Rat's Nest Cave
Canmore, AB, from C$149
2–3 hr
on the main tour
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Banff, AB
National historic site with a thermal spring cave.
C$10
adult ticket
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.
The story
Indigenous Peoples have known this place for more than ten thousand years. In 1883 three railway workers, Frank McCabe and the brothers Tom and William McCardell, came across the hot springs, setting off the events that led to Canada's first national park. It was recommended as a national historic site in 1981.
- Found
- 1883
History source: parks.canada.ca.
What you'll see
- The cave and its original vent hole
- The Basin
- Thermal springs
- The Bathing Pavilion
Tickets and timing
- Adults
- C$10 (18–64)
- Kids
- Free for 17 and under
- How long it takes
- Plan 2–3 hours
- Hours
- May 15–Oct 15: daily 9:30 am–5 pm. Oct 16–May 14: Thursday to Monday 11 am–5 pm. Closed Dec 25.
- Booking
- Book special programs ahead.
Good to know
- On site
- gift shop, picnic area, lookout, restrooms
Getting there
311 Cave Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2
- Calgaryabout 106 km
Distances are straight-line from each city center.
Questions people ask
How long does a visit to Cave and Basin National Historic Site take?
Plan 2–3 hours
Do you need to book Cave and Basin National Historic Site in advance?
Book special programs ahead.
When was Cave and Basin National Historic Site discovered?
1883, according to the cave's own history.
Where is Cave and Basin National Historic Site?
311 Cave Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2
Checked on 2026-10-23 against parks.canada.ca (Cave and Basin pages). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.