Banff National Park
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Banff National Park |
Contact Information:
Banff National Park
Box 900
Banff, AB
Canada T1L 1K2
403-762-1550
Size: 6,641 sq. km.
Location: Banff National Park is located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains on the Alberta side of the Continental Divide, 128 km west of Calgary and 401 km southwest of Edmonton. The Trans-Canada Highway runs west from Calgary into the park and through Banff and Lake Louise, then continues west towards Vancouver. Buses to Banff and Lake Louise run year round. The 230-km Icefields Parkway connects Lake Louise with Jasper National Park.
Description:
Founded in 1885 following the discovery of the Cave and Basin Hot Springs, Banff is Canada's oldest and most famous national park, and is part of the UNESCO Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. It includes a variety of outstanding geological and ecological features, including rugged mountains, glaciers, icefields, alpine meadows, lakes, mineral hot springs, deep canyons and hoodoos. Its diverse wildlife features 53 species of mammals, including elk, bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bear, wolf, coyote, caribou, and mountain lion. The Castleguard Caves in the remote northwest corner of the park form Canada's longest cave system. The Cave and Basin National Historic Site in Banff commemorates the establishment, growth, and development of Canada's national parks through interactive displays and exhibits.
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The
Icefield Parkway, which connects Banff to Jasper National Park |
Places to Stay: Parks Canada operates all campgrounds in Banff National Park. Demand is heaviest from June through September, with July and August being the busiest. Campground reservations can be made online or by calling 1-877-737-3783.
The resort towns of Banff and Lake Louise are located in the park and each offers visitors a full range of accommodations, including more than 100 motels, hotels, inns, lodges, cottages, cabins, and B&Bs, as well as private campgrounds. For more information on lodging, contact Banff/Lake Louise Tourism at 403-762-8421.
Operating
Hours: Banff National Park is open year round. The peak season in the park is during July and August.
History: Established in 1885.
See other Canadian
National Parks
See other Alberta National Parks