Hot Springs in Jasper: The Perfect Morning at Miette
If you are traveling through the Canadian Rockies and heading into Jasper National Park, I have the perfect morning activity for you. It is relaxing, set in the middle of the mountains, and it also gives you the chance to get a little active and explore afterwards.
If you love the idea of soaking in hot water with mountain views all around you, while also learning a little about the area, Miette Hot Springs should be on your list.
Jasper National Park is unreal. Everywhere you turn you are surrounded by snow-dusted peaks, turquoise lakes that look almost fake, thick pine forests, and endless valleys. But the park is not just about the scenery above ground. It also has natural hot springs that come straight from the mountains.
The way it works is pretty cool. Water seeps deep underground where it gets heated by gases and geothermal energy, then it flows back up to the surface. At Miette Hot Springs, the water comes out of the mountain at 54°C or 129°F.
Before it reaches the pools, it is cooled to around 40°C or 104°F, which is exactly the right temperature for sitting back, soaking, and relaxing. It is basically nature’s hot tub.
Miette Hot Springs
Miette Hot Springs is located between the towns of Hinton and Jasper, tucked into the mountains with wide open views of the Fiddle River Valley. The pools themselves are not wild and untouched, but part of a developed facility.
That might not sound as exciting, but it actually makes the experience even more enjoyable. You get clean pools, good facilities, and the peace of mind of knowing the water temperature is just right.
There are a few pools here. The main ones are big and hot, perfect for sitting back and letting your muscles relax. Then there are two smaller cold pools that are kept at much lower temperatures. If you want, you can go back and forth between the hot and cold water.
It wakes you up, gets your blood flowing, and makes the hot pools feel even better when you slip back in.
The facilities are surprisingly nice for a mountain hot springs spot. There are locker rooms with showers, bathing suit dryers, lockers, and the option to rent swimsuits and towels if you forgot yours. Lifeguards are always on duty which makes it feel safe and calm.
The whole setup has a laid-back atmosphere, but it is still well maintained and easy to use.
If you want the most relaxing and quiet experience, I highly suggest getting there when the doors open at 9 a.m. At that time of day the pools are almost empty, the air is crisp, and you can watch the steam rising off the water while the mountains wake up around you.
By mid to late morning the pools do start to fill up, especially in summer, so early is best.
Getting There
Getting to Miette Hot Springs is part of the adventure. The drive takes about 50 minutes to an hour from Jasper, and it is a scenic ride through the Rockies. The road curves around forested hillsides, passes through valleys, and gives you glimpses of the mountains the whole way.
If you are lucky you might even spot elk, deer, or other wildlife along the drive.
Parking is huge and easy, so you do not have to stress about finding a spot. The hot springs are part of a bigger area that has campgrounds and even places to book a room if you want to stay nearby. We arrived right at opening and had no problem with parking or crowds.
Driving up that early also meant catching some of the soft morning light over the mountains, which made it even more special.
How Long to Spend
How long you spend here really depends on you. Some people are in and out in under an hour, while others can easily spend half the day. I recommend at least an hour to really enjoy it.
This gives you time to go back and forth between the hot and cold pools, let your body relax, and take in the views. If you have been hiking or exploring the park pretty hard, you may want to spend longer. It is the perfect way to let your muscles recover before heading back out.
Entrance Fees
Here are the entry prices, and each one includes a locker token:
- Adults $17.50
- Seniors $15.25
- Youth $15.25
- Children under 3 are free
- Family $56.75
- Extra youth $8.50
If you plan to spend more than one visit here in a day, you can grab a day pass. Adults are $27, seniors and youth are $23.75, children under 3 are still free, and family passes are $88.25. Extra youth day passes are $13.50.
Rentals are super affordable too. Swimsuits and towels are only $2.25 each, which is perfect if you are traveling light and did not pack swim gear. There are also season passes if you are in Jasper National Park longer and know you will want to come back again and again.