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Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Cave and Basin National Historic Site: Our most recommended tours and activities

Banff National Park: 1-Hour Bow River Horseback Ride

1. Banff National Park: 1-Hour Bow River Horseback Ride

Start the tour in Banff where you will meet a member of the riding office, who will check you in and provide you a helmet for your ride. From here, walk back outside into the sunshine and meet your trusty horse. Using a step, climb onto your horse under the direction of your guide, and learn some basic horseback riding techniques. Follow your guide along the tranquil Bow River and past the historic Cave and Basin Hot springs - the original birthplace of Banff National Park. This area is home to wildlife in amongst the thick marshes and grassy meadows. Enjoy unspoiled views of the magnificent Rocky Mountains along the way. After 1 hour of scenic horseback riding, return to the stables, where you'll disembark and say goodbye to your horse with some farewell pats.

Banff: Sunsets and Stars Evening Walking Tour

2. Banff: Sunsets and Stars Evening Walking Tour

Take an evening sunset walk and watch the stars come out while experiencing nature at remote trail locations. Watch a stunning mountain sunset and feel the awe of seeing the first stars appear. Explore Banff National Park like never before and see nature by night. Be escorted by professional mountain guides and see more of the area with the use of headlamps and lanterns. Hike along local trails around Banff and take the unique opportunity to watch the nocturnal world come to life.

Banff: Wagon Ride with Cowboy Cookout BBQ

3. Banff: Wagon Ride with Cowboy Cookout BBQ

Meet your guide at the stables in Banff, where your adventure will begin. After check in at the office, walk back outside into the sunshine and meet your trusty horse that will be pulling your wagon.  Embark on a 1-hour ride along the Bow River and past the historic Cave and Basin hot springs towards the BBQ spot at 3 Mile Cabin. Upon arrival, let the cook know how you would like your steak cooked or first try a round of lassoing or horseshoes. Tuck into your cooked-to-order steak along with a roasted potato, cowboy baked beans, coleslaw, buns, and dessert. This sheltered lunch spot has comfortable picnic benches and there's plenty of time to relax by the fire or try some western style games after lunch if you prefer. After your tasty BBQ, take a 1-hour ride back along the Sulphur Mountain Trail and up and around the Windy Knoll, where you can see dazzling views of the surrounding mountains. Back at the stables, disembark the wagon and say goodbye to your horse with some farewell pats.

Banff: Bow River E-Bike Tour and Sundance Canyon Hike

4. Banff: Bow River E-Bike Tour and Sundance Canyon Hike

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Banff National Park, accessible only via hiking or biking. This leisurely e-bike ride begins in central Banff along the Bow River pathway system before travelling along a wooded pathway to reach Cave & Basin National Historic Site, birthplace of Canada's National Park system. Continue along the Bow River via the paved bike path to reach Sundance Canyon Trailhead. From here we lead you on a 2km easy hiking route through lush alpine forest, crossing several small wooden bridges while taking in the rushing waters of Sundance Canyon. Take in commanding views of the Bow Valley, Mt. Norquay, Mt. Edith and Mt. Cory, before continuing the forest hike back to your ebikes for the return ride to Banff. Level of Activity: Easy Distance: Approx. 12 km biking 2km hiking Tour Length: 3 hour round trip

Banff: 3-Hour Bow Valley Loop Horseback Ride

5. Banff: 3-Hour Bow Valley Loop Horseback Ride

Start the tour in Banff where you will meet a member of the riding office, who will check you in and provide you a helmet for your ride. From here, walk back outside into the sunshine and meet your trusty horse. Set off on a 3-hour ride following your guide along winding trails through the Bow Valley's rustic terrain and grassy meadows. The ride continues past the tranquil Bow River and bubbling thermal waters of the historic Cave and Basin area to the Sundance Canyon Trail. As you ride into thick forest in this wildlife-rich area, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for elk and other animals. Finally, ride up Sulphur Mountain to the Windy Knoll viewpoint, where sweeping views over the Bow Valley await. On the return journey your small group will loop back to Warner Stables where you will disembark and give your trusty horse some much-deserved pats.

Banff Townsite: E-Bike Explorer

6. Banff Townsite: E-Bike Explorer

See Banff's highlights with a guided E-bike tour, traveling through Banff Townsite on a round trip with a distance of 16 km. Follow your guide and see the best of Banff Townsite on your own E-bike. Perfect for families, first-timers, and avid explorers. Discover the highlights as you pass Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, Banff Springs Hotel, Banff Downtown and Cave, and Basin National Historic Site.

Banff Legends and Landmarks - Historical Walking Tour

7. Banff Legends and Landmarks - Historical Walking Tour

Get a perfect introduction to Banff on this walking tour with a local historian guide. Explore local history and trail systems around the Banff townsite and get local tips on the best ways to explore other hotspots in the area.  Starting from Banff’s Cave and Basin National Historic Site, gear up with ice cleats or walking poles if needed (included). Explore the site and venture through different trails depending on the season to capture the best locations year-round.

Other Sightseeing Options in Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Want to discover all there is to do in Cave and Basin National Historic Site? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 199 reviews

We absolutely loved this experience and would definitely recommend it! The staff was very thorough in explaining everything and patient. One of the guides with our group was very informative and talked throughout which was awesome, only downside was he was hard to hear from our position in line.

It was a full hour ride by Bow River and the horses were very well trained! There were 2 guides following the group, monitoring the horses as well as giving us some background to the places we've visited! Highly recommended activity!

Was wonderful had a great time the guys were super nice and the scenery was very pretty

The guid was super nice and viewing was also awesome.

Nice hiking trail and fantastic views of dark sky.