After three railway construction workers discovered a cave with hot springs in 1883, the Banff National Park was developed in Alberta's Rocky Mountains. Banff became Canada's first national park and is home to seven national historic sites.
The park spans 2,564 square miles and contains mountains, valleys, glaciers, forests and meadows. Rich in ecosystems and wildlife, the national park is home to everything from grizzly bears to wolverines. Glacial lakes and large mountains make for world class skiing.
A variate climate, summers are mild and feature mainly sunny days with average highs of 72 degrees Fahrenheit in July. Like most of Canada, winters are harsh and bring large amounts of snow. January is the coldest month, with average lows that can reach down to 1 degree Fahrenheit.
The town of Banff and Lake Louise offer hospitals, lodging, dining and shops. Banff area hot springs are open year-round and feature modern facilities with hot pools to relax.
The park contains the largest cave system in Canada. The highest elevation in the park is at the top of Mount Forbes, which stands at 11,850 feet. The park contains more than 1,000 glaciers and more than 4 million tourists visit every year.
Tourists should be careful driving around the park as wild animals often roam over roadways. Avalanches are always a concern and common in the winter. Visitors should educate themselves before heading to any backcountry areas in the snow. Wild animals, forest fires and icy conditions are also potential hazards in the park.
