Canada is a country of national parks located in the mountains. One of them is Banff Park, which received its status in 1885.

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Located 150 km. from the famous Olympic city of Calgary, in the Rocky Mountains. The administrative center is the city of Banff, where modern hotels, cafes, restaurants have been built, and tourist infrastructure facilities have been created. A large role in the development of the city was played by the railway company, which invested in the improvement of the city and in active advertising of the exotic places of the national park.

In 1917, the first Winter Festival was organized in Banff, for the opening of which a huge palace of ice was built, which amazed everyone with the size and beauty of ice architecture.

Also in Canada there is an equally amazing place - Jasper National Park.

Natural beauty of Banff

The National Park is a place of amazing beauty of landscapes, where the harsh grandeur of high cliffs is adjacent to green massifs of coniferous forests and crystal-clear mountain lakes. At 6641 sq. km. there are many picturesque glaciers, waterfalls that form lakes. The snow-white plateaus, surrounded by a necklace of spruce, pine, fir forests and sharp peaks of rocks, make an irresistible impression with their peaceful cold beauty. In some places, mountain spurs go literally under the clouds, they are so high. Looking at them, one involuntarily recalls the fabulous palaces of the Snow Queen, because such pictures cannot be called otherwise than fabulous.

Banff Park is a real tourist Mecca, where thousands of tourists come to enjoy the miraculous beauty of virgin nature, drink healing mineral water from local springs, feel the power of the rocky mountains and play sports. The snow-capped peaks rise like stone giants, reminding man of his weakness before the power of nature.

Lake Louise

One of the most picturesque lakes in the park, formed by the melting of glaciers, is located 5 km away. from Lake Louise, a small village on the central Trans-Canadian Highway. A reservoir with an area of ​​0.8 sq. Km. with the purest melt water reflecting the blue Canadian sky, slender rows of tall fir trees and the tops of snow-capped rocks, it is irresistibly beautiful.

The Indians called it "Fish Lake", the Canadians - "Emerald" for the color of the water, and the lake received its official name in honor of the 4th daughter of Queen Victoria - Princess Louise. The wife of the Governor of Canada, who ruled for 5 years, was also named Louise, and this played a decisive role in giving the name to a real pearl among the lakes of Canada.

Tourist infrastructure of the lake

The wonderful lake is actively visited by Canadians, Americans and Europeans. Hangars for pleasure boats are installed on the massive wooden pier, where tourists make boat trips in summer. In winter, they are engaged in ice fishing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. In the vicinity of the lake, there are hiking trails, bike trails, horseback riding and dog sledding trails. There is where to show your climbing talent, so avid climbers and rock climbers come here.

The opening of the International Airport in Calgary has significantly expanded the geography of tourism, allowing wealthy Europeans to visit the beautiful surroundings of the lake.

Banff ski resorts

Now the best conditions have been created here for a good rest, active engagement in all kinds of winter sports, various amusements and entertainment. Ski resorts grow here like mushrooms after rain. All of them are equipped with excellent hotels with a high level of comfort, shops, restaurants with delicious quality food, magnificent SPA-salons, ballrooms and pubs.

The resort of Jasper, 300 km away, is very popular among tourists. from Banff. Parents with children come here, where they have the opportunity not only to have a great rest, but also to teach children how to ski. Experienced instructors have developed special, the safest trails for children from 3 years old, on which they learn the art of skiing together with their parents.

We especially love this resort during the winter holidays, because the best winter rest is guaranteed here. Fresh mountain air saturated with oxygen; light frost, an abundance of snow, the incomparable beauty of mountains and forests, breathtaking descents on steep slopes - what could be better ?! Canadians warmly welcome their guests, the service staff treats visitors with warmth and attention, the owners of restaurants, shops and cafes do not seek to “break prices”.

Banff National Park is located in the Alberta Rocky Mountains region of Alberta, Canada.


Banff National Park is Canada's first national park. Thanks to this park, a system of national parks appeared. It stretches for 6,641 square kilometers and is one of the largest national parks in Canada, if not the entire world. Millions of visitors come here every year.

This area was inhabited by the Stoney Indians for many thousands of years before the white man arrived in these lands. The first non-local to see the Canadian Rockies was Anthony Hendy in 1754. The park was first discovered by workers who were building the transcontinental railroad in 1882. But "officially" it appeared in 1885. At first, the park was located around the thermal springs Cave and Basin. The first Banff Springs Hotel was built just three years later. The park acquired its present appearance in 1928. The construction of the first road through the park was completed in 1923. The boundaries of the park were laid in 1930. These boundaries are included in the National Parks Act passed by the Canadian Parliament.

In summer, the climate is generally mild. July is considered the warmest month, with an average temperature of 22C. There is rarely snow on the roads in summer, but the peaks of the mountains are snowy all year round. In winter, the average temperature drops sharply. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of -15C. In winter, snow covers literally everything, and severe frosts are very felt. Despite the time of the year, it should be borne in mind that the temperature drops by 1C with each rise to an altitude of 200m.

About 93 percent of the park is pristine wilderness. The most striking feature is, of course, the mountains, the view of which opens up from any place in the park.

The most common wildlife in the park are bighorn sheep, deer, moose and caribou. It is also home to the critically endangered moose and mountain goats, which are almost impossible to see without good binoculars. While you are unlikely to see them, keep in mind that the park is also home to black and grizzly bears, wolves, coyotes and cougars.

The warmer side of the park is home to squirrels and marmots, as well as a few porcupines and beavers. It is also home to birds such as the black grouse, bald eagle and the ubiquitous Canadian goose.


Banff National Park- the oldest nature reserve in the region, formed on the territory during the construction of the transcontinental railway. The history of the reserve began in the 1880s. since the discovery of an entire area of ​​hot springs on the northern slope of Mount Salfer. Today, Banff is also used by the federal highway network, the Trans-Canada Highway, making the park extremely popular. It is included in the version of our site.

The park is located in the province of Alberta, 110-120 km from Calgary. Tourists usually arrive by car on Highway 1, although there is an airport near Banff that serves domestic flights. For hunters and naturalists, this is the perfect place. Banff National Park is teeming with rare flora and fauna. Tourists from all over the world are attracted by dense coniferous forests, crystal clear lakes, ski resorts, hot sulfur springs and other useful areas.

An important role in the development of tourism in the Rocky Mountains was played by the national railway company, which built the first two hotels here. Today Banff is visited by more than 3 million people annually, making it the most visited nature reserve in Canada. The central part of the park is the city of Banff itself, with a population of just over 8 thousand people. It is located in the Bow Valley and is replete with museums and art galleries. Every year interesting festivals take place on the territory of this town: Winter Carnival, Indian Days, Mountain Film Festival, etc.

Lake Louise is considered one of the most beautiful sights of the reserve. Its stunning landscape has long been printed on the $ 20 Canadian banknote. The lake is surrounded by a small village appropriately named Lake Louise. A popular ski resort is located not far from it. Another Banff attraction is glaciers and ice fields. Basically, they are scattered along the slopes of mountains and lowlands. Recently, many of them are melting, which is not very good from an environmental point of view.

People come to Banff not only for stunning views, but also for recovery. In the area of ​​the National Park there are many mineral springs with healing water. The climate here is very diverse and even subdivided into several zones. There are mountain forest belts with a predominance of high humidity. The subalpine belt is represented mainly by dense forests. An alpine belt stretches just above the line of centuries-old trees. Wild animals are more common in the mountainous area. The park is home to grizzlies, wolverines, snow goats, chipmunks and many other animals.

Banff National Park is the first park in Canada, which was created in 1885. Located in the province of Alberta, about 110 kilometers from Calgary, it is also considered the largest national park in Canada and one of the largest in the world.

In order to enter the park, you need to buy a ticket. One day adult ticket costs CAD 9.80, children under 17 are free. In addition, there are tickets that are valid all year round.

Prices on the page are for September 2018.

How to get there

The nearest international airport to the park is in Calgary. A little closer there is Springbank Airport - 80 kilometers from the park - but only domestic flights arrive there. In the park itself, in the city of Banff, there is also an airport, but passenger planes do not land there.

By car

The park can be reached in about an hour and a half from Calgary via Highway 1. Highway 11 connects the park from Rocky Mountain House and Red Deer, and Highway 93 from Radium Hot Springs and Cranbrook.

By bus

Greyhound and Brewster buses leave regularly from Calgary as well as many cities in British Columbia. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour of Banff Park and take the sightseeing bus to it. Most of these excursions are in Calgary and Vancouver.

Transport

To get around the park, you will need a car that can be rented in Calgary, Banff or Lake Louise. Alternatively, you can rent a bike, however keep in mind that riding it in mountainous terrain is quite difficult and it is best not to do this if you have never ridden a mountain bike before. You can also rent a bike in Banff or Lake Louise. Finally, you can rent a moped from Bactrax / Snowtips.

Great views of Banff Park

Banff Accommodation

Most of the hotels in the park are located in Banff. At HI-Banff Alpine Center, room rates start at 32 CAD, and at Banff Y Mountain Lodge - from 46 CAD for a private room or 22 CAD for a place in a hostel. Both hotels have a kitchen, laundry and internet.

Banff Ptarmigan Inn and 333 Guest House are located in the heart of the city, close to most shops and restaurants, however, the prices are slightly higher. And if you're on a budget, stay at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, the most luxurious hotel in the park.

There are fewer hotels on Lake Louise, but if you want to stay there, you can do it. HI-Castle Mountain Wilderness, HI-Lake Louise Alpine Center and HI-Mosquito Creek hostels have hostels that cost CAD 25-30 per night, while the latter two have private rooms that start at CAD 70 per night. depending on the season. In addition, there is a wonderful upscale hotel Chateau Lake Louise next to the lake, but the prices are extremely high.

Banff Restaurants

Nearly all local restaurants are also located in Banff. At Balkan Restaurant, owned by a Greek family, you can blend the beautiful but undeniably cool Rocky Mountain scenery with a festive southern atmosphere. And Wildfire Grill has great steaks, reasonable prices and warm service - plus the views are superb.

The luxurious The Maple Leaf offers an extensive wine list and fine cuisine, while a huge selection of cocktails can be found on the lower floor of the Saltlik Steakhouse. And, since you are in Banff Park, by all means go to Grizzly House - it is unlikely that you will soon have the opportunity to visit an equally original institution and try the same unusual cuisine next time.

Banff entertainment and attractions

There are two companies in the park that can offer you gondola rides - Banff Gondola and Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola. If you are interested in golf, do not miss the opportunity to play in such a picturesque place. This can be done at The Fairmont Banff Springs, designed by Stanley Thompson, a renowned Canadian golf course architect.

The Cave and Basin National Historic site is the birthplace of the first Canadian national park. There you can find several hot sulfur springs and an authentic Canadian bath, built in 1887.

And at the Banff Park Museum, you can see the many animals that live in the region, hiding too well among the trees for you to spot just walking in the park. Canada Place will introduce you to Canadian history, local customs and culture. In addition, it is worth visiting Lake Peita, which is hardly inferior in beauty to Lake Louise.

Also, Banff Park is a real find for lovers of skiing and snowboarding. At Sunshine, located eight kilometers west of Banff, you will be taken to an altitude of 2,730 meters and you will be able to see all of British Columbia before descending (CAD 64 for adults and CAD 49 for students). You can also go skiing and snowboarding in Lake Louise and the slightly more budgetary Mount Norquay.

Safety

In winter, if you are not used to driving your car in the snow, use some other means of transportation. If you decide to go deeper into the park, do not forget about the possibility of avalanches. Also, never go skiing or snowboarding anywhere except in designated areas.

Despite the fact that attacks by bears and pumas are extremely rare, statistics show that wild animals are the main cause of injuries in national parks. To avoid unpleasant incidents, you need to follow a few simple rules:

  • Elk and deer can be just as dangerous as bears or wolves, so don't get closer than 30 meters to them. Also, it is better to leave the idea of ​​photographing them up close, even if you are in the car. The most aggressive are females with small calves (from May to July) and males during the mating season (from September to November).
  • If you see a bear, wolf, coyote or puma, try to keep a distance of at least 100 meters.
  • Sheep are much more friendly, but it is better to keep at least 10 meters away from them.
  • Use binoculars to see animals up close.
  • If you decide to get out of the car in the wild roadside part of the park, first look around and wait a little.

In case some wild animal is already in the immediate vicinity, you should do the following:

  • If there are small children near you, pick them up immediately.
  • Try to appear larger, you really are - for example, raise your hands or any large object above your head.
  • Do not turn away from the animal and move slowly. Don't run and pretend to be dead.
  • Maintain constant eye contact with the animal, do not look away.
  • If the animal continues to approach you, yell, swing a stick, or throw stones.
  • If the animal does try to attack you, resist. Hit him with a heavy stick or rock.

You can get the most complete information about safety rules directly from the park staff.

Due to its beauty, the park has won the hearts of Canadians and travelers from many parts of the world. Banff National Park is considered one of the most popular on the planet. In addition, the park is included in the UNESCO heritage list.

Banff National Park covers a site in the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada. From the city of Calgary, the approximate distance to the National Park is 110-180 kilometers.

Banff National Park location

Its area is more than 6 thousand square kilometers.

The Icefields Parkway road runs from Lake Louise to the northern border, crossing which leads to Jasper National Park.

In addition, the following National Parks of Canada are adjacent to Banff: Yoho, Kootenay, Kananaskis Country.

The center of commerce in the National Park is Banff, located near the Bow River.

History

The Rocky Mountains used to be inhabited by Native Americans. Tribes of Indians who used to live in the park: Caina, Kutenai, Stoney, Sarsi, Siksiki. They hunted bison, huge herds of which grazed in these places.

When Europeans appeared here, the development of this area began and the first thing they did was to lay the rails of the railway. In a small area where hot springs were discovered, it was decided to organize a park.

Later, it became more extensive and acquired the name Park of the Rocky Mountains. Its territory included Lake Louise and the northern territories. Banff National Park was formally established in 1885. It was the very first park in Canada and the second on the entire continent after Yellowstone.


A large role in the emergence of tourism here was played by the railway company, which built hotels and was engaged in advertising. In addition, highways and infrastructure appeared here thanks to Ukrainian prisoners of war and participants in public works during the Great Depression.

At the beginning of 1917, the Winter Festival was held here for the first time. At this time, a large ice palace was already erected. The festival included various competitive events. These are cross-country skiing competitions and other winter sports.

Until 30, the size of the park was constantly changing, and only then, after the adoption of the law on National Parks, the area began to be 6697 square kilometers, and the name was also changed. The park became known as Banff National Park. The very first ski resort was also opened in 1930.

1984 Banff National Park is listed as a UNESCO heritage site. After the airport began operating in Calgary, accepting international flights, tourism in these places became even more accessible.

Nature

The rocky mountains in Alberta are composed of sedimentary rocks from the ancient inland sea. The age of these rocks ranges from the Precambrian to the Jurassic period of the Mesozoic era. The mountains were formed about 100 million years ago as a result of a thrust.

Over the next years, the mountainous landscape was subject to erosion, including glacial erosion. An ancient glacier has formed deep valleys, gorges, canyons here. Sharp peaks, similar to alpine ones, were also formed due to glacial activity.

Many rivers are fed by the melting of Banff's modern glaciers. It was noted that as a result of global warming, glaciers are retreating, some of them are endangered.

In the National Park, the vegetation is divided into zones: forest, subalpine and alpine. Pine forests predominate, but there are also other tree species: spruce, willow, aspen, fir and maple.

Climate, weather

The climate in the National Park is mild enough for such latitudes. This feature is achieved thanks to the warm "shinuk" winds.

  • The minimum average temperature of the coldest month is -15
  • The average temperature in June reaches +22 degrees
  • The average annual rainfall is 472 mm per year.

Animals that live in Banff Park

Banff Park is home to many wild mammals and other animals. Predators live in the forests: wolf, grizzly bear, wolverine, Canadian otter, weasel.

Of the large animals, the black-tailed and white-tailed deer live, near the river, and in the vicinity of the city of Banff. There is also an elk that prefers swampy areas.

In the highlands, you can see a snow goat, bighorn sheep, pika, marmot. Endangered species: one species of snails, grizzly bears and caribou.

Many species that once lived in these places, unfortunately, became extinct or disappeared due to human invasion. For example, there were no buffalo left here already in 1858, because of the shooting. Elks, on the other hand, were brought here from Yellowstone Park in 1917.

A small number of predators such as wolves and coyotes have shaken the fragile ecosystem that has developed in the area.


This turn of events led to the disappearance of the following animals from the Bow Valley: grizzly bear, wolverine, lynx, jaguar, elk, otter.

For this reason, gray wolves were placed here in 1985. Another problem was related to the fact that the route interfered with the movements and migrations of animals, especially the grizzly bear suffered.

To reduce the damage to wildlife from human influence, special crossings were created for animals across the road, both underground and above the highway.

Fun in the park

Mostly tourists come to Alberta Park to admire the picturesque views and take many beautiful photographs. However, there is plenty of entertainment in Banff National Park:

  1. Hiking tours for one day or more are organized here
  2. For lovers of skiing in the park, there are several ski resorts, one of which is located next to Lake Louise
  3. Also, in the summer you can ride a canoe on the beautiful blue surface of the park mountain lakes
  4. There is also the opportunity to go cross-country skiing and horseback riding in the park
  5. The huge 27-hole golf course also attracts fans to play this game
  6. Well, in the end, you can visit the hot springs in Aperre Hot Springs, from which the park began to exist.

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