Centennial of Mountaineering at Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
N 51° 25.049 W 116° 13.140
11U E 554308 N 5696541
Mountaineering in Banff and Lake Louise started in the 1890s. By 1896, Swiss guides were specifically “imported” to assist other eager explorers.
Waymark Code: WMCBZQ
Location: Alberta, Canada
Date Posted: 08/20/2011
Views: 14
Construction workers for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) discovered some hot springs in 1883 (todays Cave and Basin hotsprings), on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, marking the beginning of world-wide interest in this beautiful area. By 1885, a federal reserve had been created to protect 26 kms (10 square miles) around the hotsprings. This lead to more exploration, and by 1887, the protected area had grown to 673 kms (260 square miles) and was given the title “Rocky Mountains Park”, marking the origin of Canada’s first National park.
The railway eagerly jumped at the chance to promote the area for tourism, and began the development of vacation lodges. Directed by CPR employee William Cornelius Van Horne, the Banff Springs Hotel was completed in 1888, and a chalet at Lake Louise by 1890. Tourism boomed, and tales of amateur exploration of the area grasped the imagination of citizens worldwide. The unfortunate death of an American guest that had fallen during a mountain exploring trip in 1896, prompted the CPR to bring experienced Swiss guides to Alberta. The guides led guests to spectacular observation points and would set up telescopes that allowed them to watch mountain climbers on the unbelievably beautiful and dangerous mountains and ridges. Mountain climbing and also watching mountain climbers gave the area an incredible economic boost. Today, the influence of those Swiss guides can be seen all over Canada, in the local cuisine, architecture and adventure sports.
Lake Louise is a part of the Banff National Park, which encompasses 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of Canada’s most beautiful land. The area has also been designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to the impressive glaciers, mountains, valleys, forests and geology in a combination that can be found no where else on earth.
In 1999, this memorial was placed on a slope behind Chalet Lake Louise, overlooking the spectacular blue-green waters of the lake, to commemorate the influence of those first Swiss mountain guides, and their contribution to Canadian heritage.
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TEXT on the marker:
"Canadian Pacific Railway
Swiss guides centennial
1999
In 1899, CPR brought the first Swiss mountain guides to the Canadian Rockis, inspiring worldwide appreciation of Canada's rich mountain heritage and sparking a mountaineering tradition that continues to this day.
Dedicated to the memory of the Swiss mountain guides
October 1999
Canadian Pacific Railway"
Subject: Territory
Commemoration: October 1999
Date of Founding: 1899
Date of Commemoration: 10/1/1999
Address:
Lake Louise Chalet
Banff National Park
Alberta
Canada
Overview Photograph:
Yes
Detail Photograph:
Yes
Web site if available: [Web Link]
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