Even though National Geographic has named Banff one of the best destinations to visit, we know that this fabulous gem of Alberta is a delight to explore anytime, no matter the season. While its spectacular landscapes are what first catch the eye, you quickly realize that its history is anything but ordinary. Here are a few surprising facts!
1. Banff was created after the discovery of a hot spring
One day in 1883, while building the trans-Canadian railway, three Canadian Pacific Railway workers stumbled upon some hot springs. Although archaeological remains show the site had been known for 10,000 years, these three workers were the first to see the lucrative potential of the thermal springs and claim ownership. The government, however, refused to grant them this privilege and, in 1885, decided to create a 26 km² reserve to protect them. This was the birth of what would become Banff National Park. The park as we know it today was established in 1930 and now covers an area of 6,641 km². You can still see the spot where the trio built their cabin by visiting the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.
2. The history of Canadian tourism is closely tied to Banff
“If we can’t export the scenery, we’ll import the tourists!” said William Cornelius Van Horne, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, in 1887. This led to the construction of the Banff Springs Hotel, now under the Fairmont banner, which quickly appeared on beautiful posters designed to sell Alberta to tourists worldwide. At the time, Banff was a summer destination. Winter tourism developed after about thirty Swiss mountain guides were invited by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1899.
By the way, why is it called “Banff”? In honor of the birthplace of one of the two Canadian Pacific directors at the time, Banffshire, Scotland.
3. Many celebrities have passed through the Banff Springs Hotel
Nicknamed “the castle,” the Banff Springs Hotel has seen many celebrities over the years. While the visits of Ginger Rogers and Indira Gandhi left their mark, Marilyn Monroe’s stay in 1953 became legendary. Due to an ankle injury sustained while filming River of No Return, the star stayed longer than expected. Photographer John Vachon, hired by Look magazine to capture portraits of stars in the Rockies, where three productions were being shot simultaneously, was able to photograph the blonde actress all over the hotel. A book compiling his best shots was even published in 2010, nearly 60 years after they were taken and forgotten.
4. Animal crossings
To protect the animals in the park, underground tunnels and bridges have been built. These crossings prevent the deaths of many wolves, deer, grizzlies, mountain goats, elk, and moose. Despite these efforts, about 70 large mammals still die each year in collisions with vehicles.
5. Moraine Lake was on old $20 bills
Put into circulation in the 1970s, the $20 bill featured a photograph of Moraine Lake, in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, from the Canadian Pacific Railway’s collection. “The original engraving, traced by De La Rue, was replaced by one from the British American Bank Note Company after the mountains in the first version were deemed unnatural, a problem attributed to the poor quality of the original photo,” reports the Bank of Canada Museum website. One thing’s for sure: this glacial lake, with its pure blue that seems unreal, is an absolute must-see! It’s located 14 km from Lake Louise.
6. The Banff Springs Hotel is… haunted
The hotel has its share of paranormal stories. The establishment has summarized one of the most popular, about a young woman who died on her wedding day in 1920, in a framed portrait near the staircase where she had her fatal fall. Many visitors say they have seen her roaming the area… A bellman named Sam, who worked for the hotel for 40 years and passed away in 1967, is also said to wander the hotel, still wearing his 1960s uniform. It is rumored that he sometimes pushes elevator buttons and, even more disturbingly, helps guests.
7. Heli-skiing, heli-yoga, and heli-fishing?
We’ve heard of heli-skiing, which lets you be dropped off at the top of a mountain by helicopter to ski down the slopes feeling like you’re the only person in the world, and heli-yoga, for saluting the sun far from the tourist crowds. But helicopter fishing? This will delight enthusiasts who also seek tranquility and nature in all its splendor!
