From the days of the Hudson´s Bay traders to the discovery of the Hot Springs by Canadian Pacific Railway workers, it seems Banff was destined for world recognition. The CPR and its´ hotel connection have marketed Banff as a tourist destination for over 100 years. The Federal Government has supported the preservation of the Rocky Mountain natural beauty through dedication of Parks. Banff is the most famous of these. Banff has a charm like no other… natural hot springs, a ´castle´ in its Banff Springs Hotel and its´ sister, The Chateau at Lake Louise, just down the road, and an abundance of wildlife visible everywhere. The quaint shops, museums, trail rides, double decked buses, and horse drawn carriages add to the charm of the townsite. Banff is the stepping stone for travelers out to see the great Rocky Mountain National Parks.
Until 1990 the Banff townsite was operated and governed by the Federal Government along with the National Parks. In 1990 Banff was incorporated as a Town through a joint agreement between the citizens and the Federal and Provincial Governments. It is now self-governing, with a Mayor and Council under Provincial Legislation. However, the Federal Government still controls ownership and use through a leasehold title system. In order to qualify to take possession of residential land ownership in the Banff Park, an ´interest´ must first prove a need to reside or undertake to lease to those who have a need to reside. In addition, in recognition of potential future problems and in an effort to preserve the integrity of the Parks, recent legislation was passed to effectively set limits to future commercial development. The permanent population of the Town of Banff is near 10,000. This is not likely to increase substantially in the future.
Banff remains Canada´s most popular recreational destination, with 4,500,000 visitors annually and steps are continually being taken to preserve its´ beauty. At an elevation of 4580 feet above sea level, Banff is truly a first class mountain destination point.
BANFF - THE PLACE TO SEE!
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