Mist Mountain Hot Springs Hike: The Ultimate Guide to Kananaskis’ Hidden Hot Springs
There’s no better way to end a mountain getaway than with one last adventure—and that’s exactly what Faron and I did before heading home to our boys.
A few years ago, Faron and I escaped to Banff for a much-needed couple’s trip (the same getaway where we discovered Johnson Lake and even tried paddleboard yoga for the first time!). Before heading back to Calgary to pick up our boys, we decided to squeeze in one last hike—and it ended up being one of our favourites.
The Mist Mountain Hot Springs hike had been on my bucket list for years, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Incredible mountain views, a fun and challenging trail, a scenic mountain viewpoint where I couldn’t resist striking a few yoga poses, and the reward of soaking in two natural hot springs tucked into the mountainside… it was the perfect way to wrap up our trip.
If hiking to natural hot springs sounds like your kind of adventure, this guide has everything you need to know before you go.
If you’re spending a few days in Banff, don’t miss our guide to the Lake Minnewanka Loop, where you’ll also find Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake, and Lake Minnewanka—all easy stops that pair perfectly with this hike.
🥾 Quick Facts
📍 Location: Kananaskis Country, Alberta
🥾 Distance: Approximately 8 km round trip
⛰️ Elevation Gain: About 500 metres
⭐ Difficulty: Moderate
⏰ Time Required: 3–5 hours
🌸 Best Time to Visit: Late June through early October
🐻 Dog Friendly: Dogs are permitted on leash, but exposed rocky sections may not suit every dog.
👨👩👧 Kid Friendly: Best suited for older kids (10+) who are experienced hikers
🚗 Kananaskis Conservation Pass: Required
💦 Highlight: Two natural hot spring pools hidden high in the mountains
How to Find the Mist Mountain Hot Springs Trailhead
One of the biggest challenges of this hike isn’t the trail itself—it’s finding where it starts! Once you find the trail, though, the rest of the adventure is surprisingly straightforward.
The Mist Mountain Hot Springs trailhead is located along Highway 40 in Kananaskis Country, but don’t expect a large parking lot or obvious trailhead sign. It’s easy to drive right past if you aren’t paying attention.
📍 Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 50.522814, -114.883516
We highly recommend entering these coordinates into your GPS before leaving home, as cell service is very limited (or completely unavailable) once you’re in Kananaskis.
If you’re driving south on Highway 40 from Highwood Pass, the trailhead will be on your left-hand side. Look for a small roadside pullout with a well-worn path leading into the trees. If you reach the Picklejar Lakes trailhead, you’ve gone a little too far.
Parking is limited and this hike has become increasingly popular over the years, so arriving early in the morning is your best bet for snagging a spot and beating some of the crowds at the hot springs.
Before you head out: Always check Alberta Parks and Alberta 511 for current trail and highway conditions. Temporary closures can happen due to weather, wildlife activity, flooding, or maintenance, and Highway 40 isn’t always fully accessible throughout the year.
What the Hike is Like
The trail starts off fairly mellow as you make your way through the valley, but don’t let that fool you—it doesn’t stay easy for long!
As you begin climbing, the elevation gain becomes much more noticeable. The trail definitely gets your heart pumping, but every switchback rewards you with another incredible mountain view. We found ourselves stopping every few minutes—not just to catch our breath, but because the scenery was too beautiful not to take in.
One of my favourite memories from this hike was stopping near the top to do a little yoga while soaking in the views. There’s just something about practicing yoga surrounded by mountains that fills my soul.
While I would definitely classify this as a moderate hike, there are a few sections that require extra attention.
There are some rocky stretches along the mountainside with a bit of exposure, and we even had to do a couple little “butt shimmies” over the rocks to safely make our way through. Nothing felt overly technical, but good hiking shoes and sure footing are definitely important.
If you’re nervous around heights, just take your time. There’s no rush, and the scenery is worth slowing down for anyway.
Finding the Natural Hot Springs
The reward at the end of the Mist Mountain Hot Springs hike is unlike anything else in Kananaskis.
Tucked into the mountainside are two natural hot spring pools, with one sitting just above the other. It honestly felt like discovering a hidden little oasis after the climb.
The pools themselves aren’t huge, but that’s part of their charm. Watching the steam rise while surrounded by towering mountain peaks is such a unique experience.
Because the pools are natural, the water temperature can vary throughout the year depending on rainfall and the season. Some days they’re wonderfully warm, while other days they may be cooler than expected—but they’re always a unique experience.
It’s easy to see why this hike has become so popular.
Expect to Wait Your Turn
Even though we started our hike fairly early, we still had to wait a little while before getting into the springs.
Because the pools are small, only a handful of people can comfortably enjoy them at once. Thankfully, everyone we met was incredibly respectful, and there seemed to be an unspoken understanding that everyone would get a turn.
Once it was our turn, we only soaked for about ten minutes. Honestly, it felt like just enough time before continuing our hike back down.
Just sitting in a natural hot spring surrounded by mountains—even for a few minutes—was one of those experiences we’ll never forget.
Best Time to Visit Mist Mountain Hot Springs
The best time to hike to the Mist Mountain Hot Springs is late June through early October, when the trail is typically snow-free and Highway 40 is fully open.
If you can, I’d recommend visiting on a weekday or arriving early in the morning. This hike has become incredibly popular over the years, and because the hot spring pools are quite small, they can get busy by mid-morning—especially on warm summer weekends.
We started our hike early and still had to wait a short while for our turn in the springs. Thankfully, everyone was respectful and kept their soak fairly short so others could enjoy the experience too.
Mountain weather can change quickly, even in the middle of summer, so be sure to pack an extra layer and check the forecast before heading out.
What to Bring
To make the most of your hike, I’d recommend packing:
✔️ Plenty of water
✔️ Snacks or lunch
✔️ Hiking boots with good grip
✔️ Swimsuit
✔️ Small towel
✔️ Extra layers (mountain weather changes quickly!)
✔️ Sunscreen
✔️ Bear spray
✔️ A dry bag or plastic bag for your wet swimsuit
✔️ Downloaded offline trail map
Is Mist Mountain Hot Springs Kid Friendly?
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend this hike for younger children. I’d say it’s best suited for kids around 10 and older who already have some hiking experience.
While the distance itself isn’t unreasonable, there are a few rocky sections with some exposure that require careful footing. The climb can also be fairly steep in places.
For experienced hiking families with older kids or teenagers, I think it would be an amazing adventure. But if your little ones are under about 10 years old, I’d probably save this one for a few years down the road.
Tips Before You Go
🥾 Wear proper hiking footwear.
📱 Download your map before leaving home.
🩱 Wear your swimsuit under your hiking clothes or pack it in your backpack.
⏱️ Keep your soak short if others are waiting.
🐻 Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
🗑️ Pack out everything you bring in.
🌦️ Check the forecast before heading out—mountain weather can change quickly.
🚧 Double-check for trail or highway closures before your trip.
Help keep Mist Mountain beautiful. The hot springs are a fragile natural environment, so please pack out everything you bring, avoid using soaps or shampoos in the water, and be respectful of other hikers. A little courtesy goes a long way in preserving this incredible place for future visitors.
Is the Mist Mountain Hot Springs Hike Worth It?
Without a doubt.
This hike has everything I love about the Canadian Rockies: incredible mountain views, just enough challenge to make you feel accomplished, and a reward that’s unlike almost any other hike in Alberta.
For us, it was the perfect ending to an unforgettable couple’s getaway.
Between the mountain scenery, the peaceful moments along the trail, finding the hidden hot springs, and even sneaking in a little mountaintop yoga, it’s a hike I’ll always remember.
If you’re looking for a unique Kananaskis adventure that’s a little different from the usual summit hikes, the Mist Mountain Hot Springs hike absolutely deserves a spot on your Alberta hiking bucket list.
Have you hiked to the Mist Mountain Hot Springs? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
Happy hiking! 🥾💙
Pin these for later! 📌
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Mist Mountain Hot Springs free?
Yes! There is no fee to use the natural hot springs themselves. However, you’ll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park in Kananaskis Country if you’re visiting by vehicle.
Can you swim in the Mist Mountain Hot Springs?
Not really. The pools are quite small and are meant for soaking rather than swimming. Most visitors spend just a few minutes enjoying the warm water before making room for others.
Do you need a swimsuit?
Yes. While these are natural hot springs, most visitors wear swimsuits. Bringing a small towel and a dry bag for your wet swimsuit will make the hike back much more comfortable.
Are the hot springs natural?
Yes! Unlike developed hot springs with changing rooms and facilities, the Mist Mountain Hot Springs are completely natural. There are no amenities, so be sure to pack out everything you bring with you.
Can you camp near Mist Mountain Hot Springs?
There isn’t a campground at the trailhead, but there are several campgrounds in Kananaskis Country within driving distance if you’re planning to make a weekend out of your adventure.
Are there washrooms at the trailhead?
No. There are no washrooms or facilities at the trailhead, so plan accordingly before you begin your hike.
Can you visit the Mist Mountain Hot Springs year-round?
Access depends on trail conditions and Highway 40 seasonal access. Snow, wildlife closures, flooding, or maintenance can affect accessibility, so always check the latest trail conditions before heading out.
Is Mist Mountain Hot Springs worth visiting?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a hike that combines beautiful mountain scenery with one of Alberta’s most unique natural attractions, Mist Mountain Hot Springs is well worth adding to your hiking bucket list. Just be prepared to share the pools with other hikers—they’ve become a popular destination for good reason.
More Alberta Adventures
Planning a longer Rocky Mountain getaway? These Alberta travel guides will help you discover even more incredible destinations, hiking trails, and local experiences.
Lake Louise Hike: Plain of Six Glaciers, Big Beehive & Lake Agnes Tea House Loop
If you’re planning several days in Banff National Park, our guide to hiking around Lake Louise is another must-see adventure.
Canmore Alberta Travel Guide
Just a short drive from Banff National Park, Canmore offers stunning mountain scenery, excellent restaurants, outdoor adventures, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Our complete Canmore travel guide covers everything you need to know before visiting.
3-Day Canmore Itinerary
Planning a longer Rockies getaway? Check out our 3-Day Canmore Itinerary for even more hiking and sightseeing ideas.
Things to Do in Canmore
From scenic hikes and river walks to wildlife viewing and local attractions, discover the best things to do in Canmore throughout the year.
Best Restaurants in Canmore
After a day of exploring the Rockies, treat yourself to one of Canmore’s fantastic restaurants. From casual cafés to memorable dining experiences, we’ve rounded up our favourite places to eat.
Grassi Lakes Hike
Looking for another spectacular Alberta hike? The Grassi Lakes Trail is one of the most beautiful and accessible hikes in the Canadian Rockies, featuring turquoise lakes and incredible mountain views.
Kinney Lake Hike, Mount Robson Provincial Park
If you’re heading west into British Columbia, the Kinney Lake Trail offers breathtaking views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and is one of our favourite day hikes in the region.
We appreciate your support!
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase or book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! This helps keep the blog running so we can bring you more free travel & experience guides : )
We would love to have you onboard for our new posts! Subscribe below
Leave a Reply