Town of Banff

Brief History of Banff

In 1883, two years before the driving of the last spike marked the completion of Canada's first transcontinental railroad, three workers stumbled upon a series of hot springs on the lower shoulder of what is now called Sulphur Mountain. After a heated ownership dispute, the spring and surrounding area were set aside as Canada's first national park in 1885.

The railway then constructed a series of grand hotels along its main line and began advertising Banff as an international tourism stopover. The Rockies quickly became popular with the Victorian gentry who came to drink in the scenery and soak in the soothing sulphur springs. Soon visitors were not just stopping over, they were coming to stay.

Today, Banff is famous for many things including its museums, national historic sites and heritage buildings. To view some of Banff’s most important heritage resources, check out the Registry of Recognized Heritage Resources.