Cave and Basin National Historic Site Tours

The Cave and Basin National Historic Site in Banff National Park is more than just a neat place to explore. The First Nations who discovered the cave consider the hot springs a sacred site. Today, interactive interpretive exhibits make the birthplace of Canada’s national parks system—known today as Parks Canada—a must-visit.
The Basics
Purchase entry tickets at the gift shop adjacent to the parking lot and climb the gentle hill up to the interpretive center. In the central foyer are information about the historical site, mineral pools, and the tunnel that leads to the cave and the hot springs. Also here is a large museum hall with exhibits showcasing the history of Parks Canada and Banff National Park. Don’t miss a stroll outside to see more.
Many visitors come to the site as part of a tour from Calgary or Banff. Half-, full- or multi-day excursions may visit Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier, Moraine Lake, Bow Valley, Bow Falls, and/or other highlights of Banff, Yoho, and Jasper National Parks.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is located on the western edge of Banff, Alberta, and is easy to get to from downtown. Drive, bike, or hike the approximately 1.25 miles (2 kilometers), following Banff Avenue over the bridge to Cave Avenue. A public transit bus runs regularly to the site during summer, and on weekends and holidays from mid-May to mid-June.
When to Get There
The site is open year-round, and a visit in the spring, fall, or winter can be quiet and lovely. Peak season in Banff is summertime, from mid-June until the beginning of September. Summer weekends and holidays (Canada Day, Heritage Day, Labour Day) can be busy, with many visitors in from Calgary and beyond. To avoid some of the crowds, visit early in the day or in the evening.
How Thermal Waters Birthed Parks Canada
The First Nations have used the area’s mineral waters for healing for thousands of years, but when three Canadian Pacific Railway workers stumbled upon the cave entrance in the Canadian Rockies, they were quick to put up a fence and apply for land ownership. The Government of Canada denied their application, however, and soon took over the site as a protected area—ultimately giving rise to Banff National Park and the entire Parks Canada system.
The Basics
Purchase entry tickets at the gift shop adjacent to the parking lot and climb the gentle hill up to the interpretive center. In the central foyer are information about the historical site, mineral pools, and the tunnel that leads to the cave and the hot springs. Also here is a large museum hall with exhibits showcasing the history of Parks Canada and Banff National Park. Don’t miss a stroll outside to see more.
Many visitors come to the site as part of a tour from Calgary or Banff. Half-, full- or multi-day excursions may visit Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier, Moraine Lake, Bow Valley, Bow Falls, and/or other highlights of Banff, Yoho, and Jasper National Parks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is a must for history buffs and first-time visitors to Banff National Park.
- There is a fee to enter the site, though an annual Parks Canada pass grants you free admission.
- Be prepared for a short tunnel that can feel quite closed in when it is crowded. The cave itself is small and there may be a wait to get in.
- The facility is fully accessible. There is a drop-off point close to the interpretive center for those unable to walk from the parking lot.
How to Get There
The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is located on the western edge of Banff, Alberta, and is easy to get to from downtown. Drive, bike, or hike the approximately 1.25 miles (2 kilometers), following Banff Avenue over the bridge to Cave Avenue. A public transit bus runs regularly to the site during summer, and on weekends and holidays from mid-May to mid-June.
When to Get There
The site is open year-round, and a visit in the spring, fall, or winter can be quiet and lovely. Peak season in Banff is summertime, from mid-June until the beginning of September. Summer weekends and holidays (Canada Day, Heritage Day, Labour Day) can be busy, with many visitors in from Calgary and beyond. To avoid some of the crowds, visit early in the day or in the evening.
How Thermal Waters Birthed Parks Canada
The First Nations have used the area’s mineral waters for healing for thousands of years, but when three Canadian Pacific Railway workers stumbled upon the cave entrance in the Canadian Rockies, they were quick to put up a fence and apply for land ownership. The Government of Canada denied their application, however, and soon took over the site as a protected area—ultimately giving rise to Banff National Park and the entire Parks Canada system.
Address: 311 Cave Ave, Banff AB T0L 0C0, Canada
Admission: Varies
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Cave and Basin National Historic Site
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2 Hour Banff Horseback Riding Adventure
Saddle up and head out on the Rocky Mountain trails in Banff National Park. Explore the area by horseback with your cowboy guide to see the area in a way you can only experience from on the back of a horse. With a guide in the lead and a guide bringing up the rear, your ride will be a safe, fun adventure in the wilderness.
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From
$109.09
From
$109.09
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Covered Wagon or Horseback Ride in Banff with Western Cookout
Saddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain. At the dining site, spend some time perfecting your roping skills or relaxing with a game of horseshoes before “tucking in”--that’s cowboy speak for “eating”—a yummy BBQ meal.
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From
$89.64
From
$89.64
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Listen to a Tour Guide as You Drive & Walk with our Discover the Rockies Package
'Discover the Rockies' package includes:
Two Walking Tours.
Your phone becomes your tour guide as you explore Banff & Canmore with two GPS-guided audio walking tours! Each with 30 fully narrated points of interest.
Driving Tour.
Listen to a tour guide as you drive between Calgary, Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village & Nakiska! Over 50 points of interest.
Freedom.
No directions or time limits. Stop at as many sights & attractions as you like. Start / stop anywhere. Travel in any direction along route.
Hands Free.
Fun audio clips play automatically as you drive. Live GPS map. No data used during tour.
Easy to Use.
Download the app. Select the tour. Go!
Family Friendly.
Fun Tripvia Guides keep you laughing & engaged along the way!
Trivia Fun.
Each point of interest has a fun multiple choice trivia question. Keep score or just listen!
Inexpensive.
Only 1 tour booking needed per vehicle / group. Play audio through vehicle's stereo so everyone can hear.
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From
$8.85
per group
From
$8.85
per group

The Sights of Banff GPS-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Listen to a tour guide through your smartphone as you explore incredible Banff!
Keep the professional tour guide experience, ditch the crowded tour groups, tight schedules and high prices. Live GPS map shows where you are and where to go next. As you get close, tour guide commentary will automatically play!
On this 5 km (return) sightseeing tour, you'll explore Banff's past as well as it's present as we point out historical buildings, sculptures, sights & attractions.
Highlights include the Banff Administration Building, Luxton Home Museum, Central Park & the Cascades of Time Gardens!
Don't just see the beauty of Banff, hear what it has to say!
The tour also comes with a fun location based trivia game. After the commentary plays, look at your device and tap your guess at the answer. See your score as you go!
Getting started is easy, just book the tour, download the app and go. Note: the number of travelers you select is the number of devices you can download the tour too.
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From
$4.83
From
$4.83

Banff Cave and Basin Exploring Game
Interactive, educational, playful and fun!
Use the interactive map to track other teams in real time as you race to reach question locations
Built-in chat function keeps you connected to fellow competitors
Explore some of the best walking/running in your community with fun and informative trivia to answer along the way, all guided by your smartphone
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From
$201.35
per group
From
$201.35
per group