Banff National Park

It was the first in Canada and third in the world when it was created in 1885 after a natural hot springs was discovered. Banff National Park soon became a tourism icon around the world, as well-known as our Mounties in red serge jackets and felt hats. Maps were charted, luxury hotels were built, mountains were climbed and tourists arrived with the train,

then cars and air travel. Banff - named for Banffshire, Scotland - and Lake Louise are located within the park which forms part of the UNESCO Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site.

For information regarding wildlife, camping, backcountry permits, parks fees, fishing licenses, and hiking and trail reports contact Parks Canada, the federal government agency which manages the park .