BANFF

NATIONAL PARK

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Canada's First National Park

Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, a picture-perfect mountain town and village, abundant wildlife and scenic drives come together in Banff National Park - Canada's first national park and the flagship of the nation's park system.

Vibrant lakes, majestic mountains and easy access to outdoor adventures of all kinds.

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explore the history

  1. 1883.
    Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) workers discover natural hot springs on Sulphur Mountain.
  2. 1885.
    The Canadian government establishes a 10-square-mile (26-square-km) reserve around the hot springs, creating the first iteration of a national park.
  3. 1887.
    The reserve is expanded and named the Rocky Mountains Park of Canada, officially becoming Canada's first national park.
  4. 1888.
    The iconic Banff Springs Hotel is built by the CPR, promoting the area as a luxury wilderness destination.
  5. 1902.
    The park's boundaries are significantly expanded to include areas around Lake Louise and other rivers.
  6. 1911.
    Pressure from commercial interests leads to a reduction in the park's size and Banff became accessible by autobile from Calgary.
  7. 1916.
    The Brewsters began offering motorcoach tours of Banff.
  8. 1920.
    Access to Lake Louise by road was available.
  9. 1923.
    The Banff-Windermere Road opens, connecting Banff to British Columbia.
  10. 1930.
    The National Parks Act is passed, fixing the park's boundaries at 6,697 km² (2,586 sq mi) and renaming it Banff National Park.
  11. 1984.
    Banff National Park is included in the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site.
  12. 1990.
    The Town of Banff is incorporated, the first municipality within a Canadian National Park.
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