Banff National Park

Banff is one of the world's most popular travel destinations. Within an hour's drive are five world-class ski hills and six signature golf courses. The park contains 6,641 sq km (2,564 sq mi) of towering mountains, secluded valleys, boreal forest, alpine meadows, glacial lakes and rivers -- a diverse ecosystem that is home to countless species of wildlife.

Canada's first national park, it was established in 1885 after the chance discovery of the now-famous hot springs bubbling up from a mountain cave above the present day townsite of Banff. Hundreds of visitors still come every year to "take the waters" at the Upper Hot Springs pool. Thousands more come to engage in year round outdoor activities of all descriptions, including some of the best alpine and nordic skiing in North America.

Park highlights include:

• Townsite of Banff
• Sunshine Meadows (accessible by shuttle bus, reservations required)
• Townsite of Lake Louise
• Johnston Canyon
• Lake Louise
• Moraine Lake
• Crowfoot Glacier
• Bow Lake
• Bow Summit & Peyto Lake
• Mistaya Canyon