Castleguard Cave

#100 among destinations in Canada

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the remote wilderness of Alberta, Canada, Castleguard Cave beckons as a hidden gem for the intrepid explorer. This extensive limestone cave is part of the vast Castleguard Caves system, which is renowned as one of the longest cave systems in Canada. Its subterranean passages and chambers offer a unique glimpse into the geological history of the region.

The cave is situated in Banff National Park, one of Canada's most picturesque and protected areas, and is characterized by its intricate network of tunnels formed by the slow erosion of water over countless centuries. The cave extends deep beneath the surface, with some passages reaching lengths of over 20 kilometers, presenting a challenging and exhilarating adventure for seasoned cavers.

What makes Castleguard Cave particularly fascinating is its pristine environment and the delicate ecosystems it harbors. The cave's interior is home to rare and specialized cave-dwelling organisms, many of which are adapted to life in complete darkness. Scientists and researchers prize the cave for its untouched conditions, which provide valuable insights into subterranean ecology and the processes of cave formation.

Access to Castleguard Cave is strictly controlled to preserve its natural state and to ensure the safety of those who venture within. Permits are required for entry, and only experienced cavers with the appropriate equipment and knowledge are advised to explore its depths. The cave's remote location and the challenging conditions inside mean that it is not a tourist attraction but rather a site for serious speleological study and responsible exploration.

Coordinates: 52°4'38"N, 117°12'48"W

Location

AlbertaCanada

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Day trips

Castleguard Cave – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: The Castelets, Big Bend Peak, Mount Bryce, Mount Saskatchewan.

3.9 miE
Mountain
The Castelets
101 min walk • The Castelets is a 2,884-metre mountain summit located in the Alexandra River valley of Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada. Its nearest higher peak is Terrace Mountain, 4.6 km to the northwest.
6.5 miNE
Mountain
Big Bend Peak
167 min walk • Big Bend Peak is a 2,804-metre mountain summit located in the upper North Saskatchewan River valley in Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada. Its nearest higher peak is Mount Saskatchewan, 5.5 km to the south.
5.5 miSW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Mount Bryce
142 min walk • Mount Bryce is a mountain at the southwestern corner of the Columbia Icefield, in British Columbia, Canada, near the border with Alberta. It can be seen from the Icefields Parkway. The mountain was named in 1898 by J. Norman Collie after Viscount James Bryce, who was President of the Alpine Club in London at the time.
5.3 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Mount Saskatchewan, Banff National Park
137 min walk • Mount Saskatchewan is a mountain located in the North Saskatchewan River valley of Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada. J. Norman Collie named the mountain in 1898 for the nearby Saskatchewan River. One report said Collie so named it due to its possession of the headwaters of the North Saskatchewan River.
4.3 miS
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Mount Spring-Rice
110 min walk • Mount Spring-Rice is located on the border of Alberta and British Columbia, south of Thompson Pass. It was named in 1918 by Arthur O. Wheeler after the British diplomat, Sir Cecil Spring Rice.
2.6 miS
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Watchman Peak, Banff National Park
67 min walk • Watchman Peak is located on the border of Alberta and British Columbia, on southern side of Thompson Pass. It was named in 1902 by James Outram.
3 miNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Castleguard Mountain, Banff National Park
77 min walk • Castleguard Mountain, also known as Mount Castleguard, is an isolated mountain located near the southern edge of the Columbia Icefield at the northern edge of Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada.
4.3 miN
Nature, Natural attraction, Cave
Canyon Creek Ice Cave, Banff National Park
111 min walk • Canyon Creek Ice Cave, also known as Bragg Creek Ice Cave or Moose Mountain Ice Cave, is a small ice cave in limestone located in Kananaskis Country near the community of Bragg Creek, Alberta, Canada.
4.3 miN
Nature, Natural attraction, Natural feature
Saskatchewan Glacier, Banff National Park
111 min walk • The Saskatchewan Glacier is located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, approximately 120 km northwest of the town of Banff, and can be accessed from the Icefields Parkway.