In this Banff history book, Eleanor Luxton, the daughter of one of Banff’s pioneers, presents us with a labour of love – a comprehensive history of Banff National Park from its geological birth, through its exploration and settlement, to its growth as Canada’s first National Park. This story of Rocky Mountains Park is a sensitive portrayal of the natural and human history of the Banff area, weaving together the romantic adventure of the earliest exploration and settlement with the realities of World Wars, depressions, and government influences. It will most surely command rapt attention from both the casual reader and the historian. Publisher's note: Written in 1975 as an historical account and reprinted in 2008, Banff: Canada’s First National Park has itself become a piece of the park’s history. Respecting this significance, we have strived to replicate the original book by re-creating the original cover, leaving the text as it appeared in 1975 (complete with references to places that no longer exist, such as the Buffalo Paddock), and including photographs from Luxton’s private collection.
Banff history books cover many subjects, but Banff Springs: The Story of the Hotel is the only book in print that tells the story of the Banff Springs Hotel, one of the world's great mountain resorts. Some institutions transcend themselves and become symbols of a place and time. Known to millions of visitors to Banff as "the Castle," or simply as "the Hotel," the Banff Springs is more than simply a place to stay, for it is the home of memories and a dream of gracious times in other ages. This classic book to one of the world's most famous mountain resorts is filled with the rich anecdotes and snippets of history that have enriched Banff and indeed Canada, from the hotel's links to the construction of the transcontinental rail line to the visits of maharajahs and movie stars. First published in 1973, the 4th edition has been expanded to include recent developments. Although now printed in full colour, it is the timeless images by well-known photographers such as Bruno Engler and Nicholas Morant that bring the hotel's storied history to life.
Banff is one of the most renowned tourist destinations in Canada and the most popular in the Canadian Rockies. It is the oldest national park in Canada, the second in North America (following Yellowstone in Wyoming) and the third oldest park in the world (following Royal in Australia). It encompasses 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) including the Lake Louise area and part of the Icefields Parkway. Over 8 million people enter Banff Park each year, of which over 3 million are considered park visitors OCo the highest visitation of any Canadian National Park. Most of BanffOCOs natural attractions are easily accessible from its scenic roads and highways. Popular sites around Banff townsite include the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Upper Hot Springs Pool, Cascade Gardens, Tunnel Mountain Drive, Vermilion Lakes, Johnson Lake and Lake Minnewanka. The townsite imparts a cosmopolitan atmosphere with an expansive array of tourist services as well as cultural attractions such as the Whyte Museum, The Banff Park Museum and the Banff Centre. The Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway also present countless opportunities for sight seeing and wildlife viewing. Banff National Park maintains 1,500 kilometres (932 miles) of trails and 50 backcountry campgrounds. In winter, three downhill ski areas service the area. Connecting Jasper National Park and Lake Louise in Banff National Park, the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is considered to be one of the premier mountain drives in the world. The 230 km (143 mile) parkway follows the Continental Divide north-south as well as the Athabasca, Sunwapta, North Saskatchewan, Mistaya and Bow Valleys. Glaciers that remain from the ice ages dot the landscape, seven icefields within viewing distance of the parkway. The highlight of the drive for many is the Athabasca Glacier, the only road accessible glacier in the parks.a The author grew up in the Canadian Rockies and has been exploring them since she was a child. The Canadian Rockies are one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, with four million visitors annually. Easily accessible adventures include walking, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, skiing and wildlife viewing -- with some of the most spectacular animals in North America. Where else can you spend the morning hiking through spectacular wilderness and by afternoon enjoy high tea in one of the grand hotels? The guide is filled with inside information on how to avoid the tourist traps and where to find the special places off the beaten path that the tourists don't know about; the most worthwhile outdoor adventures and indoor activities; the hotels and restaurants at all price levels that are the very best; plus tips on places to avoid. Each chapter covers transportation to and around the park, where to stay and eat, attractions and shopping, plus adventures, from drives to day hikes, rafting to cycling. Competing guides focus on the standard tourist sites (where the crowds can ruin your experience), while we take you to the lesser-known spots (restaurants, lodges, hiking paths), which are often more rewarding. A review of the complete Canadian Rockies Adventure Guide from which this is drawn: Having been to the Canadian Rockies numerous times and thinking we had seen all the wonderful places before we discovered this book, we now must plan many more trips there to explore all the other incredible places described in detail in this Guide. With numerous beautiful color photographs, most of which are by the author, this guide is a treasure because the scenery of the Canadian Rockies is some of the most spectacular in the world. A unique feature of this guide book is that it includes hiking details for each of the areas described. Since we have hiked many of these areas, we know this is a necessary and valuable tool for planning hikes. With each section Koller has Hikes, Drives, Sights, and Activities, so for non-hikers it is just as valuable, also giving information for booking guided tours. -- Bonnie Neely (Amazon reviewer)"
Featuring breathtaking full-colour photographs from nature photographer John E. Marriott, Banff and Lake Louise: Images of Banff National Park highlights the extraordinary natural beauty found in Canada?s oldest and most celebrated national park.From wild animals and backcountry gems to classics such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, Marriott presents 80 awe-inspiring images of the park in all seasons and varying moods, vividly portraying one of the world?s most beautiful areas.
Banff sparkles as the crown jewel of Canada's national parks. Explore the best of it with Moon Banff National Park. Inside you'll find: Flexible Itineraries: Unique and adventure-packed ideas for day hikers, winter visitors, families with kids, campers, and more The Best Hikes in Banff: Detailed trail descriptions, individual trail maps, mileage and elevation gains, and backpacking options Experience the Outdoors: Ride over the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh or through the sky in a mountain gondola. Follow the vast network of hiking trails along glacial valleys and discover alpine lakes and spectacular vistas. Soak in a natural hot spring, treat yourself at a luxurious mountain resort, or discover the park's history at one of Banff's excellent museums. Grab a cup of coffee at a local shop, or experience the town's classic après-ski nightlife How to Get There: Up-to-date information on gateway towns, park entrances, park fees, and tours Where to Stay: From campgrounds and rustic lodges to sprawling ski resorts, find the best spots to kick back, both inside and outside the park Planning Tips: When to go, what to pack, safety information, and how to avoid the crowds, with full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Expertise and Know-How from seasoned explorer and Banff local Andrew Hempstead Find your adventure in Banff National Park with Moon. Exploring more of Canada's great outdoors? Try Moon Canadian Rockies. Hitting the road? Try Moon Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Road Trip.
Snowy peaks, icy glaciers, glittering lakes, and alpine meadows: Answer the call of the wild with Moon Canadian Rockies. Inside you'll find: Strategic, flexible itineraries from day hikes to a two-week Canadian Rockies road trip, designed for outdoor adventurers, families with kids, winter sports enthusiasts, and more The best hikes in the Canadian Rockies: Find the right trek for you with details on length, elevation gains, difficulty levels, and trailheads Can't-miss outdoor experiences: Hike to incredible vistas and try to spot moose, bighorn sheep, wolves, and black bears. Soak in a natural hot spring after a day on the slopes or wander through meadows of colorful wildflowers. Ride across the Columbia Icefield in an Ice Explorer, float through the sky in a mountain gondola, or white-water raft down rivers of snowmelt. Go horseback riding though the Tonquin Valley or fish for your own fresh dinner and camp under the stars Expert insight from Banff local Andrew Hempstead on when to go, where to eat, beating the crowds, and where to stay, from campgrounds to luxurious mountain lodges Full-color photos, detailed maps of each park, and handy directions, including driving times and mileages, and coverage of gateway towns Background information on the landscape, culture, history, wildlife, and environment In-depth coverage of Banff National Park, Kootenay National Park, Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, and nearby cities of Banff, Canmore, Jasper, Calgary, Radium Hot Springs, Golden, and Kananaskis Country With Moon's practical tips and local insight, you can experience the best of the Canadian Rockies. Expanding your trip? Try Moon Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Road Trip. Sticking to one park? Check out Moon Banff National Park or Moon Glacier National Park.
Whether you're stopping for a day hike or spending a long weekend under the stars, escape to the great outdoors with Moon Best of Glacier, Banff & Jasper. Inside you'll find: Easy itineraries for one to three days in Glacier, Banff, and Jasper National Parks, from a scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road, to a day of hiking through glacial valleys, to a weekend exploring the best of all three parks with mix-and-match itineraries The top hikes in Glacier, Banff, and Jasper: Whether you're looking to stretch your legs for a couple hours or challenge yourself to an epic trek, you'll find trailheads, detailed trail descriptions, individual maps, mileage, and elevation gains Can't-miss experiences: Make it the perfect getaway for you with the best views, picnic spots, and more. Trek through fields of alpine wildflowers, walk beneath waterfalls, get your adrenaline pumping on the Glacier Skywalk, and spot wild moose or grizzlies roaming the mountainside Stunning full-color photos and maps throughout, plus a full-color foldout map Essential planning tips: Find out when to go, where to stay, and what to pack, plus up-to-date information on entrance fees, border crossing, reservations, and safety advice Know-how from outdoors experts Andrew Hempstead and Becky Lomax Make the most of your adventure with Moon Best of Glacier, Banff & Jasper. Visiting more of North America's incredible national parks? Try Moon USA National Parks. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.
Whether you're stopping for a day hike or spending a long weekend under the stars, escape to the great outdoors with Moon Best of Glacier, Banff & Jasper. Inside you'll find: Easy itineraries for one to three days in Glacier, Banff, and Jasper national parks, from a scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road, to a day of hiking through glacial valleys, to a weekend exploring the best of all three parks with mix-and-match itineraries The top hikes in Glacier, Banff, and Jasper: Whether you're looking to stretch your legs for a couple hours or challenge yourself to an epic trek, you'll find trailheads, detailed trail descriptions, individual maps, mileage, and elevation gains Can't-miss experiences: Make it the perfect getaway for you with the best views, picnic spots, and more. Trek through fields of alpine wildflowers, walk beneath waterfalls, get your adrenaline pumping on the Glacier Skywalk, and spot wild moose or grizzlies roaming the mountainside Stunning full-color photos and maps throughout, plus a full-color foldout map Essential planning tips: Find out when to go, where to stay, and what to pack, plus up-to-date information on entrance fees, border crossing, reservations, and safety advice Know-how from outdoors experts Andrew Hempstead and Becky Lomax Make the most of your adventure with Moon Best of Glacier, Banff & Jasper. Visiting more of North America's incredible national parks? Try Moon USA National Parks. Spending more time in Glacier? Try Moon Glacier National Park. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.
