Banff National Park

mountains · Canada · nature · glaciers

First national park. Banff became Canada's very first national park way back in 1885, even before most other countries had national parks. It was originally called Rocky Mountains Park.

Glaciers and ice. The park is home to many glaciers and massive ice fields that sit high up in the mountains, shaped by snow and ice over thousands of years.

Dense forests. Thick coniferous forests (evergreen trees like spruce and pine) cover much of Banff, creating habitats for bears, wolves, and elk.

Town of Banff. The park's main hub is the charming town of Banff, nestled in the Bow River valley, where visitors can stay, eat, and explore.

Location in Alberta. Banff is tucked into Alberta's Rocky Mountains, about 68 to 112 miles west of the city of Calgary.