Episode 2: Banff: Stunning Cave & Basin + Gondola
Visited in June 2022
In this adventure, we dove deep into Banff National Park — one of Canada's most breathtaking landscapes.
Filmed in American Sign Language (ASL) with Closed Captions (CC), this Deaf-led travel story captures a day full of nature, history, and unforgettable moments.
Scenic Drive Through the Rockies
Driving into Banff felt like stepping into a different world.
Towering peaks lined both sides of the road, glacier-fed rivers flowed along the valleys, and every turn revealed a new view that took our breath away.
The sheer size and openness of the Rockies created perfect opportunities for ASL storytelling — wide landscapes, clear visual moments, and the peaceful silence of nature all around us.
It wasn’t just a drive — it was a slow, unfolding visual story with every curve of the road.
Banff Gondola and Sulphur Mountain – Ride to the Summit
Our first major stop was the Banff Gondola, where we smoothly glided up the side of Sulphur Mountain.
The feeling of the gondola rising higher and higher, with forests shrinking below and alpine views opening up, was unforgettable.
When we reached the summit, thick clouds had rolled in — covering the mountain in mist and creating a mysterious, dream-like feeling.
It felt like walking inside the sky.
Despite the clouds, we could still catch clear glimpses of the town of Banff far below — tiny and peaceful, tucked into the valley.
At the summit, we explored the boardwalk trail leading even higher to the historic weather station.
Walking through the mist, surrounded by quiet mountain air and dramatic shifting views, was a surreal experience — perfect for visual travelers.
The signage was excellent — clear, easy to read, and full of fascinating history, making it easy for us to learn and explore in our own way without needing audio explanations.
Every time the clouds shifted, the 360° views opened up — revealing glimpses of the Bow Valley and endless snow-tipped peaks.
It made the experience feel even more magical — like the mountains were slowly revealing their secrets to us.
Travel Tip:
Even in summer, it can be surprisingly chilly at the summit.
Bring a light jacket and comfortable shoes — you’ll want to spend time outside enjoying the views.
Cave and Basin Historic Site – A Powerful Connection to the Past
After descending the mountain, we headed to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site — the birthplace of Canada's national parks system.
Inside the cave, we discovered the natural sulfur hot springs — and the moment we entered, the strong smell hit us immediately.
It truly smelled like rotten eggs — overwhelming at first, making us laugh and wrinkle our noses — but soon we adjusted, and it became part of the experience.
The warm, misty air, the glowing blue water, and the historic walls made it a place that felt alive with stories.
It wasn't just about the smell — it was about standing in the place where Canada's passion for protecting natural beauty first began.
The site also offered fantastic visual displays and exhibits, making it one of the most Deaf-friendly and educational experiences of the trip.
Personal Note:
The smell at Cave and Basin was definitely strong — no one warned us how powerful it would be!
But even with that, exploring the historic cave was something truly special — a strange, unforgettable memory we highly recommend to anyone visiting Banff.
Strolling Through the Banff Townsite
We finished our day with a relaxed walk through the charming Banff townsite.
Nestled between the mountains, the town felt like a postcard — alpine-style buildings, wide walkable streets, cozy cafés, and stunning views in every direction.
Everything felt very visual and easy to navigate — shops with open layouts, clear signage, and friendly spaces made it a wonderful place for Deaf travelers to explore without pressure.
We even found little quiet spots tucked between shops, perfect for pausing, signing, and just breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Wildlife Sightings Along the Way
As we explored the quieter edges of Banff, we had a magical moment — spotting wild elk and deer peacefully grazing near the forest line.
There was a calmness to the moment — a feeling of respect, connection, and quiet observation.
It reminded us why we travel: to find places where nature still leads the way, in silence and beauty.
Travel Tip:
Keep a zoom lens or camera ready while exploring Banff.
Wildlife often appears quietly and unexpectedly.
Filming or photographing animals from a respectful distance works beautifully for ASL narration and visual storytelling — without disturbing the natural flow of the moment.
Watch Our Spectacular Banff Adventure in ASL
This journey — riding into the clouds, exploring ancient hot springs, walking the mountain town streets, and encountering wildlife — was filmed fully in American Sign Language (ASL) with captions for accessibility.
👉 Watch on McGuire’s Journey YouTube
