Oh my goodness, I am so excited to share these photos with you all! Who knew a magical little spot existed just minutes from where we have been before, and somehow, never went to see!
Walking up to the entrance of Cave & Basin. We had gotten a fresh, light snowfall and somehow that added to the beauty. Honestly, we experienced all the types of weathers while we were there, and that made for many beautiful moments.
Entering the tunnel to the cave. It gets substantially lower and tighter, so if you are claustrophobic, there could be a few seconds of EEEEPPP happening, but it isn't for long at all, and I was fine. Normally I don't do such spaces.
It's worth it, because this is your view! Absolutely incredible, and yes quite smelly due to it being so sulphureous, but how cool is this?!?!
From The Website: "Cave and Basin has been a special place for Indigenous peoples for over ten thousand years and continues to be so to this day. In 1883, three railway workers found the thermal springs, sparking a series of events that led to the creation of Canada’s first national park. Today, the site is a gathering place for sharing stories about conservation and the connection between people and the land in Canada’s national protected areas. Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site to experience the birthplace of Canada’s national parks and learn about the natural and cultural history of the mountains. Discover the hot water that seeps from the rocks, smell the minerals and explore the trails."
I took entirely too many photos, as per usual, but who knows if I will ever visit this location again, and I wanted to make sure I had lots of documented memories.
Looking up to the roof of the cave, where the initial hole is. This is the entry point the Indigenous peoples would have used to enter the cave. Good Grief!
Making our way up the stairs, stopping to check out the views, before following the boardwalk up the mountain, to see where the spring starts, and where the endangered species live!
The fresh snow really made it all feel a bit more magical and while it was cold, it wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been, and the sun warmed us up a lot.
Look at how lightly the dusting of snow is sitting on each leave and branch!
The protected original entrance to the cave. It is actually terrifying to think people just went down there, into the dark, to explore this unknown place.
Surrounded by incredible views, which is normal, everyday life in the mountains.
The sulphureous stream making its way down towards the cave. THE SMELL was intense here, so be forewarned. However, the colours thanks to the Sulphur are delightful, and nature is so fascinating!
And then we arrived at the beginning of the springs, bubbling out of the mountain, forming this stunning, emerald-green pool. My goodness, what gorgeous colours!!!!
Look at all the wee bubbles!
I had my eyes peeled for the Banff Spring Snails, that are endangered and only live in this one tiny pool! Nowhere else in the whole wide world! Just here! I didn't spot them at first, and then Raccoon noticed them, and oh my goodness, they are so tiny and cute. I am in love!
So, all those tiny, blackish apple seeds on that one branch? That's the endangered Spring Snails! You can find out more about these amazing little guys ~HERE~ Absolute privilege to get to see them!
Well, I have one more post to share with you, of our final holiday moments in the mountains, which I will pop up tomorrow, then on to November happenings!
