Cave & Basin Historic Site in Banff National Park

Found in Alberta's Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park's Cave and Basin historic site commemorates the birthplace of Canada's National Parks system which began in 1885. The area features natural thermal mineral springs, including one located inside a cavern which has been incorporated into the structure. The once popular swimming pool (seen on numerous vintage postcards) has since been removed, but a tile outline shows where it once was.

It was in 1981 that the Cave and Basin became designated a National Historic Site of Canada. There are several placards commemorating the history of the area, and although it's not a large place to explore, it is a beautiful spot to spend an hour.

Cave & Basin in 1915.

Cave & Basin in the 1920s.

Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar at the Palliser

Seamlessly blending the weight and heritage of the Palliser Hotel with a fresh and thoughtfully modern aesthetic, the Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar is the ideal spot for a late night drink or morning coffee. The comfortable and eclectic styling of this grand lobby bar is effortlessly cool, inviting, and enough to warrant a visit on your next visit to Calgary, Alberta.

Sky 360 Restaurant in the Calgary Tower

Offering incredible views of downtown Calgary, Alberta, Sky 360 is the revolving restaurant located at the top of the Calgary Tower. With the restaurant taking 60 minutes to complete one rotation, we made a sunset reservation and marked the occasion by sharing a bottle of sparking wine, the grilled house foccacia, sky burger, and butterscotch crème brulée.