The Cave Guide

Caves in Alberta

2 caves in Alberta are open to visitors, on guided tours or on your own. Here is what each one is like and how to visit.

Updated 2026-10-28. Every cave in the first list was checked against its official source.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site1Rat's Nest Cave2

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

The thermal-spring cave where Canada's national parks began. You walk into the cave and its warm pool, then explore exhibits, short films and boardwalks with views of the Rockies.

National historic site with a thermal spring cave.

Banff, AB, from C$10

Rat's Nest Cave

Guided wild caving in an undeveloped cave under Grotto Mountain near Canmore, climbing past ancient animal bones, formations and pictographs to the Grand Gallery, with an optional squeeze.

Wild caving with a guide: crawling and climbing.

Canmore, AB, from C$149

Alberta caves side by side

CaveInsideAdult ticketRun by
Cave and Basin National Historic Sitenot yet checkedC$10Parks Canada
Rat's Nest Cavenot yet checkedC$149Canmore Cave Tours

Questions people ask

How many caves can you visit in Alberta?

2 caves we've checked are open to visitors. We leave out wild caves that are gated or need a caving permit.

What should you wear in a cave?

Closed shoes with grip, because paths are often wet. Most caves here stay between about 4 and 10 °C all year, so bring a warm layer.

Caves in other provinces