It all started in Banff...
In 1855, the federal government got the idea to reserve 26 kilometers of land in present day Banff, Alberta. 2 workers were constructing a railroad when they found hot springs along the designated area for the railroad. Conflict was flaring as the government needed to decide what to do with the land. The situation came to order when the government of Sir John A McDonald stopped production of the railroad and claimed the hot springs and surrounding land as a national treasure. The Order-In Counsil signed the papers two weeks later to make the area into "Rocky Mountains National Park", now known as "Banff National Park".
In 1887, the park was expanded to 405 square kilometers and was considered a "public park and pleasure ground for the benefit, advantage and enjoyment of the people of Canada".
By 1911, 5 national parks had been created on the Rocky Mountains and there were more parks being passed and made on federal lands. St.Lawrence Islands National Park is spread over 9 islands and was created in 1904. Point Pelee was established in 1918.
Between 1930 and 1970, the federal government bought more land in Atlantic Canada and created 5 more parks. Even in 1970 there was still no set system or even further plans for the national parks. As far as anyone was concerned, they were there to protect the plants and animals and to provide some type of recreation. It wasn't until 1971-1973 that a set system plan for the national parks was established.
In 1887, the park was expanded to 405 square kilometers and was considered a "public park and pleasure ground for the benefit, advantage and enjoyment of the people of Canada".
By 1911, 5 national parks had been created on the Rocky Mountains and there were more parks being passed and made on federal lands. St.Lawrence Islands National Park is spread over 9 islands and was created in 1904. Point Pelee was established in 1918.
Between 1930 and 1970, the federal government bought more land in Atlantic Canada and created 5 more parks. Even in 1970 there was still no set system or even further plans for the national parks. As far as anyone was concerned, they were there to protect the plants and animals and to provide some type of recreation. It wasn't until 1971-1973 that a set system plan for the national parks was established.
