Banff National Park - General Park Information

In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. From that humble beginning was born Banff National Park, Canada's first national park and the world's third. Spanning 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, Banff National Park is one of the world's premier destination spots.

Less than 100 years ago, the first car to reach Banff National Park traveled a dusty, narrow road from Calgary. Within 50 years that road fell into the shadow of the world's longest paved highway: the Trans-Canada.

Today, in summer, more than 14 000 vehicles a day travel past Lake Louise on Canada's national highway, with use increasing two percent a year. This situation affects human safety, the flow of goods, and safe, unimpeded wildlife movement.

To improve safety for people and wildlife, the highway is being upgraded in stages. The most recent upgrade is now underway east of Lake Louise. Highway fencing will help reduce wildlife road kills. Wildlife crossing structures and other design features will help maintain or restore vital ecological flows-be they waterways or wildlife movement.

Currently 24 highway wildlife crossing structures are in place along the 45-km fenced and twinned section of the Trans-Canada Highway. The number, types of crossings and associated wildlife research are unparalleled in the world. To learn more about their significance, visit the Banff Information Centre's exciting new exhibit, Wildlife Crossings.