Third largest natural park in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, Banff is located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains (western Alberta province). Renowned for its many glaciers (there are more than 1,000), the park covers 6,641 square kilometers and is thus the largest in the country.

This immense preserved territory, the oldest Canadian park (it was created in 1885), owes its name to the town of Banff, a posh resort located at an altitude of 1,500 metres. This exceptional setting, alternating mountains, canyons and glaciers, is full of activities for nature lovers.

Take advantage of the gentle shores of Lake Minnewanka (also called “water spirit lake” by the Nakoda Indians), marvel at the surrounding flora and fauna (caribou, deer, grizzly bears, elk, etc.), discover thermal springs Upper Hot Springs, climbing Sulfur Mountain by funicular or even venturing into the Caverns of Castelguard (the longest network of caverns in Canada), the activities within Banff National Park are multiple and spectacular. From hiking or cycling (the trails extend over 1,600 kilometres), to diving, canoeing, snowshoeing or downhill skiing (the town of Banff was a candidate for the organization of the 1972 Winter Olympics ), There is something for every taste. Banff National Park is also popular for mountaineering on the Rundle, Cascade, Norquay, Sulfur and Forbes mountains. The latter, the highest in the area, culminates at 3,612 meters above sea level.

The nearest and largest town is Banff. A posh resort in the south of the Rocky Mountains, it extends over barely 4 kilometers and culminates at 1,500 meters. At the last census (2011), the town had 7,500 inhabitants.