The Banff Upper Hot Springs will be closed for maintenance and upgrades from September 2 until the end of December. Parks Canada announced the closure on Friday, stating that the work is necessary for the facility's upkeep.

“This fall, Parks Canada will be making necessary maintenance work and facility upgrades at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, requiring a full site closure for the duration of the work,” the announcement read on Banff National Park's social media.

Parks Canada expressed appreciation for the public's patience during this period. “We look forward to welcoming visitors again once this necessary work is completed!”

The hot springs, known for their mineral-rich waters, have attracted tourists to Banff since the 1880s. Before that, Indigenous Peoples utilized the thermal pools, which they regarded as sacred waters believed to have healing properties.

The hot springs are a result of geological activity, where water heated deep within the earth rises to the surface, carrying minerals from the surrounding rock. “Charged with minerals and warmed by the heat of the earth’s crust, the water flows up to the surface along a fault plane,” explained Parks Canada.

The discovery of the Cave and Basin Hot Springs by Canadian Pacific Railway workers in 1883 led to the establishment of Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park. Today, the hot springs remain a major tourist destination, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually, according to Alberta's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The water temperature in the springs is maintained between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius (98 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit), offering relaxation and therapeutic benefits. The bathhouse is recognized as a federal heritage building, highlighting its historical significance.