How an accidental discovery led to the creation of Banff National Park
Alberta is home to five national parks, and its very first park has a history rooted in tourism, railways, and natural hot springs.
According to Banff and Lake Louise Tourism, way back in the 1870s, the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway was underway in an effort to connect Canada from coast to coast. As the railway pushed through the Bow Valley and the Rocky Mountains in 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway workers stumbled upon natural hot springs on what we now know as Sulphur Mountain.
The discovery of the Cave and Basin hot springs sparked excitement and was seen as a major tourism opportunity.
So much excitement surrounded the discovery that competing claims emerged over who had discovered the springs and who had the right to develop the land. The dispute eventually became so significant that in 1885, the Canadian government stepped in to protect the spring and the surrounding area.
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In 1887, the protected area expanded and was officially named the Rocky Mountains Park of Canada, which would later be named Banff National Park. It was not only the first national park in Alberta, but also in Canada. It also became the third national park established in the world.
The Banff townsite was quickly built, including a hotel and the park was promoted as an international resort and spa.
In 1984, the park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, being recognized for its “exceptional natural beauty” and “striking mountain landscape”.
Since then, the park has become a world-renowned destination known for its pristine lakes, towering mountain peaks, and stunning Rocky Mountain scenery. It spans over 6,641 square kilometres and is home to three world-class ski resorts, over 1,500 kilometres of hiking trails, over 2,468 campsites, and so much more.