Banff 
Overview
Cave & Basin National Historic Site ©Kimpayant
About Cave & Basin National Historic Site
Reopened in May 2013, the Cave & Basin National Historic Site is the birthplace of all national parks across Canada. This National Historic Site was built around natural thermal mineral springs in late 1800s.
The interpretive centre displays heritage of the thermal waters and the history of national parks.
The outside boardwalk explores the historic bathing pavilion and the natural history of the area.
What to do at Cave & Basin National Historic Site ?
Things to do at Cave & Basin National Historic Site.
Take the guided 45-minute tour and see the narrow tunnels in the dimly lit cave, learn about the history of Banff and the bathing pavilion and take a boardwalk stroll over marshlands.
Stroll along the Discovery Boardwalk (0.4km ) to view the cave vent, springs and pools filled with pink bacteria and algae.
Learn about the natural history of Banff by taking the 0.5km Marsh Boardwalk Loop.
Participate in the spooky after-hours Lantern tour (see hours below).
See a cinema under the stars.
Hike along the 7.4km round trip Sundance Trail and the 2.7 km Marsh Loop.
Learn more about First World War internment in Canada at the Internment Exhibit Building adjacent to Historic Site.
Who all can go and enjoy Cave & Basin National Historic Site? – All
How to get to Cave & Basin National Historic Site ?
Location/directions to Cave & Basin National Historic Site
To use Roam bus: see here
From Banff town centre, cross the Bow river bridge and turn onto Cave Avenue. The Cave & Basin National Historic Site is located at the end of the road.
Marsh Boardwalk Trail starts below the building and Discovery Boardwalk Trail is above the bathing pavilion.
GPS coordinates : 51.168333, -115.591389
How much to visit Cave & Basin National Historic Site?
Admission/ Rates Cave & Basin National Historic Site
The boardwalks are free, but there is an admission fee for the Interpretive centre and guided tour.
Adult: $ 9.00
Senior: $ 7.50
Youth: free
Free Admission on Canada Day
When to visit Cave & Basin National Historic Site ?
Hours / Times Cave & Basin National Historic Site
(Kindly verify the current hours & admission rates from the attraction website)
May 15 to October 15, 2025 – Open daily: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October 16 to May 14: Thursday to Monday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed:
December 25
September 22 to 25, 2025
October 23 to 25, 2025
December 15 to 18, 2025
March 16 to 19, 2026
June 15 to 18, 2026
TBA
How long will it take to see Cave & Basin National Historic Site?
Depending on interest, one hour to well over two hours.
What about Amenities, accessibility & parking?
Cafe, Gift shops.
Washrooms.
Most of the site is wheelchair accessible.
Parking is available in front of the museum.
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