Access Alberta

The townsite of Banff was founded in 1883, with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway. William Van Horne, President of the C.P.R., recognized the tourism potential of the area, and by 1885 had successfully lobbied for the creation of a national park. From its conception, Banff has relied upon the tourism trade for its economic base.

In 1888, the Banff Springs Hotel was constructed by the C.P.R. to lodge the growing number of visitors. Originally, the railway was the only way of travelling to the townsite. By 1915, auto traffic had begun to arrive in Banff via the newly completed Calgary-Banff road. The Banff-Radium road, now Highway 93, was completed in 1923 and this allowed auto access to Banff from the west. With the improved accessibility, the townsite of Banff began to grow more rapidly. As more tourists arrived to enjoy the scenery and recreation opportunities available in the National Park, the number and variety of businesses in the townsite expanded to meet the increased demand.

During the early years, the major tourism season was during the summer. Today, Banff is recognized as a major year round international destination offering winter recreational opportunities in alpine and cross-country skiing to complement summer activities.

* Access Menu * * Banff Menu *

Published by Access Alberta ( We appreciate your comments and suggestions.)

Points of Interest

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is located 15 minutes from the Town of Banff, in Banff National Park on the Minnewanka Loop road, north of the Trans Canada highway. It is a 24 kilometers long, glacier created lake, that lies 5000 feet above sea level.

Lake Minnewanka has been a popular meeting and sightseeing spot since 1889 when the Canadian Pacific Railroad built the first boathouse on the lake. The inaugural boat tours ran twice a day and were very popular with the affluent Europeans who visited the rugged Canadian Rockies at that time.

The Lake Minnewanka valley continues to offer some of the most spectacular scenery found anywhere in the Canadian Rockies.

The Lake Minnewanka day-use area offers many activities for the entire family, including: interpretive boat tours, fishing, numerous hiking trails and guided walks with a park naturalist. You can also explore the remains of Bankhead, a coal mine and town, that was closed down in 1922. The following facilities are also available: picnic areas, cooking shelters, a snack bar, washrooms, a boat launch and a marina.

Fishing on the lake is very popular, with most fisherman catching Lake Trout or Rocky Mountain Whitefish. 16 foot rental boats, fishing rods and tackle are all available at the marina. Lake Minnewanka is the only lake in Banff National park where power boats are permitted.

* Access Menu * * Banff Menu *

Published by Access Alberta ( We appreciate your comments and suggestions.)