Canada followed in 1885, founding its first national park in the Rocky Mountains, now Banff National Park.

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About an hour-and-a-half from the Calgary airport, Banff National Park, arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world, merits at least a daytrip.

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Though the picturesque town of Banff and surrounding Banff National Park beckon with world-class skiing, mineral hot springs and countless other nature activities, it's tempting to stay put in the castle, so numerous and luxurious are its offerings.

FORBES: Banff Springs Eternal