Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Cave and Basin National Historic Site things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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The Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada is located in the town of Banff, Alberta, within the Canadian Rocky Mountains, at the site of natural thermal mineral springs around which Canada's first national park, Banff National Park, was established.
attractions: Banff Trail Riders - Stables, Marsh Loop Trailhead, restaurants: Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies
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The Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada is located in the town of Banff, Alberta, within the Canadian Rocky Mountains, at the site of natural thermal mineral springs around which Canada's first national park, Banff National Park, was established.
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A must see National Historic site, its the birth place of Canada's National parks. Kids had lot of fun to get them engaged staff provided a book to find all the items and at the end kids got explorer tags and a cute ceerificate, there were interactive board to fill out and take pictures. At the time we visited kids went free and adults ticket was 9$ however we had discovery pass and I showed it to the reception & hence there was no charge and our group of 6 went for free. Staff were so friendly and they answered my kids curious questions. Some of you may find basin stinky but its all natural due to geothermal phenomenas. Ample parking and washroom. There was a gift shop at entrance, a mini theatre and upper and lower basin, there was a trail which we didnt do. There are elevators hence you can take stroller or wheelchair bit doesnt go all the way at top to the red chairs. Over all its totally worth it and magnificant. Plan about 3 hours if you intend to go though in depth. There were benches and picnic tables to sit and eat in nice weather. Not sheltered though. Check out images and videos & follow for more detailed reviews.
Vids TubeVids Tube
30
I really enjoyed the caves / basin. After other experiences in Banff left me feel annoyed with value, I was very happy with the $8/person entry fee. Yes the sulphur smell is strong but not unbearable. It was neat to learn that it was the first national historic site, albeit Canada took over a sacred Indigenous site. We went right at opening time and it wasn't too busy. The paths up to the upper pools were a bit slippery, but there are warning signs that the trails are not maintained. Overall I think it's a neat place that both kids and adults can enjoy. The negative reviews I believe are from people that do not understand the significance of maintaining a national historic site/protecting an endangered species - and likely wish more areas would be blasted to have more caves. Edit: I realized later that we missed a whole building of exhibits (on the Internment Camps). Maybe some more clear signage would be helpful to make sure guests don't miss anything. We did have to ask about how to get to the upper basins because that wasn't clear (through a gate that looked like the public weren't meant to go through).
ally bestally best
10
A must to visit place in Banff downtown. However it is not that big but has many things to offer. First, you will have an idea of unique organisms which live in warm water at high Sulphur content. Then, you are going to see some of the simple and old mining equipments, outfits and half an old car. In the same hull you can take a photo of your self and pin it to the board. After that, you will move to the cave and the warm water basin where you will find an ugly smell but it’s ok that is the Sulphur oxides at tiny levels which will not affect your health. Finally, you will be checking the out door old pool inactive pool and where you will read and watch some stuff about the reduction of ice volumes (glaciers) and its relation to climate change. Also, there is a small place for kids to play and an other outdoor basin. You may get upstairs to have a better look. Entry fees: c$ 3/ adult. Here is the start point of Banff.
Abdullah AlBiladiAbdullah AlBiladi
00
Le Lieu historique national Cave and Basin, situé à Banff que nous avons visités le 12 septembre, est un site fascinant qui marque le lieu de naissance des parcs nationaux du Canada. C’est ici qu’en 1883, trois cheminots ont découvert des sources d'eau chaude naturelles dans une grotte, ce qui a mené à la création du premier parc national du pays, le Parc national de Banff. Ce site historique offre une combinaison unique de beauté naturelle et d'histoire culturelle. La grotte elle-même, avec sa piscine d'eau chaude soufrée, est un spectacle à voir, avec ses parois calcaires et l'eau turquoise qui émet une légère odeur de soufre. Il y a également des expositions interactives qui racontent l'histoire de la création des parcs nationaux canadiens, les luttes pour la préservation de l'environnement, et l'importance des sources thermales pour les peuples autochtones. En plus de la grotte, le site propose des sentiers de promenade qui te permettent d'explorer les environs, y compris des bassins d'eau chaude à l'extérieur, où tu peux voir des espèces rares comme l'escargot de Banff, qui ne se trouve nulle part ailleurs dans le monde. Le site offre également une vue magnifique sur les montagnes environnantes et est un excellent endroit pour en apprendre davantage sur l'histoire naturelle et culturelle des Rocheuses canadiennes. C'est un lieu idéal pour combiner nature et histoire, surtout par temps couvert, et profiter de son atmosphère unique. The Cave and Basin National Historic Site in Banff, which we visited on September 12, is a fascinating site that marks the birthplace of Canada’s national parks. It was here in 1883 that three railway workers discovered natural hot springs in a cave, leading to the creation of the country’s first national park, Banff National Park. This historic site offers a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural history. The cave itself, with its hot sulphur pool, is a sight to behold, with its limestone walls and turquoise water that emits a faint sulphur smell. There are also interactive exhibits that tell the story of the creation of Canada’s national parks, the struggles for environmental preservation, and the importance of hot springs to Indigenous peoples. In addition to the cave, the site offers walking trails that allow you to explore the surrounding area, including outdoor hot pools where you can see rare species like the Banff snail, which is found nowhere else in the world. The site also offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and is a great place to learn about the natural and cultural history of the Canadian Rockies. It is a great place to combine nature and history, especially on an overcast day, and enjoy its unique atmosphere.
Philippe MorinPhilippe Morin
00
Very accessible and informative setup for the place where the national parks system in Canada began. Most of the content isn't about the hot springs/grotto, which is beautiful but can be taken in over a few minutes. Lots of good info and exhibits about both the history of the bathhouse (no longer an option at this particular hot springs) and the parks. The view from this location is also quite nice. Lots of parking available or your can walk from downtown (mostly along the river, very nice). I believe the town shuttle stops there as well. If you have a Canadian national parks pass, BRING IT and got get free entry (there as well as the museum in town). This is not well advertised and seems at odds with the fact that you have to show proof of paying the park entry in your car but it's still the truth :)
Andrew EleganteAndrew Elegante
20
Not to be missed of you are visiting first time to Banff. National Park pass holders entry is free. All others need to buy tickets. This is exactly under the Sulfur Mountains, and you can smell that when you go inside caves. There is a small exhibit to view along with a short movie shown by them about national parks. The cave is small but worth it. Once you go further, the friendly national park will help you fund the endangered SNAILS in the pond nearby, and they will explain in detail with great enthusiasm. Thanks, folks. Don't forget to go climb the stairs to see the location of the first banff hotel there. There is plenty of free parking. PS: Don't forget to take your Patk pass and ID with you to get a free entry. There is no need to display the park pass while you are in this parking.
Rangasamy Saravana MoorthyRangasamy Saravana Moorthy
10
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+1 403-762-1566
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Website
pc.gc.ca
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