Radium Hot Springs — Local services in Area G (Forster Creek/Mount Assiniboine)

I came as a visitor with my service dog with intentions of keeping her on the deck while I waded. The person scanning QR codes asked several times if we were visiting with the dog, and I kept repeating yes to him. He wasn't sure if it was allowed, and I explained that even on their website it outlines that service dogs are welcome. Even if it didn't, however, provincial guidelines would take effect and she'd have the right to stay with me.

It was never my intention to bring her in the water. I wasn't warned that there was no public access to the pool deck, as a corridor was made from the building straight into the water. There is also no indication of that on the website, otherwise I would have come better prepared.

I had to go outside in my barefeet to get her positioned on the deck. I won't go into details about my medical issues, but this caused a flare of symptoms and I had some struggles. The access to and from the pool was definitely not ideal but I did it as quickly as I could. It wasn't enough to prevent issues though. My dog alerts me to upcoming struggles and she did just that while I was in the pool. I expected it after having to run on the cold concrete.

I recommend for future accessibility to outline or show photos of how things are setup so that people can plan accordingly. It is also ideal to have a plan in place for those with accessibility needs that includes letting people know how to access the pool via other methods if needed - I would have taken my boots on the deck instead of leaving them in the locker, for example, to prevent the issues that resulted from the cold.

Having a certified service dog is still relatively new to me, and she's the reason that I'm ABLE to get out to places now. She helps me manage my flare ups and reactions, and helps my mobility when it fails due to those flares. I'm also learning about the issues that most people might not think of... so I hope these issues can be considered for future visitors who will hopefully have a...

The Experience: The hot springs are a relaxing and scenic destination, situated in the dramatic Sinclair Canyon at the entrance to the national park. Unlike some other hot springs, the water at Radium is clear and odorless, making for a pleasant soaking experience. The facility has an expansive hot pool for soaking and a larger, cooler swimming pool, which is great for families and for cooling off. The pools are surrounded by impressive rock faces and are a great place to unwind after a day of hiking, skiing, or other outdoor activities in the Canadian Rockies.

Key Features:

Natural Setting: The springs are a major draw due to their stunning location. Soaking in the warm mineral water while surrounded by the mountainous scenery is a highlight.

Family-Friendly: The facility is designed to be family-friendly, with both a hot pool and a cooler swimming pool, accommodating different preferences and ages.

Accessibility: The hot springs are run by Parks Canada, and they have information available about facility accessibility, safety, and guidelines.

History: The area has a rich history, once being a spiritual site for First Nations people. The facility itself, the "Aquacourt," is on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

Year-Round Operation: The hot springs are open daily, all year round, including on Canadian holidays, making them a great destination regardless of the season.

Practical Information:

Admission: You can purchase single-entry, day, or annual passes. Admission is purchased in person and is first-come, first-served.

Hours: The hot springs generally have extended hours, with the last entry being a half-hour before closing. It's always a good idea to check the Parks Canada website or call ahead for the most current hours, as they can sometimes vary.

Amenities: Rentals for swimsuits and towels are available, and lockers are provided. There are also changing rooms and...

UPDATE: Should have stood by this review and not gone back. Tried the place again June 2024 and only worse. Was down to a cold pool this time. Many were complaining even a fellow there with a yearly pass that it was cold for the last week and staff were insisting water temp at the entrance was fine. Found out they had just emptied/cleaned the pool and of course concrete would have been ice cold so despite pumping hot water in it cools immediately. They stated temp was 40+C but putting your hand right in the pipe it felt hardly hot so makes no sense. To top it off the price is now $15 for Senior so $30 to enter a cold pool was ridiculous. Then to boot my “senior” hubby was swimming in the water doing some under water turns and one of the life guards had the gall to approach and caution him that he was too active. How insane! It’s a pool, not a hottub. Add to that the terribly itchy skin again till the next day and we’ve had enough of the place. Terrible experience and not worth the price anymore. Will be hunting out the local free hotsprings was told about. Its apparently hot and don’t have to deal with all this nonsense. What’s the point of paying premium for non existent “hot” springs.

Should call this the Radium ‘Warm’ Springs. Not hot at all unless you find the spot where the water is piped in (this was first week of Oct 2021). Been to much hotter springs. Skin was burned red and very itchy after leaving due to high levels of chlorine. Not the experience we were hoping for and wouldn’t go back. People that work there are pleasant though, facilities are good and entry fee...