We had learned of this place during our trip research and thought it would be an interesting place to visit near Bow River and Falls. We visited the second week of October. It's literally right across Banff's main bridge and town. It's located just inside and beyond the Banff Administration Building and its imposing gate and sign entrance. A first visitor might be confused by the gate sign because it isn't obvious that the actual gardens are further back and to the right of the building. So, don't make the mistake of thinking the gardens are somewhere close or behind this building. Rather, you must walk to the right some distance to view the actual gardens. There's even a paved road/path that separates the building/grounds from the gardens. If you view even a online map, it's still somewhat misleading. In any case, if you enter the main gate from the main Bridge crossing, just walk to your right and up further. You will find it. I call it "secret" because of this location and indeed it's apparent that outside visitors, and even some locals, may overlook it. It has an enchanting feel and look, like something out of a Tolkien novel. It was built during the Depression era and is quite interesting to walk through. Along with the multiple flower bed, there are also unique combination of structures like you may have never seen before. Look for the structure made from tree trunks with burls. It stands out and perhaps the most interesting object in the gardens. There are walkways and terraces to enjoy as well. On top of all that, it's absolutely free!!

It was a nice walk from our hotel, Mount Royal. You see the beautiful water running along the Bow river on our way to the Cascade Gardens. Once you get there, you would have a very good view of the Banff town. Nice walk inside the Gardens.

What a beautiful location. You can only tour the grounds for free. So many beautiful flowers and gardens. It’s on many levels with small waterfall accents as well. Lovely grounds to picnic or relax. My only complaint were the rude people and those who walk through a garden or let their children run through them.

This was the first thing I did upon arrival in Banff in the morning, and it was a lovely start to my trip! The gardens were beautiful and peaceful (and free) and they give you a great view of Banff Ave. from an elevated vantage point. There are some stairs but it was an easy walk. There are some benches throughout. There was plenty of parking (also free). This will most likely be a relatively quick stop, but I enjoyed it.

I wasn’t planning on going here but our tour bus made a stop and I’m so glad it did!! From the street its beautiful but once you enter and head in back of the building it is extraordinary! I got the most amazing pictures! The mountains in the back ground with the amazing pools, waterfalls, landscaping, and flowers were fantastic. It is free to enter, you don’t go inside the building, you just walk around the grounds. I highly recommend it!!!

One of my favorites. Loved loved loved the gardens. No one should miss these beautiful, spectacular gardens. What a wonderful place to sit and look and smell the fragrance of the flowers. Waterfalls are awesome. So peaceful and a place not to miss plus it’s free too.

Didn't know about this, just saw it on the other side of the bridge as we walked to the end of the main Banff avenue. We went up, found the gate was unlocked, and went in and explored. Great rock gardens up a slope, and you can sit down on the stone walls and look down on the town and the beautiful mountain peak directly in the distance. What's not to like?

At the end of main street in Banff is a large almost castle like building. The grounds are beautiful with a lot of beautiful flowers and little streams and garden-waterfalls. The garden in front of the building is beautiful but the garden to the right and back is really amazing. I noticed a lot of tourists only looking in the front and unaware that the main garden is to the right and back of the building. You need to walk up to appreciate it all. The wood carving bridges and benches are also beautiful and unique.