Banff, AB, Canada

Banff National Park (established 1885, 6,641 km2) is Canada's first and most visited National Park. Its eastern gate is located approximately 100 km west of Calgary in the Rocky Mountains, and stretches 240 km along the eastern slope of the Continental Divide. Jasper National Parklies at its northern boundary. Originally set aside to preserve sulphur hot springs for public use, Banff's blend of towering peaks and flower-strewn meadows makes it among Canada's most exhilarating holiday areas.

Flora

The majority of the trees in the park are evergreen, particularly lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. Deciduous trees are primarily of poplar variety. Colourful wildflowers abound in the park, particularly at higher altitudes above the treeline.

Fauna

There are 53 species of mammals in Banff National Park, including grizzly bears, black bears, cougar, lynx, wolverine, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, moose, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. The park is also home to at least 280 species of birds, including bald eagles, red-tailed hawk and osprey. Its harsh winters are unsuitable for reptiles and amphibians, but the park is home to one species of toad, three species of frog, one species of salamander and two species of snakes. The Banff Springs Snail is currently listed as an endangered species, while the woodland caribou is a threatened species.

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