Banff Park is the largest park in Canada and a UNESCO-protected nature reserve. There are a variety of landscapes and a rich natural world, amazing lakes, magnificent forests, real glaciers, huge mountains, stunning scenery - and that's not all the features of the park! Actively developing tourism and wellness infrastructure, hiking and biking trails. Banff Park covers an area of 6,641 square kilometers, and in every part of it the heart beats with admiration - the indescribable beauty and clean air of the reserve beckon, making you return here again.
History of the park
The reserve occupies an area in the province of Alberta near the Rocky Mountains: the first explorers came here in 1540 - they were Europeans exploring new lands. At the end of the 18th century, the Rocky Mountains were first conquered.
The reserve was founded in 1885, and the first hotel was built 3 years after its founding: the transcontinental railroad facilitated the influx of tourists. Over time, a new resort, named after the park - Banff - appeared near the reserve: today there are about fifty hotels, stores, restaurants and other tourist infrastructure.
The first change in the boundaries of the park took place in 1902: land along the banks of three rivers and one lake was added to it. The final boundaries were defined in 1949. In 2010, a 26 km long hiking trail for mountain biking enthusiasts was opened.
Natural Features
Lakes
Banff has several lakes with crystal clear water, but three of them stand out:
- Moraine. It is a glacial lake located at an altitude of 1,885 meters. The turquoise water of the reservoir and the surrounding forests are the main attraction of the park. The lake is especially beautiful in the second half of June, when it is maximally filled with water and the sunlight refracts on the rocky bottom.
- Peyto. The lake is named after the discoverer of the body of water and is uniquely shaped - from a height it resembles the head of a wolf. Peyto is located at an altitude of 1860 meters and has a turquoise color.
- The third lake of the reserve is located at an altitude of 1700 meters and has an emerald hue. Named after Queen Victoria's daughter, the Indians call the pond "a lake of small fish."
Flora
The vegetation of the reserve has hundreds of species: it is represented not only by forest and glacial plants, but also by representatives of alpine meadows, subalpine vegetation and tundra trees. Forests occupy more than half of the park; wildflowers can be found. Mosses and lichens sprout on the rocks, 650 species in all.
Fauna
The animal world is represented by:
- 56 species of mammals: grizzly, wolverine, lynx, cougars, squirrels, rhinoceros, black-tailed deer, etc.
- 200 species of birds: thrush, eagle, golden eagle, jay, etc.
Banff tourism.
The nature of the park is beautiful all year round: from June to September tourists come to the mountain slopes, ride bicycles, climb. In winter, ski slopes of varying degrees of difficulty are open throughout the park: for beginners and professionals. In addition to skiing you can go snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, dog sledding.
Admission to the park is free for children under 18 and $9.80 CAD for adults.
Interesting Facts
- 4 million tourists visit Banff National Park every year
- Lake Moraine is Canada's most recognizable landscape
- During World Wars I and II, Banff was home to prison labour camps
- The Trans-Canada Highway with its enchanting scenery runs through the park.
The object belongs to the nature reserves.
