Banff National Park
Banff National Park is one of four adjoining mountain parks comprising over 20,000 square kilometers of ruggedly beautiful landscape in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In 1985, the United Nations recognized its special value to the world by declaring Banff a "World Heritage Site". Each year, more than four million visitors enjoy the unique blend of wilderness and tourist attractions that can only be found in Banff National Park.
Activities in Banff National Park
Banff offers a wide variety of outdoor activities throughout the year. In the winter, you can find world-class downhill skiing and snowboarding at three different Banff ski resorts. There are also many fine cross-country ski trails near the town of Banff, as well as in the nearby wilderness. In the summer, you might want to explore Banff by canoe, raft, or on foot. Enjoy the many sightseeing opportunities or photograph some of the spectacular scenery and wildlife.
Weather in Banff National Park
The weather in the Canadian Rockies can change quickly, so it's always best to have a jacket handy, even in the summer. Autumn days in Banff tend to be clear and sunny. Warm, dry Chinook winds can bring spring-like conditions in winter. Skiing and snowboarding are good from December to March. Spring, summer and fall are great for golf. The summer weather in Banff is pleasant, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours.
Location of Banff National Park
Banff is just a six-hour drive east of Vancouver, or 90 minutes west of Calgary, Alberta. The mountain resort of Jasper is just a scenic day-trip to the north. Lake Louise, a year-round tourist destination, is a 40-minute drive from Banff, through the scenic Bow Valley.
History of Banff National Park
The transcontinental railway reached the Rocky Mountains in 1883. During the construction, three railway workers noticed some simmering hot springs. Two years later, the area became Canada's first national park, Rocky Mountain Park. The town of Banff grew around the hot springs. At 1384 meters above sea level, Banff is now known as "Canada's Highest Town".
Atmosphere of Banff National Park
In the beginning, Banff National Park was highly dependent on the railroad. For the handful of residents, life largely revolved around the arrivals and departures of the trains. Very few people stayed in Banff during the winter.
Although Banff is still a charming little town, it has become a year-round attraction. A small collection of attractive restaurants, shops and cultural activities attract visitors from around the world.
If you tire of the hustle and bustle of a busy tourist town, however, it's easy to get away. Almost any street in Banff leads to a shady trail, a cool, fresh stream, or a sunny meadow. This carefully preserved wilderness atmosphere is what makes Banff National Park the most famous and memorable park in Canada.
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© 2012 Vancouver English Centre
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Last updated on Jan 18/07
at 21:43 PDT
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