Safety and guidelines

Entry and capacity

Entry to Miette Hot Springs is first-come, first-served. Reservations and pre-booked tickets are not available.

Capacity is based on lifeguard-to-patron ratios. When the hot springs is at capacity, new patrons will only be permitted to enter as others leave.

Service dogs

Certified service dogs are permitted in the Miette Hot Springs lobby, change rooms, washrooms and on the pool decks while on duty. Following Alberta public swimming pool regulations, service dogs are not permitted in the hot springs.

All service dogs seeking entry to the hot springs must be certified per the Alberta Service Dogs Act. Staff may request that patrons show their Alberta Service Dog Identification Card.

Out-of-province and international visitors are encouraged to visit the Government of Alberta website for information on certifying their service dogs prior to travelling.

Pets and emotional support animals

Pets and emotional support animals not identified as service dogs under the Alberta Service Dogs Act are not permitted at Miette Hot Springs.

Intoxication, alcohol and cannabis

Patrons must be sober while visiting Miette Hot Springs.

Consuming alcohol, smoking or vaping tobacco or cannabis, or using other intoxicating substances are not permitted within Miette Hot Springs facilities. This includes on outdoor decks, walkways or associated day-use areas. Smoking or vaping tobacco is only allowed in the parking lots.

For everyone’s safety, individuals who appear intoxicated will not be allowed to enter. Anyone who becomes visibly impaired while in the pools will be asked to leave.

Violence and abuse

Violence, verbal abuse and physical abuse will not be tolerated. Be polite, follow directions from Parks Canada staff and respect your fellow patrons.

Patrons who do not comply with site rules will be directed to leave. Failure to do so will result in the RCMP being called and may lead to charges.

Pool rules

For your safety, rules that you may be familiar with from your local public swimming pool also apply at Miette Hot Springs. Patrons are expected to follow direction from lifeguards at all times.

Individuals who disobey instructions from lifeguards or repeatedly break pool rules will be directed to leave and may not return for the remainder of that day.

Non-swimmers

Non-swimmers must be kept within arm’s reach of an adult at all times.

Age requirements

Children 13 and under must be accompanied by a responsible person who is 14 or older. The responsible person must be in the water with the children and in the same pool basin and general area of the pool.

Children must remain within arm’s reach of a responsible person at all times.

Youth 14 to 17 are welcome to visit Miette Hot Springs without an adult.

Unaccompanied youth behaving in an unsafe or inappropriate manner will be asked to sit in the facility’s lobby until their parents or guardian can pick them up.

Spitting and polluting the water

Spitting and polluting the water is not permitted.

Protective, water-resistant swimwear

Children under 3, or those who are incontinent, must wear protective, water-resistant swimwear (swim diapers). This is a provincial public health requirement. Swim diapers are available for purchase on site.

Medical conditions, illness and pregnancy

Patrons with the following circumstances should consult a physician prior to visiting the hot springs. This includes individuals who:

• have a chronic medical condition including, but not limited to, heart disease, hypertension, seizures, diabetes or obesity
• have a medical condition requiring ongoing care by a physician
• are pregnant

Individuals with diarrhea, a history of diarrhea over the previous two weeks, open sores or wounds, or individuals who are feeling ill, must not use the hot springs until they have recovered.

Cleanliness

Patrons must shower using soap prior to entering the hot springs, and wash their hands with soap after using the washroom or changing diapers.

Glass

Glass is not permitted on the pool deck or within the hot springs bathhouse. This includes baby bottles and water bottles made of glass.

Street shoes

Street shoes are not permitted beyond the reception desk and should be stored in a locker.

Running

Running is not permitted on the deck or within the facility.

Pushing, play-fighting or rough play

Pushing, play-fighting and rough play are not permitted on the deck or within the facility.

Portable speakers, snorkels and inflatable toys

Portable speakers, snorkels and inflatable and aquatic toys including fins are not permitted within the hot springs.

Strollers

Strollers are permitted on the pool deck, away from the pool edge, in areas designated by lifeguards. Brakes must be applied.

Food and drink

Water in unbreakable drink containers is permitted on the pool deck, and encouraged.

Food and beverages, when stored in unbreakable metal or plastic containers, may be consumed in designated areas on the pool deck. Food is not permitted in change rooms, hallways or washrooms.

Food and beverages may also be enjoyed in the day-use area near the Source of the Springs trailhead, where picnic tables are available.

Hydration

It is recommended that patrons drink ample water from an unbreakable drink container while soaking, and cool off every 10 minutes.

Diving

Diving is not allowed in any part of the pool.

Swimwear

Swim wear is available for rent at Miette Hot Springs.

Parks Canada is committed to providing an aquatic environment where individuals from all backgrounds are welcome.

In addition to traditional North American swimwear, patrons may wear:

• long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts with pants or shorts
• any other swimwear that allows them to feel comfortable, whether for cultural, religious or personal preference, or for medical or health reasons

In all swimming areas managed by Parks Canada, bathers are required to wear a swimwear bottom.

All swimwear must be:

• different from the clothing the patron arrived in
• freshly laundered
• not of a type that will impair the patron’s ability to swim or the lifeguard’s ability to perform a rescue in the event of an emergency

Underwear on its own is not appropriate swimwear.

Weather and unexpected closures

Miette Hot Springs is open daily, from early May to mid-October. The hot springs may unexpectedly close throughout the year as a result of thunder, lightning or mechanical issues that may impact water quality.

When closures occur, patrons will be directed to leave the pool immediately. Visitors who have been in the pool for 30 minutes or less will receive a rain check.

Rain checks are valid for one year and can only be redeemed at Miette Hot Springs. Refunds will not be issued.

Camping

Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds within Jasper National Park. This includes sleeping in a vehicle. Camping is not permitted in the Miette Hot Springs parking lot, nor in any other roadside pullout, trailhead or day-use area in Jasper National Park.

Day-use area

A day-use area with picnic tables is available near the main parking lot of Miette Hot Springs.

Filming and photography

To ensure the privacy of visitors, filming and photography are not permitted in the change rooms or washrooms at Miette Hot Springs.

Limited photography and filming of scenery and members of the group you are visiting with is permitted on the pool deck and from within the hot springs. Underwater filming and photography and capturing images or video of other patrons is not permitted. Individuals who do not follow instructions from lifeguards will be directed to leave.

Commercial filming activities in Jasper National Park have special considerations. All commercial activity is subject to licensing and permits and is only permitted at Miette Hot Springs outside regular business hours.

Drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Recreational use of drones at all Parks Canada places is prohibited and may result in a fine of up to $25 000. Leave your drone at home when visiting the hot springs and Jasper National Park.

Learn more about drones in Jasper National Park.

Garbage

Place all garbage and recycling in the containers provided. Do not leave any garbage at your picnic table or in the change rooms.

Parking

Parking is only permitted in the designated parking lots. The main parking lot is a short uphill walk to the Miette Hot Springs bathhouse.

There is a smaller lot behind the bathhouse with four accessible parking stalls.

You must display a provincial or federal permit to park in all accessible stalls. Individuals who do not display a permit may have their car towed.