Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada

Snowshoeing: Trail Descriptions

Cave and Basin
© Parks Canada

• Visit the cave including its interior pool and the original vent hole.

Cave Spring
© Parks Canada

• Visit the basin, the open air mineral pool. Notice the mats of algae growing in the pool. Look closely for, but please don't disturb the Banff springs snails or their habitat.
  
  Cave
  © Parks Canada
• View the exhibits on the second floor of the bathing pavilion.
• Visit the replica 1887 bathhouse to see the film on the discovery of the site and the establishment of the national park.
• Breathe in the smell of the sulphur vapours.
• Walk along the 0.4 km Discovery Boardwalk Trail above the bathing pavilion to see the cave vent and the location of the former Hotel. View the two smaller springs bubbling from the mountainside and the pools filled with pink bacteria, white and green algae, small fish, and insects.
• Explore the 0.5 km Marsh Boardwalk Trail below the building to find out more about the natural history of this area. Look for the fish and bird life that live in the wetlands below.
• Visit the interpretive panels describing the World War 1 internment camp.
• The 7.4 km round trip Sundance Trail and the 2.7 km Marsh Loop are two other walks in the vicinity. Enjoy a safe walk along these trails by watching for wildlife and giving them the space they need.

Cave and Basin in Summer
© Parks Canada

Winter Activities

Cave and Basin in Winter
© Parks Canada

Snowshoeing: Trail Descriptions

Banff National Park trails are neither groomed for snowshoeing, nor maintained for hiking in the winter. The following trails are popular routes commonly used by hikers in the summer, and by hikers and snowshoers in winter. As the season progresses, and snow becomes more compact, conditions may be better suited for hiking, especially on trails in and around the Banff townsite. Most trails with compact snow become very icy in spring, due to freezethaw conditions; at this time cleats are recommended. Most trails in the Banff townsite can be easily accessed without a vehicle.

Note: Some of the trails in this list travel through avalanche terrain. Remember your safety is your responsibility.

Trails beginning at the Cave and Basin

Marsh Loop
2.5 km loop, 10 m elevation gain
Trailhead: At the parking lot of the Cave & Basin National Historic Site. Provides brilliant views of the mountains, and good winter birding opportunities. A series of boardwalk trails allow you to explore the unique environment of the thermal springs. For a small fee, visit the birthplace of Canada's National Parks at the Cave & Basin National Historic Site.