Tours/Banff/Banff Basin and Town Self-Guided Walking Tour (No Ticket)
Banff Basin and Town Self-Guided Walking Tour (No Ticket)
3.4(7)Banff1–2 hours
VIATOR2.8(4)TRIPADVISOR4.3(3)
+7 photos
At a glance
Duration
1–2 hours
Price from
$10 / person
Location
Banff, Canada
Rating
3.4 / 5 · 7 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Adventures with Action
Meeting point
Begin from 311 Cave Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Description
This isn't an entrance ticket to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.
Get up close and personal with Banff's famous hot springs with this self-guided walking tour, which features the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and follows one of the national park's most renowned riverside trails. Uncover the history of the springs, find out how their discovery created all sorts of legal drama, and dig into lesser-known aspects of Banff's history along the way. As you stroll, you'll also enjoy amazing wilderness scenery and breathtaking views of the Bow River.
After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.
New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Next available
Sat, Oct 17
Adult (ages 5+)
$10
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 16.
Tour Options
Banff Basin and Town Self-Guided Walking Tour (No Ticket)
Itinerary
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
10 min
Here, underground hot springs create gorgeous natural pools which stay warm year-round—even in Canada’s harsh winters! For thousands of years, people of the First Nations lived around these springs.
Note: This 2.2+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Banff's Cave and Basin in 1-2 hours.
New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
Pass by
During the first World War, the Canadian military established the Castle Mountain Internment Camp here in Banff National Park. But who was interned in this camp? Enemy soldiers? German officers?
Marsh Loop Trail
Pass by
This easy and popular hike hugs the Bow River and offers beautiful views of the wetland, hot springs, and the mountains beyond.
Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site
Pass by
Up ahead, in the distance, stands Sulphur Mountain, the summit of which was once home to a high tech research station. It was called the Cosmic Ray Station, and it studied rays emitted by the sun.
What's included
Included
Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
Just bring your phone and headphones; the app guides your walk.
Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
Private walking tour experience for your family or group.
Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Not included
No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
3.4
7 reviews
5
3
4
0
3
2
2
1
1
1
How it compares in Banff
Starting price $10 is 87% below the typical $78 for tours of similar length in Banff
Excurgo comparison of 313 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
Private tour: Follow the route on your phone without an in-person guide or crowded group.
At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Multi-device access: Use the same password on one device for each traveler included in your booking.
More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share a tour by using separate earbuds. We recommend using headphones or earbuds for clearer audio and to avoid disturbing nearby guests.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Banff Basin and Town Self-Guided Walking Tour (No Ticket) take?
Banff Basin and Town Self-Guided Walking Tour (No Ticket) lasts about 1–2 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Banff Basin and Town Self-Guided Walking Tour (No Ticket) cost?
Prices start at $10 per person for this Banff experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Banff Basin and Town Self-Guided Walking Tour (No Ticket) run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day.
Can I cancel Banff Basin and Town Self-Guided Walking Tour (No Ticket) for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Begin from 311 Cave Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Banff Basin and Town Self-Guided Walking Tour (No Ticket) offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Banff Basin and Town Self-Guided Walking Tour (No Ticket) worth it?
Travellers rate it 3.4 out of 5 across 7 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Adventures with Action.
Reviews(7)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
J
John M
May 29, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Visit to Banff Cave & Basin
The exhibits were very well done. The cave is beautiful and we really liked being able to leave a photographic message at the sight. We took the self guided audio tour and the narration was excellent and very informative. Loved the hike.
Operator response
John, I’m glad you enjoyed my Banff Basin and Town GPS Walking Tour, including the Cave and Basin exhibits, the cave, and leaving a photographic message. I’m happy the narration was informative and you loved the hike. For more, check out my collection of 200+ self-guided tours. Happy exploring!
V
Vivian_S
May 18, 2025 · via Viator
Not really a walking tour
This is NOT a walking tour. Its a narration to accompany the walk for which you pay separately. There are descriptive signs and rangers along the way. There are also additional fees to enter the cave and the hot springs.
Operator response
Vivian, I’m sorry for the confusion. The tour wasn’t what you expected. This is a self-guided audio tour; the entrance ticket isn’t included as mentioned in the listing. I saw your message and have already processed a refund. Let me know if there’s anything else I can help with or if you’d like to try a different tour.
S
Scenic58245544244
September 26, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
A unique and informative walking tour!
We thoroughly enjoyed this walking tour in Banff. The app was easy to use, and the information it provided about the caves and hot springs was fascinating. It’s a great way to explore the area if you want some context but also the freedom to linger at certain spots. Overall, a good option for a relaxed, educational experience.
Operator response
I'm glad you enjoyed my Banff Cave & Hot Springs Self-Guided Walking Tour. It’s great that you found the app easy to use and the information fascinating. If you’re looking for more, check out my collection of 100+ self-guided tours for your next adventure. Happy exploring!
S
Sally_D
August 8, 2024 · via Viator
Scenic but smelly
Scenic views of the Bow River and Sulphur Mtns, interesting stories from the recorded narrative. However, 2nd half of the Marsh route I followed, the path is a big muddy trench used for horse riders so full of horse manure! Would not recommend this route until the path is improved or changed.
Operator response
Sally, I’m glad you found the stories and scenic views along my Banff Cave & Hot Springs Self-Guided Walking Tour interesting! The tour is designed to follow a specific route, but I understand how the conditions on the second half of the Marsh route might have impacted your experience. Unfortunately, the path wasn’t in the best shape during your visit. I appreciate your feedback and will keep it in mind for future updates.
H
Hunter_P
July 27, 2024 · via Viator
Was told it was a scam
These tickets did not work at the cave and basin. Was told this has been a problem all year and that these tickets are not real and I had to purchase new ones
Operator response
Hunter, I understand your frustration. My tour is an audio guide only and does not include admission tickets to the cave and basin. These need to be purchased separately. If you bought the wrong product, please email me immediately or request a refund through Viator. I'll happily give you a full refund.
A
Anne_G
July 12, 2024 · via Viator
I strongly advise using the Viator guide.
The self guided walking tour was very helpful because there were not very many staff members or maps available on the walking tour.
Operator response
Anne, I'm glad you found my Banff Cave and Hot Springs Self-Guided Walking Tour helpful! It's great to hear that the tour enhanced your visit even with few staff around. If you're up for more exploration, check out my 100+ Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tours by Action—it's packed with diverse experiences like this one!
J
joannepV4177FM
June 4, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Helpful
The app was easy to use. For us, much of the facts/local information shared were things we had learned on our tour of the area. It might be beneficial for those not travelling with a tour.
Operator response
Joanne, you might have accidentally given my Banff Cave and Hot Springs Walking Audio Tour 3 stars. While you mentioned the app is easy to use, reviews with three stars typically highlight some areas for improvement. If something specific about the tour weren't a great fit, we'd love to hear your thoughts to improve the experience for future explorers!
