Banff National Park is one of the most scenic places on Earth. The park is a desired destination with rare outdoor adventures, awe-inspiring mountain scenery, authentic historical and cultural depth, world class resorts and exceptional gourmet cuisine.


Banff National Park History


    Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest and most famous national park, and second oldest in the world. Banff National Park is one of four adjoining national parks making up the central Canadian Rockies.


    The park was founded in 1885 after the discovery of the Cave and Basin Hot Springs. From this humble hot springs reserve of only 26 square kilometers, Banff National Park grew to cover over 6,641 square kilometers (2,564 square miles) of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, Banff National Park is one of the world’s premier destination spots.


Banff National Park Tourism


    Alberta’s Banff National Park is one of the most visited national parks in all of North America, with five million annual visitors. More visitors are expected due to the 2010 Olympics. During the summer months, 42% of park visitors are from Canada (including 23% from Alberta); 35% are from the US, and Europe accounts for 20%.


    Banff National Park is only 1.5 hours from the City of Calgary by car. When you arrive you will find rugged mountains, beautiful glaciers, ice fields, wondrous alpine meadows, beautiful blue freshwater lakes, a mineral hot springs plus deep canyons.


    Banff National Park is year-round. Most tourists come from mid-June through August, which causes crowding, especially in the small, friendly Banff town (it’s best to come on weekdays).

Banff National Park Mountains & Glaciers


    Banff National Park is, above all else, a place of wonder and beauty. Banff National Park has 1000 glaciers plus there are many a beautiful glacier-fed lakes to see during the summer months.


Banff National Park Recreation


    Banff National Park is world renowned for its rugged alpine scenery and a vast array of snow related activities. The park has been a protected natural area for more than 100 years.


    Climbing is a common sport at Banff National Park. The most active climbing occurs in winter on the south facing ice waterfall route. You can easily view this from the scenic TransCanada Highway.


    If you snow ski or snow board, Banff National Park offers some of the best powder skiing in North America.


    Banff National Park is also a hiking wonderland, containing over 1,600 kilometers of rugged and adventurous trails. You can also fish, golf, camp, horseback ride, go white water rafting or even take a helicopter ride.