Castleguard Cave, Limestone cave system at Columbia Icefield, Banff National Park, Canada
The cave extends for 20,357 meters through multiple limestone formations, making it the longest cave system in Canada and the fifth deepest at 384 meters.
Cecil Smith first documented the cave in 1921 while searching for horses, leading to systematic explorations by McMaster University researchers starting in 1967.
The National Film Board produced a documentary about Castleguard Cave, bringing attention to its geological features and scientific significance.
Winter expeditions require skiing 20 kilometers with equipment sleds or helicopter transport to reach the cave entrance due to park access restrictions.
The cave passages terminate at glacial ice plugs from the Columbia Icefield and contain rare cubic cave pearls found in only five locations worldwide.
GPS coordinates: 52.07718,-117.21322
Latest update: March 21, 2025 02:44
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