BANFF

Banff National Park, in south-western Alberta, Canada, formally
established in 1885. Located on the eastern slopes of the Rocky
Mountains, it is famous for its spectacular mountain scenery.

Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park. It originally
comprised an area 26 sq km (10 sq mi) in extent, around hot springs
that had been discovered in 1883. Countering a plan for the purchase
and commercial exploitation of these hot springs, the Canadian
government declared the area a public land reserve. In 1887, the park
was expanded to take in a total area of 6,640 sq km (2,564 sq mi).

As well as hot springs the park contains waterfalls, densely forested
valleys, alpine meadows, glaciers, and many glacial lakes, including
Lake Louise. The park's abundant wildlife includes puma, black and
grizzly bears, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat. There are
20 camping sites and 1,300 km (over 800 mi) of hiking routes and
trails, which can be used for cross-country skiing in winter. Canoeing
and water sports are also popular leisure activities. However, the
large numbers of visitors that the park attracts make it difficult to
maintain as a conservation area.