The Cave and the Basin
The Cave and Basin Springs were brought to public attention after being located by CPR construction workers in 1883. These and the Upper Hot Springs soon drew private entrepreneurs and tourists. Growing support for public ownership prompted the federal government to set aside a land reserve here in 1885. Two years later the springs provided the focus of Canada's first national park, Rocky Mountains Park, now called Banff National Park. These hot springs are rightfully known as the birthplace of Canada's national parks, which today span the entire country.
Submitted by Gilda Spitz and John Bradley JEB.
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