Banff National Park’s 125th Birthday

Say Happy Birthday to Banff National Park

While Europe can boast castles and cathedrals, Canada has Banff National Park and its impressive towering peaks, monumental glaciers, rare wildlife and the bluest lakes you’ve ever seen.

Banff National Park was the first national park in Canada and was designated as such 125 years ago. 2010 marks the anniversary year with lots of celebrations in the gorgeous park.

The conservation area began around a bubbling hot spring, but grew to 6,641 km2 full of historic sites and cultural treasures.

Events that will happen during the summer of 2010 include traveling exhibits, writing and photography contests and what’s known as the Great Canadian Campout.

There are already a few things going, including a group of 32 college and university student videographers working with Parks Canada to film dozens of spots across Canada. Awards will be given at the end of the summer experience and the videos will be shown.

Thanks to the 125th birthday, on Parks Day (Saturday, July 17, 2010), guests all across Canada can visit national parks, national historic sites and national marine areas for free! Together, all the sites in the country make up the most extensive system of protected national heritage in the world.

Banff National Park isn’t the only one with a birthday. Parks Canada, the world’s first national park service, is turning 100 years old in 2011. To commemorate the event, Parks Canada is waiving entry and camping fees for all Parks Canada owned and operated sites. That means no fees for camping in national parks, plus no fees for other basic services!

The celebrations continue right into May, 2012 with Parks Canada showcasing its experiences, programs and services. Check the Parks Canada website for more information!

Come to Canada for your next vacation and see why Banff National Park has been a source of pride for all Canadians since 1885!