Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Sulphur Mountain, Banff National Park, Alberta

© Interfoto/DanitaDelimont.co

The origin of Canada's national parks. Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Cave and Basin National Historic Site is a protected area in Banff National Park that houses geothermally heated hot springs. The uncovering of the caves, first recorded in 1859, led to the foundation of not only this park but Canada’s entire national parks system in 1885. Briefly, water from the springs was sold as a cure-all, until they were turned into a bathing site in 1914. The pool was closed for swimming in 1994, but guests can still enjoy the natural beauty of the springs and the cave. If you're still in need of a soak, worry not, the Banff Upper Hot Springs are located a mere five kilometres away.