Town of Banff

Cave & Basin Trail

Interpretive boardwalk trail guides visitors to the sulphur-rich waters of the hot springs "Basin" that prompted the establishment of Banff National Park Photo: Amar Athwal

Bow River bridge to Cave and Basin: 1.5 km, no elevation gain (20 – 25 mins.)

A short walk from the Bow River bridge takes you to the birthplace of Canada’s first national park.

Three railway workers discovered warm water springs on this site on the side of Sulphur Mountain in 1883, which led to the establishment of a reserve around the hot springs in 1885. The area became a national park in 1887.

Two interpretive boardwalk trails at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site explain the history of the area and the fascinating plants and animals that flourish in this warm springs habitat.

Access:

• Central Park
• Recreation Grounds
  

Connects to:

• Marsh Loop
• Sundance Canyon Trail