Cave and Basin Bathing Pavilion

The Cave and Hot Springs Bathing Pavilion is a Classified Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values:

Historical value:

The Cave and Hot Springs Bathing Pavilion is one of the best examples of the theme of early Canadian tourism. It is considered the birthplace of Canada’s national parks system and because of the quality of its architectural design. It is also the oldest facility of its type within the Canadian Parks system. The Bathing Pavilion represents the first major undertaking of the National Parks Branch following its establishment in 1911. The discovery of the Cave and Basin Hot Springs and the decision to preserve them from private development provided the catalyst for the establishment of Canada’s first national park and the eventual network of parks.

Architectural value:

The Cave and Hot Springs Bathing Pavilion is a well-crafted and excellent example of rustic architecture. The characteristic finish is of rough-hewn and irregularly coursed grey Rundle limestone masonry, which contrasts with the red Spanish tile-clad roofs of the belvederes. The rough texture of the massive walls is contrasted by the small, regularly spaced cut-stone scuppers and corbels. Wrought iron lantern-type fixtures provide a material contrast and enliven the arcaded stone wall. The use of colour and texture derived from natural materials is an important character-defining feature. The wooden bathhouse structure is a representation of the 1904 configuration of the original bathhouse.

Environmental value:

Built around the naturally occurring but somewhat modified Cave and Basin hot spring pools, the jagged rugged and massively proportioned Bathing Pavilion reflects the ruggedness of the mountain setting in a carefully arranged composition. The Cave and Hot Springs Bathing Pavilion successfully integrates with the landscape; it is picturesquely nestled along the hillside of the Bow River valley at the base of Sulphur Mountain. The grotto-like underground Cave, the protected out-of- doors Basin, the rooftop promenades and terraces, and the trails extend from the building out into the landscape, thereby enhancing the relationship between the building and the environment.

Sources:

Kate MacFarlane, Cave and Basin Hot Springs Bathhouse, Banff National Park. Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 93-114; Cave and Hot Springs Bathing Pavilion, Banff Town site, Banff National Park. Alberta, Heritage Character Statement 93-114.