For a more slower paced activity, consider a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

Local Indigenous people had visited natural hot springs on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain for thousands of years before railway workers stumbled across the site in the late 19th century. This initiated the development of the park.

The Cave and Basin Historic Site features a range of different attractions. One of the most interesting is the original hot springs cave location, which features an emerald-coloured pool.

There is also an exhibition hall, the heritage 1914 Bathing Pavilion, thermal water boardwalks (birdwatching, historical structures), valley viewpoints and a thermal snail pond. The latter is home to one of the rarest creatures in the world, only existing in Banff National Park!

Cave and Basin Historic Site has an admission fee - $9/adults, $7/seniors. Youth are free. There is a combination ticket available for the Banff Hot Springs. Entry is free with a Discovery Pass (not a daily Parks Canada pass).