One of a kind and first of its kind— Banff National Park in Alberta has trails, mountain views, and two stunning Alberta boardwalks that wind through the Cave and Basin, the birthplace of Canada’s national park system.

Located less than 10 minutes from Banff Avenue, this enchanted site has been known and beloved by Indigenous Peoples for over 10,000 years.

In 1883, however, three railway workers stumbled upon the thermal springs and sparked a series of events that led to the creation of Canada’s first national park.

Since then, the general public has been prohibited from using the springs but is encouraged to explore them via two wooded walkways that wind through the area.

Want to check it out? Lace up your shoes!

Cave and Basin Trail: Upper Boardwalk

Do look down! If you’d prefer to start on the upper boardwalk, expect beauty!

Here, you’ll walk along the upper boardwalk above the historic bathing pavilion to see the cave vent and the location of the former hotel.

Keep taking the trail, and you’ll also see two smaller springs bubbling from the mountainside, and the pools.

Look closely, and you might see pink bacteria, white and green algae, small fish and insects. This particular route is 0.4 kilometres and will only take around 15 minutes to complete.

Photo via Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

Cave and Basin Trail: Lower Boardwalk

Want something a tad longer?

The lower boardwalk is 0.5 kilometres and will bring you below the building.

Those who have eagle eyes might just see the many birds and fish that live in the wetland.

Interested in checking it out? If you’d like to see the Cave and Basin itself, admission will cost $9 per adult, $7.50 for seniors, and is free for anyone under 17.

The boardwalk trails are also free.

While there, watch, listen, and be respectful!

This is truly one of the most important spots in the country and there’s much to learn!

Cave and Basin – Banff Alberta

Where: 311 Cave Ave, Banff, AB

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Cassandra Stefanic

Regional Editor, Prairies –Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling, and storytelling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing, or editing, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, binge-watching a new series, at a speakeasy, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.

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