Cave and Basin
National historic site with a thermal cave, exhibits, and boardwalks. Summer hours are generally 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; check planned closures before going.
Hours, prices, availability, and operating dates can change. Check before going.
Plan notes
Parks Canada currently lists regular Cave and Basin hours as 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from May 15 to October 15, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Monday from October 16 to May 14. A planned closure is listed for September 21 to 25, 2026. Hours and closure dates can change, so check the official site before going. Beyond the schedule, it is a distinctly Banff indoor-and-boardwalk stop: part historic site, part conservation story, and part low-effort wander around the thermal cave, basin, exhibits, gift shop, and surrounding boardwalks. It works especially well when weather is mixed, when a group wants context instead of another viewpoint, or when you are already planning the Sulphur Mountain and Upper Hot Springs side of town.
Best for
rainy day, history, families, boardwalk stroll, Sulphur corridor pairing
Season
all-season
Booking
Usually no booking required
Car
Can work without a car
Rainy day
Good backup
Family fit
Family-friendly
Check first
- Check current hours, admission, programs, and facility notes before building the day around it.