History of Banff

The History of Banff: From indigenous visitors to a modern resort town

Banff, with its desirable surroundings, fantastic recreational opportunities, and gateway to the wilderness of Banff National Park, is known worldwide as one of the world’s great resort towns. But it also has a long and accessible past, which is explored in this new title, the most comprehensive book in print on Banff’s colourful history. Founded by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883, Banff began as a railway divisional point. Still, when railway workers discovered hot springs, the fledgling railway camp became an attraction for wealthy visitors from around the world.

Engaging writing by Banff’s best-known historian, a reader-friendly layout, and the liberal use of historic images make History of Banff an appealing read for everyone.  This book represents a synthesis of E.J. (Ted) Hart’s 50-year career as a Canadian Rockies historian, with 292 well-researched pages covering the entire history of Banff National Park and the town of Banff.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The history of Banff has dominated E.J. (Ted) Hart's life and career. Born and educated in Edmonton, Alberta, Ted earned a Master's in Western Canadian History from the University of Alberta in 1971. The following year, he was hired by the late Maryalice Stewart to work in the archives at what was then known as the Peter Whyte Foundation, beginning a 50-year career involved with the cultural history of Banff and the Canadian Rockies.

Encouraged by noted mountain poet Jon Whyte, Ted published his first book on Canadian Rockies history, Diamond Hitch, in 1975. In 1976, Hart assumed leadership of the Whyte Foundation, a position that evolved into Director of the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, a role he held until 2008. During this period Hart, authored 12 books related to Banff and the Rockies, including his award-winning The Selling of Canada: The CPR and the Beginnings of Canadian Tourism; Jimmy Simpson, Legend of the Rockies and a work of fiction, Ain't it Hell: Bill Peyto's Mountain Journal. Between 2008 and 2010, Ted continued to oversee the archives at the Whyte Museum and work on a major biography of Dominion Parks Commissioner J. B. Harkin. In 2026, he authored two books, History of Banff and Trailblazers: Legendary Guides and Outfitters of the Canadian Rockies.

Ted retired from the Whyte Museum in 2010 and now lives with his wife, Pat, south of Calgary in the foothills town of Okotoks.

For more books by Ted Hart, click here.