Cascade Gardens is a little oasis just minutes walk from downtown Banff. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds of Banff Avenue. The gardens are terraced into the hillside with pathways and rock steps that lead through trees and flower beds. Several gazebos and sitting shelters make a great refuge from the sun on a hot day.
Peak blooming season runs from June to September, but you can enjoy a stroll through the grounds during other months when it is not snowbound. Admission to the gardens is free.
The gardens are missed by most tourists because they are tucked at the back of the property that is shared with the Parks Canada administration office. This historic stone structure was built in 1935. An iconic view that can be seen on many postcards is taken from the front of the parks building. This spot offers a great sight line looking down Banff Avenue towards Cascade Mountain towering at the end of it. Admission to the Parks Canada building is also free. It has interactive exhibits about Canada’s land and people.
How To Get To Cascade Gardens
From downtown Banff follow Banff Avenue to the south end and cross over the bridge on the Bow River. You will see the stone Parks Building ahead of you. Cross the street and go through the wrought iron gate. Follow the path towards the back of the property until you reach the gardens. The other entrance is on Mountain Avenue around the left hand side of the Parks Building.
We consider ourselves privileged to be able to work and live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Banff National Park. We have created this site to share our photography and personal experiences of the park and the rest of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.