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The Canadian Pacific Railway's role in Banff's early development, constructing landmarks like Banff Springs Hotel, contributed to the park's emergence as a tourist hotspot.
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1. Historic Railway Influence
Banff's accommodations have been open year-round since the 1960s, leading to a surge in annual visits to over 5 million in the 1990s.
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2. Year-Round Accessibility
The Trans-Canada Highway passing through the park has made its captivating landscapes accessible to millions more.
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3. Trans-Canada Highway Impact
The influx of visitors, reaching over three million annually, prompted a dedicated two-year study by Parks Canada in the mid-1990s.
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4. Conservation Concerns
Banff National Park's three ecoregions, montane, subalpine, and alpine, support varied ecosystems housing a wide range of wildlife, from grizzly bears and cougars to hundreds of bird species.
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5. Diverse Ecosystems
With a history dating back around 80 to 55 million years, Banff's mountains were formed from sedimentary rocks pushed over newer strata.
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6. Geological Marvels
While Banff's glaciers are now primarily confined to mountain slopes, the park still boasts the awe-inspiring Columbia Icefield, the largest continuous glacial mass in the Rocky Mountains.
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7. Glacial Legacy
Erosion from water and ice has gradually shaped Banff's mountains into their current awe-inspiring forms, creating a dynamic and ever-changing natural wonder.
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8. Evolving Landscape
These facts provide a glimpse into Banff National Park's rich history.
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