Two popular attractions are within a block or two of The Rimrock Resort Hotel: the Upper Hot Springs and the Banff Gondola.

Upper Hot Springs

Naturally flowing thermal water is what first drew tourists to Banff, and visitors have been taking the waters here since 1884, not long after three off-duty Canadian Pacific Railway workers discovered hot springs at what is now known as Cave and Basin National Historic Site. In 1886, a log bathhouse was built farther up Sulphur Mountain, about where The Rimrock now sits. That was replaced in 1932 with a picturesque stone-and-shingle bathhouse with grand views of Mount Rundle. The bathhouse and pool get crowded at times, but soaking in the springs is a Banff tradition, and if it’s privacy you want, you can have the place to yourself for an hour before or an hour after regular hours for about $260 Canadian ($190).

Banff Gondola

Nearby, the Banff Gondola offers spectacular views of the Bow and Spray valleys and six mountain ranges from glass-enclosed cars that climb 2,300 feet to the top of 7,486-foot Sulphur Mountain. Scenic hiking trails extend from the summit, including a steep three-mile one that leads back to the base.