How Banff Became Canada’s First National Park and Its Dark History

Exploring the history, hidden stories, and geological forces that shaped this iconic destination
Tuesday, February 04, 2025

We’re diving back into Canada and one of North America’s most breathtaking places—Banff National Park! It’s Canada’s first national park, home to legendary landscapes, fascinating history, and a geological story millions of years in the making. But beyond the iconic turquoise lakes and rugged peaks, Banff also holds a hidden past, including its role in World War I internment camps and the early railway expansion that shaped tourism in the Rockies.

If you’ve been following along, we’ve covered much of Canada lately—Kootenay, Yoho, Glacier (British Columbia), Mount Revelstoke, and the Icefields Parkway—but Banff? Banff National Park deserves its own deep dive.

Let’s go back in time and uncover the stories that make Banff more than a beautiful destination.

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The Birth of Banff National Park: Canada’s First National Park

Banff’s story began in 1883 when Canadian Pacific Railway workers stumbled upon hot springs on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain. These bubbling thermal waters, long revered by Indigenous peoples for their healing properties, soon became a point of national interest.

Recognizing the tourism potential, the Canadian government set aside a 10-square-mile area in 1885, making it Canada’s first and the world’s third national park. By 1887, the park expanded and was officially named Rocky Mountains Park of Canada, later becoming Banff National Park.

The park’s early development was closely tied to the railway, as the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) played a huge role in promoting Banff as a luxury wilderness retreat. The iconic Banff Springs Hotel, built in 1888, helped put Banff National Park on the map, drawing wealthy travelers worldwide.

Today, Banff National Park spans 2,564 square miles, making it one of the planet’s most famous and visited national parks.

But Banff’s history isn’t all glamour and luxury. It also has a darker chapter—one that many often overlook.

The Hidden History: Internment Camps in Banff

Between 1914 and 1920, during World War I, Canada ran a forced labor internment program, detaining thousands of people labeled as “enemy aliens.” These were primarily immigrants from Ukraine, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and other Eastern European countries—many of whom had moved to Canada for a better life.

When war broke out, the government wrongfully detained them, stripping away their freedom, jobs, and homes. To cut costs, the Canadian government used these internees as cheap labor to develop infrastructure in the national parks. The government established four internment camps in Banff, Jasper, Mount Revelstoke, and Yoho National Parks, including the notorious Castle Mountain Internment Camp (1915-1917).

Life in the Internment Camps

Conditions in these camps were harsh. Prisoners endured freezing winters, poor shelter, and minimal food while being forced to clear forests, remove rocks, and build roads and bridges (some of which are still used today). They laid the groundwork for future park infrastructure.

One of the roads they helped construct eventually became the Banff-Windermere Highway, a major route that opened the Rockies to tourism.

These men received no recognition or compensation for their labor despite their contributions. The Canadian government shut down the internment camps in 1917, but it didn’t formally acknowledge this dark chapter of history until 2008.

The Geology of Banff: A Land Millions of Years in the Making

Banff National Park’s towering peaks and deep turquoise lakes weren’t always here. In fact, this landscape has been evolving for hundreds of millions of years.

Ancient Seas & Limestone Formation (500+ Million Years Ago)

Believe it or not, Banff used to be at the bottom of a shallow sea! Over time, layers of sediment accumulated, forming limestone, shale, and sandstone—the same rocks you see in Banff National Park’s rugged cliffs today.

The Rise of the Rockies (80 Million Years Ago)

Fast-forward to the Late Cretaceous period, when tectonic plates began colliding, forcing these ancient seabeds upward. Over millions of years, the pressure and movement of these plates formed the towering Rocky Mountains.

Ice Age & Glacial Carving (2.5 Million Years Ago – Present)

During the last Ice Age, massive glaciers covered Banff National Park, slowly sculpting its valleys, peaks, and lakes. As these glaciers advanced and retreated, they carved out the famous U-shaped valleys and jagged mountain ridges that define the park today.

Glacial Rock Flour: The Secret Behind Banff’s Turquoise Lakes

Have you ever wondered why Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Peyto Lake have such vibrant blue-green water? Glacial rock flour, a fine sediment from grinding ice, floats in the water and scatters sunlight, creating the turquoise hue.

Banff’s Past and Present

Banff National Park is shaped by millions of years of geological forces and a rich but often overlooked history. From its beginnings as Canada’s first national park in 1885 to the harsh realities of World War I internment camps, Banff’s past is as layered as its towering peaks.

The Rocky Mountains rose 80 million years ago, and glaciers have sculpted the landscape ever since, creating the iconic turquoise lakes we see today. Whether you seek natural beauty, historical depth, or adventure, Banff National Park is one of North America’s most captivating destinations.

What’s Next?

Banff’s history is just the beginning. In our next podcast episode, we’ll share the top things to do in Banff today, from hiking and camping to soaking in hot springs and spotting wildlife! Ensure you subscribe to get this episode and all our new episodes.

Have you been to Banff? What was your favorite part? Hit the message button and let us know!

And if you want more Banff travel tips, check out our full podcast episode for even more insights!

Until next time, happy travels! 🏔✨

Links on the other Canada episodes

130. Crossing the Border from the U.S. to Canada

131. Adventure, wildlife, and beauty in Kootenay National Park

132. Yoho National Park in Canada: Top Tips for a Family Adventure

133. Glacier National Park, British Columbia – Mountains, Wildlife, and Glaciers (Part 1)

134. Glacier National Park in British Columbia: A Scenic Drive-Through (Part 2)

135. Mount Revelstoke National Park, A Small Park with Big Beauty

136. A journey through time and beauty in the Icefields Parkway

137. Icefields Parkway in Canada: The Ultimate Drive-Through (Part 2)

139. Exploring Drumheller: The Dinosaur Capital of the World

141: British Columbia Off-Road Adventures: Blaeberry and Redburn Creek Road

Fulltime RV Living, RV Maintenance, Repairs, & Upgrades, The Faiolas Podcast: Off the beaten path but not lost, Travel Planning & Itineraries

Making 2025 Memorable: Our Big Plans for Travel, Growth, and Adventure!

2025 is going to be another unforgettable year for the Faiola family! From exploring stunning national parks and hidden gems across the Southwest to embracing personal growth and tackling exciting RV projects, we’re diving headfirst into a year full of adventure, creativity, and new experiences.

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