Established in 1885, the Banff area was the first National Park in Canada.
It was originally protected when a natural sulfer hot springs was found during nearby railroad construction.
In 1885 it spanned about about 10 square miles.
Over the years more land has been added.
Today the park covers about 2,564 square miles of wilderness.
Banff is recognized for it's iconic blue lakes.
The turquoise coloring of these lakes is caused by silt from the nearby glaciers.
This blue sediment drifts in the water before settling at the bottom, giving the water a vibrant blue coloring.
- The name "Banff" comes from the birthplace (Banffshire, Scotland) of two of the city's founders.
- The waters of Bow River eventually run into the Hudson Bay.
- The famous Fairmont Springs Hotel on Lake Louise was accidentally built backwards.
- The Castleguard cave system in Banff is the longest in Canada.
- You can go scuba diving in Lake Minnawanka and explore an underwater mining town.
