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Historic site · Banff, Alberta
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
The place where Canada’s national parks system began: a cave with a hot spring and an uncovered outdoor pool discovered in 1883, with exhibits and trails across heated wetlands.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cave and Basin National Historic Site
In 1883 three railway workers found a cave with a hot spring on the slope of Sulphur Mountain. The dispute over ownership of the springs led the government to protect them in 1885, creating the reserve that became Banff National Park and the basis of Canada’s national parks system.
The national historic site Cave and Basin preserves the cave, which you enter through a tunnel to a natural pool of sulfurous water beneath an opening in the ceiling, and an outdoor pool, the basin. Swimming is not allowed: the water is home to a tiny snail that exists only in these springs and is endangered.
The exhibits tell the story of the park and the Indigenous peoples of the Rockies. Outside, a boardwalk crosses wetlands heated by the springs, with plants and birds that do not survive elsewhere in the region. Admission is paid; check the current price list.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1½ hours.
Best time
At any time of year; in winter the steam over the wetlands is more visible.
How to get there
At the end of Cave Avenue, about 1.5 km from downtown Banff, reachable on foot, by bike, or by car.
Tip
Then continue via the Sundance Trail or along the Bow River, which start at the site.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Can you swim in the Cave and Basin?
No. The water is home to a snail that exists only in these springs and is protected.
Why is the Cave and Basin important?
It was from these springs that the government created, in 1885, the reserve that became Banff National Park and started Canada’s national park system.
Where is the Cave and Basin?
At the end of Cave Avenue, about 1.5 km from downtown Banff.