This 1.1 km loop trail starts in the parking lot on the east side of the Lake Minnewanka loop road, 7.4 km from Banff townsite. With the help of a brochure and interpretive signs you can explore the ruins of a coal mining operation. A hiking rail follows the abandoned Bankhead railway line south to the Cascade ponds day use area, 2.5 km away. A few ruins of the residential area of Bankhead are located in the Upper Bankhead picnic area, northwest of the parking area. The 0.8 km Discover Trail is a boardwalk built on the hillside above the Cave and Basin Centre.
Signs explain the geology and human history of the area.
Benches along the trail allow you to relax and enjoy the views. The 0.5 km Marsh Trail is another boardwalk. From it you will see the luxurious vegetation that thrives on the warm mineral water flowing down the hillside and get a bird's eye view of the large marshes below. Along the boardwalk are benches, telescopes and signs telling of the natural history of this fascinating area. On the marsh itself are a floating boardwalk and a bird blind for photographers and birdwatchers.