Cave and Basin
Museum · Banff

Cave and Basin

Photo: Kimpayant · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Cave and Basin marks the spot where three railway workers found hot springs in 1883. The find prompted the Canadian government to protect the area as the country's first national park. Exhibits cover the history of the discovery and early park management.

On day 1 of Banff & the Rockies

Good to know

Tickets
Admission fees apply; confirm current rates on the Parks Canada website.
Time needed
1 hour
Best time
Summer for outdoor pool access
Getting there
2 km southwest of Banff town centre by foot or short drive

Itineraries with Cave and Basin

Day 1 of Banff & the Rockies

Tunnel Mountain and Bow River

How Cave and Basin fits into a day.
  1. 8:00Tunnel Mountain HikeTunnel Mountain Trailhead
  2. 10:30Cave and Basin National Historic SiteCave and Basin
  3. 14:00Bow River Trail WalkBow River Promenade
See all 5 days
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Cave and Basin questions

Can you swim in the Cave and Basin?

No. The pools are protected and closed to swimming.

Is Cave and Basin free to visit?

No. Standard Parks Canada fees apply unless you hold a valid pass.

How long does it take to visit Cave and Basin?

Most visitors spend about one hour on the exhibits and cave viewing.

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