Banff National Park, Alberta, size 6641 km², established 1885, is situated in the ROCKY MOUNTAINS, 111 km west of CALGARY. It is Canada's first national PARK, created in 1885 to keep the hot springs on Sulphur Mountain for public use. It has since developed into a mecca for skiers, hikers, and campers.

Tourists from around the world are attracted by the park's spectacular scenery: snow-capped mountain peaks, deep valleys, and emerald lakes. Many of the park's features have been shaped by glaciers over the past million years. Hundreds of glaciers still exist in the mountains. The park's wildlife includes bear, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and deer.

The Banff Springs Hotel, opened in 1888, looms like a medieval castle over the BOW RIVER valley. The town of BANFF is the administrative centre of the park.