Did You Know?

Did you know that Canada's national parks offer exceptional opportunities for outdoor activities? From hiking and camping to wildlife viewing and canoeing, Canada's national parks provide a range of experiences for nature enthusiasts. Some parks also offer unique opportunities for stargazing, backcountry skiing, and exploring historic sites.

Did you know that Canada has the world's oldest national park? Banff National Park, established in 1885, is not only Canada's first national park but also the third oldest national park in the world. Located in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Banff offers stunning landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, and turquoise lakes.

Did you know that Nahanni National Park Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site? Located in the Northwest Territories, Nahanni National Park Reserve is known for its dramatic canyons, majestic waterfalls, and untouched wilderness. Virginia Falls, within the park, is twice the height of Niagara Falls.

Did you know that Canada has the largest national park system in the world? Parks Canada manages a vast network of national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas across the country. Canada's national park system covers over 328,000 square kilometers (126,635 square miles) of protected land.

Did you know that Wood Buffalo National Park is the largest national park in Canada? Located in Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Wood Buffalo National Park covers an area of approximately 44,807 square kilometers (17,300 square miles). It is known for its diverse wildlife, including the world's largest herd of free-roaming wood bison.

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Banff National Park

Scenic view of the beautiful Lake Louise surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush forests in Alberta, Canada

Located about one hour’s drive west of Calgary, Alberta, is Canada’s oldest and one of its best national parks, established in 1885. Banff National Park includes the quaint but lively town of Banff, tucked in a protected valley in the midst of the Rocky Mountains. The town is rich with excellent restaurants and unique shops, a very walkable main street. It’s a super popular ski resort area, and therefore is busy summer and winter.

The park is abundant with all manner of wildlife from bears to cougars, elk to rabbits. Please respect the road signs that instruct visitors to not feed wild animals. It’s for their good and yours.

The park also includes the area of Lake Louise, another favoured ski resort, home of the majestic Chateau Lake Louise, a global tourist destination. In Banff itself sits the regal Banff Springs Hotel, one of the most dignified buildings in Canada, open year-round and seated amid unparalleled beauty. This is a favourite location for elegant weddings.

Also in Banff is the highly regarded Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, which offers workshops and development studies for artists in many genres and at various stages of their careers. For the public, the centre hosts the Summer Arts Festival, including many different disciplines.

Banff is a unique national park in that it offers wilderness attributes as well as urban in the town of Banff. As such, visitors will find bucolic scenery and a vibrant social scene. Ski by day, party by night.