What's New
On May 17, 2013, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site opened to the public after an extensive, two-year renewal project.
New programming and interpretive media exhibits will provide a fascinating glimpse into the heritage of the thermal waters protected here. The new Cave and Basin will tell the story of the birthplace of Canada’s National Parks and it’s legacy that can be found today from sea to sea to sea.
Features and Highlights
© Glenbow Museum
Exhibit Opening: Government of Canada opens exhibit on First World War internment in Canada in Banff National Park
Thursday, June 20, 2013 : 2:00 p.m.
Through National Historical Recognition Program funding, Parks Canada has created an exhibit to increase awareness about Canada's First World War internment operations 1914-1920. The 1,000 ft2 exhibit, located adjacent to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site in Banff National Park, includes interactive touch-screens, mixed media and two-dimensional displays that encourage visitors to discover at their own pace and reach their own conclusions about a difficult and challenging time in Canadian history.
Aboriginal Days
June 21-23
Beyond the historic building, meandering boardwalks and more than a century of family photos taken inside the Cave, a sense of tradition fills the air at the Cave and Basin NHS. First Nations peoples have held a connection to the thermal waters for countless generations, and ceremonies and stories shaped within the tufa walls are still meaningful today. Drumming, dancing and storytelling will be featured throughout the day. Join hands, feel the beat, and take a journey into the deeper past of the Cave and Basin NHS.
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Reconnecting With the Mother - Artist talk
The Cave and Basin has been sacred to the Stoney People forever. Each year, the People journeyed to this area to the Sundance, a time of healing, giving thanks and receiving blessings for the future.Meet with artist Roland Rollinmud and his creative partner Jan Gale and learn more about the new mural Roland painted for the Cave and Basin, a legacy to the Stoney People, to remember their powerful and rich history with pride, and to share this beautiful story with people from every part of the world. As you gaze at the mural, perhaps you too will be offered the gift of an image: an animal spirit, the hidden folk, maybe even the elusive Sasquatch. Then, upon entering the cave, you will feel the presence of these benevolent spirits as you are transported to another world, and reconnected with Mother Earth. Gather in front of the large mural in the South Belvedere.
Friday tour start times: 1:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:00pm
Saturday and Sunday tour start times: 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm, 12:30pm
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Métis trappers display with Marcien Leblanc
Friday June 21- Sunday June 23 from 10am to 5pm
Enjoy hearing stories about Metis trapping traditions with elder Marcien Leblanc. Various furs and traps will be on display throughout the weekend.
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Métis dancing and Red River jigging with Pam Pische Lashmore and the Desjarlais Métis Dancers
Saturday June 22 - Sunday June 23rd
Discover the unique traditional Métis dance and join in the fun. Performances: 11am and 3pm daily
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First Nations Drum group "Soaring Hawk"
Saturday June 22 - Sunday June 23
Join 2012 Juno nominated First Nations Drum group called "Soaring Hawk" with dancers for 45 minutes performances at 12 pm and 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Happy Birthday Canada!
July 1
Drawn to Nature - Plein Air workshop with The Banff Centre
July 13
Parks Day - Snails, snakes and hot springs
July 20
Doors Open Banff - Behind the scenes tour
August 11
Parks Canada Collection – “Fur Trade era camps”
August 17-18
Lantern Tours
August 30
Lantern Tours
September 1-2
Outdoor photo workshop
September 8
Stargazing with the Royal Astronomical Society
September 21
Culture Days
Sept 27-29
July 1 August 30 September 8
New Features:
- A 4-screen, HD immersive short video that takes you on a journey through Parks Canada’s network of national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.
- The Story Hall, a space where the original vaulted ceilings have been uncovered, providing an inspiring and historic room full of stories, images, artifacts and fun photo booths.
- Enhanced year round programming and new interpretive media exhibits.
- The Welcome Centre, which includes a gift store, site orientation, information on 4 season Walking Trails and snow shoeing trails, maps and washrooms.
- The Galletly Building, which features a café for tasty treats, infrastructure to support catering and special events and a 40-seat theatre.
- Late night special events, including cinema under the stars on the historic pool deck or stargazing on the boardwalks.
We are inviting the world to come see Banff’s biggest story!