Banff National Park Facts

Location: Alberta, Canada.
Date Established: November 25, 1885.
Later named Banff National Park, it was originally enlarged in 1887 and named the "Rocky Mountains Park of Canada." Banff was Canada's first national park and the world's third. The Banff townsite was established, a hotel was quickly built, and the area was soon being promoted as an international resort and spa.

Banff is Canada's most visited National Park. Banff's eastern gate is located approximately 100 km west of Calgary in the Rocky Mountains, and stretches 240 km along the eastern slope of the Continental Divide.

Originally set aside to preserve sulphur hot springs for public use, Banff's blend of towering peaks and flower-strewn meadows makes it among Canada's most incredible holiday areas.