Flora and fauna
The most common wildlife seen in the park are Bighorn Sheep, Deer, Elk, and Caribou. More elusive are the Moose, which are on a decline in population, and Mountain Goats, which are virtually undetectable on the mountainsides without a good pair of binoculars. Although sightings are rare, it is important to keep in mind the park is also home to Black and Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Coyotes, and Mountain Lions Cougars.
On the warm and fuzzier side the park is home to many Squirrels and Marmots. The occasional Porcupine and Beaver may also be found. Bird lovers will want to watch for Grouse, Bald Eagles, and the ubiquitous Canada Goose.
Landscape
Other than the townsites of Banff and Lake Louise, and the highways that bisect the park, it is about 93 percent untouched wilderness. The most dominant feature is of course the mountains, of which vistas are present from anywhere in any direction.
History
This area was inhabited by the Stony Indians thousands of years before the white man arrived. Anthony Henday was the first non-native to see the Canadian Rockies in 1754. The park itself was first 'discovered' by the workers building the transcontinental railway in 1882. At first the park was centered around the Cave and Basin Hot Springs, and was officially born in 1885. The first Banff Springs Hotel was built a mere three years later, the current incarnation was built in 1928. The first highway through the park was completed in 1923. The park boundaries as they are today were drawn up in 1930, as part of the National Parks Act passed by Canadian Parliament.
Climate
In summer the climate is generally mild. July is the warmest month, with an average temperature of 22C. There is rarely snow at highway level in the summer, but the mountain tops will be snow covered year round. In winter the average temperature drops drastically. January is the coldest month with an average of -15C. Snow will be found at any elevation in the winter, and harsh winter conditions can be expected anywhere at any time. No matter the season, it is important to consider that the temperature will drop 1C for every 200m of elevation gained.
Understand
Banff National Park is Canada's first national park, and gave birth to the National Park system. At 6,641 square kilometres it is also one of the largest in Canada, if not the world. The park sees visits well into the millions annually.
Banff Information Centre
224 Banff Av. Banff, tel: 403-762-1550 Fax: 403-762-3380; Email: [email protected], (http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/index_e.asp. Hours: Winter Jan 1 to May 17 9AM-5PM; Spring May 18 to June 20 9AM-7PM; Summer June 21 to Sept 3 8AM-8PM; Fall Sept 4 to 19 9AM-7PM; Winter Sept 20 to May 16, 2008 9AM-5PM. Closed December 25.Lake Louise Visitor Centre
near Sampson Mall Lake Louise, tel: 403-522-3833 Fax: 403-522-1212 Email: [mailto: [email protected] [email protected]]. Hours: Winter (January 1 to April 29 9AM-4PM; Spring April 30 to June 21 9AM-5PM; Summer June 22 to Sept 8 9AM-8PM; Fall Sept 9 to Sept 15 9AM-7PM; Fall Sept 16 to Sept 22 9AM-5PM; Winter Sept 23 to April 30, 2008 9AM-4PM. Closed Dec. 25.