This Alberta national park with magnificent mountain views is the oldest in Canada

From coast to coast, Canada has some incredible national parks where you can walk, hike, bike, and take in the fresh air. Only Banff, Alberta, however, can claim to be the first.

Located west of Calgary, this world-renowned destination is a crown jewel.

While it has been known to Canada’s First Nations peoples for over 10,000 years, Banff was established in 1885 and has since been a hotspot for tourists, major production companies, and locals alike.

For this reason, it’s now protected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), along with several other stunning destinations throughout the Canadian Rockies.

“Renowned for their scenic splendour, the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks are comprised of Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho national parks and Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine and Hamber provincial parks,” they explain.

“Together, they exemplify the outstanding physical features of the Rocky Mountain Biogeographical Province.”

What to expect

With scenic trails and bed and breakfasts, those looking to staycation are in for a treat—no matter the time of year!

Visiting in the summertime? Go golfing, camping, rock climbing, see wildflowers, paddle turquoise lakes, go hiking, or take a trail ride.

In the winter go skiing and snowmobiling, admire wildlife and walk the town.

If however, you love history and science, you’ve come to the right place.

“Classic illustrations of glacial geological processes — including ice fields, remnant valley glaciers, canyons and exceptional examples of erosion and deposition — are found throughout the area,” UNESCO continues.

“The Burgess Shale Cambrian fossil sites and nearby Precambrian sites contain important information about the earth’s evolution.”

All in all, it’s a pretty cool place visited by more than four million visitors each year.

Want to join the club? Next time you’ve got an open weekend pack up and head out – but don’t forget the road snacks!

Depending on where you live it’s a bit of a drive – but is totally worth the trip.

Banff National Park – Alberta, Canada

Where: Directions here