C it is too hot to bathe in directly — the pools are cooled to a manageable 39°C and 29°C — but the underlying heat means the mineral content is exceptionally high and the therapeutic effect, if you believe in such things, is correspondingly pronounced.
More concretely: soaking in 39°C mineral water at the end of the Sulphur Skyline trail — which climbs 700 m from this exact parking area — is one of the finest post-hike recovery experiences in the Canadian Rockies. The springs were recognised by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years before European contact, and the current Parks Canada facility has operated since 1985 on the site of a much older bathhouse.
The springs
Miette springs are fed by water that percolates down through rock faults, is heated geothermally to 54°C, and returns to the surface carrying dissolved minerals including sulphur, sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate. The sulphur gives the water its distinctive smell — a light, egg-like scent that is immediately recognisable but not unpleasant after a few minutes of acclimatisation.
The mineral-rich water is associated with relaxation of muscle tension, skin benefits, and general therapeutic effects. Parks Canada makes no specific medical claims. The practical reality is that soaking in 39°C water is deeply pleasant under any classification system, and the combination with the mountain setting makes the Miette experience more than just warm-water swimming.
The facility
Two outdoor pools:
Hot pool (39°C): The main attraction. This temperature is noticeably warmer than Banff Upper Hot Springs (which runs at 37–38°C) — the difference is perceptible and matters to regular hot spring visitors. Soaking time in the hot pool should be limited to 15–20 minutes continuously to avoid dehydration and overheating; exit, hydrate, and return.
Cool pool (29°C): The second pool runs cooler and serves as a transition — you can acclimatise by starting here or cool down between hot pool sessions. Children are often more comfortable in the cool pool.
Change rooms, showers, and lockers: Standard Parks Canada facility quality — clean, functional, not luxurious. Showers are required before entering the pool (soap provided).
Concession: Light food, beverages, and hot drinks available at the facility.
Rentals: Swimsuits and towels are available to rent at modest cost.
Getting to Miette Hot Springs
Miette Hot Springs is 61 km from Jasper townsite by road — this is the key logistical fact about Miette. It is not a drop-in afternoon activity from Jasper town; it requires planning a half-day or full-day excursion.
Route from Jasper:
- Drive east on Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) for 42 km
- Turn south onto Miette Road (signed from the highway)
- Follow Miette Road 19 km to the hot springs facility
Driving time: Approximately 50–60 minutes from Jasper townsite (one way). Allow extra time for wildlife on Highway 16 — this is one of the more productive wildlife corridors in Jasper.
Road conditions: Miette Road is paved but narrow and winding, with speed restrictions. The road is open from late May through October and gated in winter. RVs and trailers are not recommended on Miette Road.
No public transit: There is no public transit to Miette Hot Springs. A rental car or a guided tour from Jasper is required.
Hours and prices
Operating season: Late May through mid-October. The exact opening and closing dates vary by year — check the Parks Canada Miette Hot Springs page for the current season.
Hours (approximate — verify for current year):
- Mid-May to late June / post-Labour Day: 10:30 am – 9 pm daily
- Late June through Labour Day (peak summer): 8:30 am – 10:30 pm daily
Ticket prices (approximate 2025 rates):
- Adults: CAD $16
- Seniors (65+): CAD $13
- Youth (3–17): CAD $13
- Children under 3: Free
- Family (2 adults + youth): CAD $42
Rentals: Swimsuit and towel rentals available at the facility. Bring your own to avoid the additional cost.
No reservations required or accepted. First-come, first-served.
The Sulphur Skyline combination
Miette Hot Springs is most powerfully experienced in combination with the Sulphur Skyline Trail — a strenuous 8 km return hike with 700 m elevation gain that starts from the hot springs parking area.
Recommended day plan:
- Arrive at Miette by 9 am (earlier in peak season)
- Hike Sulphur Skyline Trail: 3–4 hours return
- Return to the parking area, retrieve your swimsuit from the car
- Soak in Miette Hot Springs: 45–60 minutes
- Drive back to Jasper in the evening
This is an exceptional combination: one of Jasper’s finest summit views followed by a soak in Canada’s hottest natural springs. The 700 m elevation gain and 8 km of hiking makes the hot pool feel justly earned.
Practical note: The springs and the trailhead share the same parking area at the Miette Hot Springs facility. You cannot enter the springs without a ticket — store swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes in the car and access after the hike.
Wildlife on the Miette Road
The drive to Miette Hot Springs through the Miette Valley is one of the more productive wildlife corridors in Jasper National Park. Common sightings include:
Bighorn sheep: Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are frequently seen on the road shoulder and cliff faces on Miette Road. The sheep are accustomed to vehicles and may be very close to the road — do not feed them; do not exit the vehicle rapidly near sheep.
Elk: The Miette Valley has good elk populations; morning and evening are the most productive viewing times.
Black bears: Occasional sightings near the road, particularly in berry season.
Moose: The wetland areas along the lower Miette Road are moose habitat; dawn and dusk visits have a reasonable chance of a sighting.
Osprey: The Fiddle River drainage has nesting osprey visible from pullouts on Miette Road in summer.
Planning your visit
Combining with other Jasper activities
Miette Hot Springs’ distance from Jasper means most visitors combine it with other activities in the same direction. The Miette area is on the eastern side of Jasper National Park, toward the Alberta foothills. Activities that combine well:
- Sulphur Skyline Trail (same parking area) — see above
- Wildlife driving on Highway 16 — the Yellowhead corridor between Jasper and the park gate is excellent for elk, moose, and coyotes at dawn and dusk
- Pocahontas coal mines — historic coal mining ruins 4 km before Miette Road junction, a quick stop with a self-guided trail
- Stargazing in Jasper — the return drive on Highway 16 in full darkness is excellent for dark sky experience away from town lights
Staying in Jasper
Jasper townsite has accommodation ranging from budget hostels to mid-range hotels and the landmark Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (12 km east of town). Most visitors to Miette Hot Springs are based in Jasper for 2–4 nights. See our Jasper National Park guide for full accommodation and planning information.
Book Jasper wellness and outdoor experiencesMiette vs Banff Upper Hot Springs
| Feature | Miette Hot Springs | Banff Upper Hot Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Water temperature (pool) | 39°C (hottest in Canada) | 37–40°C |
| Distance from nearest town | 61 km (Jasper) | 2 km (Banff) |
| Year-round? | No (closed Oct–May) | Yes |
| Hiking combination | Sulphur Skyline (same parking area) | Banff Gondola (adjacent) |
| Atmosphere | Remote, quieter, valley setting | Busy, accessible, mountain-top setting |
| Second pool | Yes (29°C cool pool) | No |
Both are excellent. Banff Upper Hot Springs wins on accessibility and year-round operation. Miette wins on water temperature and the extraordinary combination with the Sulphur Skyline hike.
Frequently asked questions about Miette Hot Springs (Jasper): Canada’s hottest springs
How long should I soak at Miette Hot Springs?
Most visitors soak for 30–60 minutes total across the session. The 39°C hot pool is quite warm — limit continuous soaking to 15–20 minutes, then exit to cool off and hydrate at the cool pool or poolside. This prevents overheating and dehydration. Multiple sessions of 15 minutes each with breaks is more comfortable than one continuous long soak.
Can children use Miette Hot Springs?
Yes. Children of all ages are permitted. The 29°C cool pool is suitable for younger children who find the hot pool too warm. Supervise children carefully in and around the hot pool. Children under 3 enter free.
Is it worth the 61 km drive from Jasper?
For visitors planning a day on the eastern side of Jasper (Miette Road wildlife drive, Pocahontas) or those combining with the Sulphur Skyline hike, the drive is absolutely worthwhile. For visitors with limited time in Jasper who primarily want a hot springs soak, Banff Upper Hot Springs (if already visiting Banff) may be more practical.
Do I need to book in advance?
No. Miette operates on a walk-in basis with tickets purchased at the facility. No advance reservations are available. During peak summer weekends (especially long weekends), the facility can reach capacity by mid-morning — arrive by 9 am on peak days.
Explore Jasper National Park guided tours and activities