Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Cave and Basin National Historic Site
4
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Marc W
    Weymouth, United Kingdom1,949 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Intersting
    If you are in Banff, then it's worth a look. We were staying locally and had a Parks Canada pass so the entry was free. We walked from Banff, it's a nice pleasant 20ish minute walk, and then got a bus back which costs just $2 per person. There's a lot of info to read and big screens with films to watch and a small thermal pool indoors. Outside there's a lovely walk up to the other thermal pools. However, the top one is very small! We did have a good chat with a member of staff about the endangered snails that live in the pools, this was very interesting.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 3, 2023
  • SarahandRichP
    Bromley, United Kingdom218 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a look but definitely get a tour to get the most
    As my very hard to please husband said, it was a school trip very worth doing! This not a huge attraction but what is there is interesting, made all the more fascinating by the 1.30pm free tour. The guide was absolutely brilliant and her passion for the place really helped explain the importance of what we were looking at. If you're looking for a few hours to fill this is a lovely bit of local history
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 6, 2023
  • Kaz M
    Sans Souci, Australia623 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great day
    Received a recommendation to play a visit. A worthwhile stop and very interesting indeed. The guide and information shared was great. Also the display and audio with screen shots are amazing. The costumes and history is brilliant.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written October 27, 2023
  • SeniorTravelerTF
    1,239 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don't overlook the movie (poorly marked) and the detainees exhibit building behind the main building
    Interesting in itself, with numerous exhibits and signage describing the features. To maximize the experience, see the movie in the building near the pool, easy to overlook as it is not marked well. And, most important, walk past the pool and see the building dedicated to immigrant detainees during the World Wars. That is also not publicized or particularly well marked, so note it for yourself. A big plus, Cave and Basin is on the outstanding bus service in town. Drops you off right at the door and very little wait between buses. There is an admission charge if you don't have the annual Discovery national park pass. Note that the hot springs baths are nearby, one stop away, so you can easily combine the two if you wish.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 31, 2023
  • Stewarts Vacation
    1,543 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pleasant march boardwalk
    We did not go into the historic site. We were keen to explore the area outdoors. The Roam bus (Yellow route 4) was efficient transport from our hotel to the Cave and Basin bus stop, right outside the information building at the car park. It was an uphill walk to the historic site and the start of the Marsh boardwalk - our intended walk. We had read that the warm spring water makes the plant and animal life in this area unique. We didn't see any birds (even from the bird hide) or aquatic life, but did see the white and green algae and a little squirrel posing on a fence! It was a pleasant walk. The path was well maintained and clearly signposted, with informative boards along the way. There were 4 trails of differing lengths which would be great to explore if time allowed.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 19, 2023
  • newjerseyfamily
    Burlington, New Jersey817 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very enjoyable!
    This was a great place to visit on a very hot day, having checked out of our place in Canmore, and about to drive to Jasper. It is small enough to really enjoy it, and there are picnic tables near the parking area if you want to make it a lunch spot as well. Well presented, mostly indoor, and a nice gift shop. Remember to bring your Park pass with you - we had been to several parks before and left it in the car. The walk to the entrance from the parking lot can be a little long. It wasn't crowded when we were there and it was late morning. If possible, don't overlook. You'll enjoy it.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 6, 2024
  • ashleylynn722018
    Santa Clarita, California76 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Only Place to Find Banff Spring Snails
    The Cave and Basin was a quick and easy attraction in Banff that can be added to your trip if you have a little extra time and are interested in the history of the area and site. We took the Roam Bus 4 and our driver recommended that there was a tour every half hour and it was included in the price of admission. We took the tour and it was worth it just to have someone point out the Banff Spring Snails to us and they scooped some water out of the springs so we could touch it, the only way to touch the water due to it now being a protected habitat for the snails. Overall we spent about an hour here. Recommend if you have some extra time while in Banff, but this isn't necessarily one of the must do attractions in town.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 15, 2024
  • Beachcomb_33
    Eaton, Ohio884 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    National Historic Site
    If you are into checking out National Historic Sites, you don't want to miss it. For a small entrance fee, you can check out the cave and basin. The cave is small but clean. There is a slight smell, but it is a cave. Overall, the visit didn't take long. If you have some time to kill, it is worth a visit.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written September 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles1,617 reviews
Excellent
601
Very good
640
Average
282
Poor
67
Terrible
27

Maribeau
Saint-Lambert, Canada177 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
We visited at the end of the day ( they close at 5pm) few people, friendly staff, interactive display, great small movies. The cave is closed (Covid) but all the other sections are opened. You can see (and smell) the hot springs (protected for endangered species (snails and other)) 1 hour is perfect !
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Suzanne Clark
Greater London, UK59 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Couples
We had a a great time visiting the site last week - we got the thermal pass so we also went to the hot springs pool. But it was great to see how it all started!

It was brilliant to get to go into the cave, and then read about the history behind the site. There was a fun winter carnival outside too, so we tried our hand at curling! They also have a building with an exhibition for the prisoners of internment camps and POWs who were forced to work in the area - something that is important to acknowledge.

We also went for a walk along the boardwalk along the stream of the hot springs - it was great to get to walk along that too.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jo S
27 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020
Mainly noteworthy as the birthplace of the national parks system in Canada. Cave is closed due to COVID so hard to review when the main attraction is closed. Other than caves there is not much to see at the building itself - some posters about climate change, video displayed across four large screens, and some very tiny rare/endangered snails in a hot spring pool. Very strong sulphur (rotten egg) smell.

We walked Marsh Loop trail, which is very flat and would be easy for anyone, but is covered in horse poop.

Might be a good place for horseback riding or canoeing in the river, but if you aren't doing either of those I would skip this attraction.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MellissaGF
Vancouver, Canada175 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022 • Couples
I’ve never been to a thermal springs before, so this was an interesting experience. The cave is beautiful and houses the main thermal “pool”. However, the strong sulphur smell, that reminded me of rotten eggs, made me feel nauseated, so I couldn’t spend much time in there. There is a trail outside that takes up to one of the sources of thermal water.
I liked the history contents throughout the place, including the exposition related to the “enemy aliens”, very informative.
The place can get very crowded, especially on weekends, so we planned to get there at their opening time (9:30 am) and everything ran smoothly.
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Asterix135
Toronto, Canada202 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
This was on our "maybe if we have time" list for Banff. I'm really glad we went. The site is well-done and gives you a good overview of both the warm springs and the history of Canada's National Parks system. On-site guides are helpful and informative.

Note that you need a Parks pass to get in (or I think there is some admission fee). We walked there and had left our parks pass in the car - far away at our hotel. Luckily they accepted the email confirmation from my phone
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SJH
Ottawa219 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
Always free parking - only an 18 min walk to town. Historical and stinky. Very nice boardwalk, worth walking around and reading the signs. Make sure you do the boardwalk on top too.

We also paid extra for the lantern tour: Very in character, very immersive, let you do things you couldn't do on a self-guided tour. Very informative. Not a lot of walking (except up the hill to get here)
Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Phone A
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Family
very disappointed in the cave and basin experience! The cave walk must be about 200M max in length in a 36" wide corridor, if you are over 5'6 expect to be ducking a good portion of the way to prevent banging your head. I saw many seniors with canes trying to get through this dimly lit path and I was a bit worried about their safety. The stench of sulfur in such a tiny space is overpowering and the pool of water is so small and not as beautiful blue as so many internet pictures make it look! Basin outside also not spectacular in any way. These both looked like man made ponds that did not deserve recognition. Best part of the cave and basin for us was stopping to play life-sized snakes and ladders outside in the courtyard. You are NOT ALLOWED to touch the hot springs water (this includes on the boardwalk paths which are free to walk around the cave and basin). I understand the logic but for me not being able to feel the warm water trickling down the mountain side makes it no more special than any other fabulous hiking spot in Banff. For me, I would not recommend going here unless you have a few days in Banff and are hitting all the spots. For just a day trip, you will see so much more beauty if you park at bow falls viewpoint and do the art walk along the bow river which will bring you right to the downtown core. An easy walk and lots to see.
Written September 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Marc W
Weymouth, UK1,949 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
If you are in Banff, then it's worth a look.

We were staying locally and had a Parks Canada pass so the entry was free. We walked from Banff, it's a nice pleasant 20ish minute walk, and then got a bus back which costs just $2 per person.

There's a lot of info to read and big screens with films to watch and a small thermal pool indoors. Outside there's a lovely walk up to the other thermal pools. However, the top one is very small!

We did have a good chat with a member of staff about the endangered snails that live in the pools, this was very interesting.
Written October 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Savvy traveller
Toronto, Canada4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021
It is indeed a hidden Gem. We found the sign to Cave and Basin Historic Site as we were driving round Banff and decided to stop by. We were glad that we stopped by.
The walk through the cave to the basin was interesting and we touched the warm water that seeped through the rocks. The smell of sulphur (rotten egg) was strong.
It was fascinating to know that the Cave and Basin National Historic site was the birth place of the Canada's national park system. I think this is a "must see" place if you are visiting Banff.
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, and we’re glad to hear you enjoyed the National Historic Site! The warm water is home to the tiny and endangered Banff Springs Snail, a species found nowhere else in the world. To protect the snail’s fragile habitat, visitors must look, listen, and smell, only! We hope to see you again!
Written October 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ashleylynn722018
Santa Clarita, CA76 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
The Cave and Basin was a quick and easy attraction in Banff that can be added to your trip if you have a little extra time and are interested in the history of the area and site. We took the Roam Bus 4 and our driver recommended that there was a tour every half hour and it was included in the price of admission. We took the tour and it was worth it just to have someone point out the Banff Spring Snails to us and they scooped some water out of the springs so we could touch it, the only way to touch the water due to it now being a protected habitat for the snails. Overall we spent about an hour here. Recommend if you have some extra time while in Banff, but this isn't necessarily one of the must do attractions in town.
Written August 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Cave and Basin National Historic Site - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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