Your tour begins outside the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the amazing underground hot springs that first put Banff on the map.

Next, pay a visit to a free museum documenting the internment camps that operated nearby during the First World War. Then begin walking along the easy, gorgeous Marsh Loop Trail. As you stroll, you’ll hear about the discovery of Banff’s famous hot springs and the dramatic legal battles that ensued. You’ll also learn how the discovery eventually led to the creation of Canada’s first national park.

Plus, hear about an ancient superstition about bears which forever changed the way we refer to them. Your walk will follow the bank of the Bow River, offering plenty of amazing views as you hear about even more of Banff’s fascinating history.

Finally, you’ll return to the parking area where you began. Your tour concludes here.

Marvel at underground hot springs at the Cave and Basin Historic Site
Learn about the local wildlife as you stroll
Walk alongside the Bow River and immerse yourself in lush wilderness
Uncover the history of this landscape and the national park
Tour entirely at your own pace and with total freedom

Important to know

Know in advance:

This is a self-guided tour; no guide will accompany you. The Action Tour Guide app functions as a guide, an audio tour, and a map all in one
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions immediately to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do not wait until you are on-site
Works perfectly without cellular or Wi-Fi with offline maps
The audio stories play on their own based on your location. You can start anytime and pause anywhere
This tour is valid for an entire year - from the moment of booking. You can use it multiple times over multiple trips