A Brief History of Banff National Park

Banff National Park has a long and fascinating history that has been captivating visitors since it was officially established in 1885. This incredible park, located in Alberta, Canada is the oldest national park in the country, and it is still one of the most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.

It all began when a train engineer named Tom Wilson first ventured into the area in 1883. He was so taken by the stunning beauty of the Rockies that he wrote about it in letters to his family back home. When he returned home, he started talking about this incredible place he called “Banff” and eventually convinced two railway executives to come and take a look for themselves.

The two executives were so impressed with the area that they quickly decided to develop it into a resort town. They built two hotels, including what is now known as The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, and started to attract more people to the area to experience its stunning scenery for themselves.

This quickly became popular with locals and tourists alike, and soon enough, people started advocating for Banff’s protection as a national park. Finally, in 1885 it was officially declared Canada’s first national park – making history!

Since then Banff National Park has been praised around the world for its spectacular beauty. It continues to draw countless visitors each year who come here to experience its remarkable attractions such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake as well as plenty of hiking trails that make their way through some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Today Banff National Park is an essential part of Canada’s tourism industry – something we can be truly proud of!