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Spelunking

Spelunking (Cave Exploring)

Spelunking (Cave Exploring) Banff/Lake Louise

The cave formation in the Rockies caves are extremely old, some stalactites and stalagmites have been dated up to 750,000 years. The stalactites are the icicle like formations hanging from the roof of caves and form by the constant dripping of water laden with dissolved minerals. The minerals deposit on the stalactite, and it slowly grows towards the floor of the cave. Often directly below it, a stalagmite will be growing upward in the same fashion.

Most caves can be explored in one continuous trip; however, longer cave systems such as the Castleguard require camping underground. A typical trip to the end of Castleguard Cave and back to the surface can take five days. Sleeping bag,food, ropes and spare lights are required on such trips. Equipment must be compact as to fit through small passages. The Castleguard Cave which lies underneath the Columbia Ice Field floods every spring making it a dangerous and an experienced guide is a must.

Another well known cave in the area is the Rat's Nest Cave on Grotto Mountain , near Canmore. The Rat's Nest Cave provides an excellent example of the many formations found in local caves. Formed by the slow dissolving of the limestone, these caverns form what may have been an important drainage channel at various points in history. The Rat's Nest Cave is open year round as the temperature inside remains a constant 5 degrees celcius. A great book on this cave is Under Grotto Mountain.

The Rat's Nest and Castleguard cave have been protected by the provincial government and access is restricted. This is not as much for the danger of exploring but more to protect the unique features present in this cave. Tours can be arranged to visit these unique caverns. Other caves in the area are the Canyon Creek Ice Caves in Kananaskis which is one of the most popular hidden feature of Kananaskis Country. There are no signs pointing the way there and yet it can get quite crowded on a busy weekend. This is a dangerous outing with rock slides and slippery trails a great concern. (this cave has been recently closed due to it being plugged up with ice deposits).

The Cave and Basin Historic Site in Banff commemorates the birthplace of Canada's national Park William McCardell his brother Tom, and their partner Frank McCabe first saw it in the fall of 1883. The cave and basin area is located in the town of Banff on Cave Ave. It has lots of interesting discovers including a tours exhibits and wetland. If you don't have the time to venture out for some high alpine spelunking this is a great family day activity. (open year round).

Banff/Lake Louise Spelunking Guides and Outfitters

Each of our cave guides possesses excellent general knowledge of the local geology and geography and of course lots of caving experience. Our guides started out their guiding careers as cavers — enthusiastic, adventurous explorers of the mysterious subterranean world of caves. They have caved locally in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta and British Columbia, in the USA and internationally e.g. Peru, Cuba, and Mexico. Often called spelunkers, cavers are a unique cadre.

Wild Cave Tours
Canmore, Alberta
Web: Wild Cave Tours
Toll Free: 1.877.317.1178
Phone: 403.678.8819

Banff/Lake Louise Tourist Information