Miette Hot Springs
Alberta's hottest thermal springs (around 40 °C), nestled amid scenic mountain terrain 17 km off Highway 16 in Jasper National Park.Miette Hot Springs is the warmest natural hot springs in the Canadian Rockies, located about 60 kilometers east of Jasper along the scenic Miette Road in the Fiddle Valley. The springs are set in a sheltered mountain basin surrounded by rugged peaks, including Utopia Mountain and Roche Miette, creating a dramatic yet relaxing environment. The water emerges from the mountainside at roughly 54°C, then is cooled to a comfortable soaking temperature of about 37-40°C before flowing into large outdoor pools. This combination of fresh mountain air, warm mineral water, and panoramic views makes Miette a favorite for both relaxation and scenic enjoyment.
The Miette Hot Springs facility features two hot soaking pools and two cooler swimming pools, all outdoors with unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and forest. The water is rich in minerals such as sulfate, calcium, bicarbonate, and magnesium, giving it a silky feel and a reputation for therapeutic benefits. A change in seasons transforms the experience-in summer, you can soak under bright blue skies with forested slopes all around, while in autumn, golden foliage frames the pools. In spring, you might see lingering snow on the surrounding peaks, and in early winter, steam rising from the warm water contrasts beautifully with frosty air, though the springs close in late autumn for the season.
Miette Hot Springs are typically open from early May to mid-October, with the road closed in winter due to avalanche risk. The 17-kilometer Miette Road that leads to the springs is a highlight in itself, winding through mountain valleys and offering a good chance of spotting wildlife such as bighorn sheep, elk, and black bears along the way. Near the hot springs, trailheads lead to popular hikes like the Source of the Springs Trail, a short, steep walk to where the hot water bubbles directly out of the ground, and the Sulphur Skyline Trail, a challenging half-day hike with spectacular summit views over the Fiddle Valley and surrounding ranges.
On site, visitors will find change rooms, showers, lockers, and a small café. Many people pair a soak with a picnic at the nearby Miette picnic area or explore the interpretive signs that explain the history and geology of the springs. The name "Miette" comes from the nearby Roche Miette, a distinctive flat-topped mountain whose name is derived from the French word for "crumb," a nod to the early fur trade era when French-speaking voyageurs traveled through the area.
Miette Hot Springs offers a rare blend of wellness, scenery, and nature immersion-whether you're easing sore hiking muscles, watching clouds drift past mountain peaks, or simply enjoying the quiet warmth in the crisp alpine air.
Miette Hot Springs has both a fascinating geological story and a rich human history that deepen its appeal beyond just being a scenic place to soak.
Miette Hot Springs Geological Background
The hot springs originate deep within the limestone and dolomite layers of the surrounding mountains. Rainwater and snowmelt seep into the ground at higher elevations, percolating deep underground through cracks and porous rock. There, geothermal heat warms the water before it follows fault lines back to the surface. At Miette, the water emerges at an impressive 54°C-the warmest natural hot spring in the Canadian Rockies-making it a rare and valuable resource in such a cool alpine climate. As it flows, the water dissolves minerals from the surrounding rock, enriching it with calcium, magnesium, sulfate, bicarbonate, and other trace minerals. This mineral content gives the water its silky feel and is part of the reason it has been valued for its soothing and restorative qualities.
Miette Hot Springs
Historical Significance
For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples in the region knew of and used the springs, recognizing their warmth, comfort, and connection to the land's natural cycles. When European settlers and travelers arrived in the area, the springs became known in fur trade and exploration circles. By the early 20th century, word had spread about the hot springs, and adventurous visitors would make the journey up the valley to soak in their natural pools.In 1913, a rudimentary bathing facility was built to accommodate early tourists, and over the years, these structures were upgraded. The modern-day pools, with their multiple soaking and swimming areas, changing rooms, and café, are the result of gradual improvements aimed at making the springs accessible to more people. Even so, the site retains its mountain setting and sense of remoteness, thanks to the winding access road and the lack of major development nearby.
The Drive and Surroundings
The 17-kilometer Miette Road is part of the experience, climbing from the main highway into the Fiddle Valley. Along the way, there are sweeping mountain views, forested slopes, and frequent wildlife sightings-bighorn sheep are particularly common near the road, sometimes resting right on the asphalt. This valley is also known for its geology, with steep cliffs, exposed rock layers, and occasional waterfalls in spring when snowmelt is heavy.Nearby Trails
Two trails make the area a favorite for hikers..Source of the Springs Trail - A short but steep interpretive path leading to the point where the hot water emerges from the mountainside. Here, you can see steam rising and mineral deposits forming around the outlet.
Sulphur Skyline Trail - A challenging 8-kilometer round-trip hike that climbs steadily above the hot springs to a panoramic summit. From the top, you can see the entire Fiddle Valley, Roche Miette's distinctive summit, and ranges stretching deep into the park. Many hikers finish the climb with a rewarding soak in the pools below.
Seasonal Atmosphere
Spring - Snow often lingers on the peaks while the pools are already warm and inviting.Summer - Long daylight hours and warm weather make it ideal for combining hikes and soaks.
Autumn - Golden leaves and cooler air make the warmth of the pools especially comforting. The facility closes in mid-October and reopens in early May, as heavy snow and avalanche danger make the road impassable in winter.
Cultural Meaning
The name "Miette" is tied to nearby Roche Miette, a flat-topped mountain visible from parts of the valley. Early fur traders named it after the French word for "crumb," possibly referring to its blocky summit shape. Over time, the name became associated with the springs as well.Miette Hot Springs is more than just a place to relax-it's a living connection between the deep earth's geothermal energy, the cultural history of Jasper, and the dramatic alpine landscape. Visitors today can enjoy all the comforts of a modern facility while still being immersed in the same mountain scenery and warm waters that have drawn people here for centuries.
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