Perhaps because Canada has such a low population compared with the rest of the world, or perhaps because northern North America is particularly beautiful, Canada is famous for its scenic nature.

In the second half of the nineteenth century, pollution caused by the Industrial Revolution was destroying natural landscapes at a disturbing rate. The invention of the coal-powered steam engine and its use in railway locomotives was a particular problem.

Several countries in Europe responded to the effects of the pollution by setting aside tracts of land that could be preserved for their natural qualities. Canada, then a young country, made a similar decision.

It is not surprising that the first national park was established in Canada's mountainous region. Mountains have represented geographical beauty since European cultural attitudes changed in the seventeenth century. (Up until that time, mountains were seen as the geographical expressions of God's anger at man.)

In 1887, the Canadian government passed the Rocky Mountains Park Act. The legislation declared the need to establish a park for "the benefit, advantage and enjoyment of the people of Canada." This park was centred on the sulphur hot springs at Banff AB, and this area became Banff National Park.

In 1911, Canada became the first country in the world to establish a distinct bureau (or, office) of national parks. It was called the Dominion Parks Branch.