CAVE AND BASIN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site to experience the birthplace of Canada’s national parks and learn about the natural and cultural history of the mountains. Discover the hot water that seeps from the rocks, smell the minerals and explore the trails. Enjoy it on your own or take one of the many guided tours.
Things to do
Hear the water bubble and drip as you walk the narrow tunnel to the cave. Enjoy the 4 screen HD movie that takes you to protected places across Canada.
Daily Activities
From guided Discovery Tours, seasonal special exhibits on the pool deck, to the Imagine a Country Exhibit, there’s always something new at the Cave and Basin.
Discovery tour
There is a pool and a cave but then there is so much more to see and experience. This five-stop guided journey takes you to the site where three railway workers in 1883, dared to climb down into a cave of mineral water. Learn how their discovery turned into the birthplace of Canada’s national park system. Year Round. Free with admission.
Lantern tours
The crowds are gone, the sun is hiding behind the mountain and the lanterns are lit. It’s time to trust your other senses and walk through the darkened tunnel on the Lantern Tour of the Cave and Basin in Banff National Park. The 25-minute tour is offered Saturday nights May through August.
ADDRESS
311 Cave Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2
Schedule:
Sunday: 09:30 - 17:00
Monday: 09:30 - 17:00
Tuesday: 09:30 - 17:00
Wednesday: 09:30 - 17:00
Thursday: 09:30 - 17:00
Friday: 09:30 - 17:00
Saturday: 09:30 - 17:00
Notes:
Hours of Operation - 2020
January 1 to May 14 (Wednesday to Sunday): 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
May 15 to October 15 (open daily): 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October 16 to December 31 (Wednesday to Sunday): 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PRICES
Adult - From £6
Child - From £4
Getting Here
To fully experience The Cave and Basin gift shop and the surrounding boardwalks, plan at least 2-3 hours. Popular seasonal special events should be booked ahead. Combine it with a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs just a short drive around Sulphur Mountain.
The Cave and Basin is on the edge of the town of Banff, Alberta and only 128 kilometres on the Trans-Canada Highway (#1) from the Calgary International Airport. Shuttles to Banff and rental cars are available at the airport and the city centre.
The Cave and Basin is located at 311 Cave Avenue. Drive down Banff Avenue and turn right after the bridge, continue to the end of Cave Ave and park by the Welcome Centre.
Accessible by Roam Transit Route 4
Weekend and holiday service: May 18 – June 17
Daily between June 18 – September 16
