The communities of Banff and Lake Louise have been welcoming international visitors for more than a century. In 1883 the attempts of three Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) workers to stake a claim to the natural hot springs they had discovered bubbling from the base of Sulphur Mountain led to the establishment of Canada's first national park.

Today, Banff National Park (6,641 square km / 2,564 square miles) is one of four adjoining mountain parks comprising more than 20,235 square km / 7,813 square miles of spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountain landscape. For current visitors, bathing in these same hot springs is but one of many activities offered in Canada's foremost National Park. When you visit the Banff/Lake Louise area you will see why each year more than 4.5 million visitors come to enjoy the unique feeling of the Canadian Rockies and to experience why the United Nations in 1985 declared our area a "World Heritage Site".

The weather in the Canadian Rockies is variable due to the high elevation and rugged topography. Cool, crisp air and warm days are typical of autumn in the Canadian Rockies. Warming Chinook winds can bring spring-like conditions in winter, while spring offers both skiing and golfing opportunities. The summer climate is pleasant with low humidity, warm temperatures and daylight hours stretching until 11 pm.

In 1883, the transcontinental railway reached the formidable Rocky Mountains and three railway workers chanced upon simmering hot springs. The area was protected by the government and two years later became Canada's first national park, Rocky Mountain Park. At 1384 m (4540 ft) above sea level, Banff is "Canada's Highest Town".

A train whistle blows in the distance as a reminder of the area's railway roots while designer shops dot the streetscapes. From a sleepy summer resort that used to close its doors in the winter months, Banff has now grown to be a year-round attraction. People from all over the world come in search of the Banff experience, whether it's in the restaurants, shops and cultural activities, or adventures in the wilderness. On Banff's bustling main avenue, virtually every language from German and Japanese to French and Spanish can be heard. Yet only minutes away from all the action, a quiet walk along the banks of the Bow River reminds you that the town is located inside Canada's premier national park and is a United Nations World Heritage Site!

Lake Louise
Lake Louise, with its blue-green water set against the stark backdrop of Victoria Glacier, is probably the most beloved and most photographed scene in the Canadian Rockies. Not only have international royalty, Hollywood stars and heads of state come to Lake Louise to relax, but increasingly the rest of the world is discovering its simple charms as well. The Chateau Lake Louise presents lake-side views of the towering Victoria Glacier, offering old-world charm and elegance amidst the wilderness. The lower village of Lake Louise holds an array of fine dining, first class accommodations and shopping. A scenic drive will bring visitors to the awe-inspiring Moraine Lake.

Lake Moraine
This beautiful lake nestled in the mountains is best known for its appearance on the back of the Canadian dollar bill.Moraine Lake, 11 km (7 mi) south of Lake Louise, is a photographic highlight of Banff National Park. Set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the lake reflects the snow-clad mountaintops that rise abruptly around it. The secret of the sapphire like qualities lies in the glacial silt deposits, creating the lake’s dramatic color. This "rock flour" filters out all colors of the spectrum found in incoming light, except turquoise and vivid blues.