Where it all started - the historic Cave & Basin♨️ 🏛️

This is where Canada’s National Park's started. In 1883, railway workers stumbled on a hot, steamy cave here and kicked off the whole “we should protect this place”. A couple of years later the area grew into Banff National Park.

I've been here a couple times, usually with visiting family in tourist mode. Walk the short tunnel into the cave, catch a whiff of sulphur, watch the spring bubbling, then head outside to the boardwalks and marshes below. You can’t swim here, but you do get a close look at a living hot spring and the tiny snails it protects.

Just a heads up - the cave smells strongly of sulphur (like rotten eggs), which caught me off guard the first time I visited lol. I knew they would smell, but didn't think it would be so strong. It’s all part of the natural experience though I suppose... right?! haha

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🌿 Site Amenities

• Historic cave & hot spring

• Outdoor hot pools (no swimming allowed)

• Art galleries & short films

• Boardwalk loops with marsh views and mountain lookouts

• Occasional talks and special events

• Gift shop

• Restaurant?: No

• Wifi?: No

• Cell Service?: Yes - but spotty in places

• Pets?: Not allowed inside the buildings, but are allowed on the outside paths

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🔗 BOOKINGS & DETAILS

If you want to book a private tour package through the Cave & Basin, including a couple of Banff's other best museums - you can check availability, pricing and more info on a bundle tour here: Cave & Basin Tour Bundle

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✅ TIPS FROM DEV, LINKS & SAFETY

• Icy trail in winter (I highly recommend microspikes).

• These thermal springs are not for swimming. The water may be hot and contains sensitive ecosystems, including endangered species like the Banff Springs snail. These tiny thermal spring snails are found nowhere else on Earth and are highly vulnerable to disturbance, which is why it’s so important to stay on the designated boardwalks.

• Parks Pass: Parks Canada Pass Required