Palliser Expedition National Historic Event
Banff National Park, Alberta
Captain John Palliser
(© Gibbon, M. / Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / PA-098853)
Address :
Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park, Alberta
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1957-06-03
Other Name(s):
-
Palliser Expedition
(Designation Name)
Importance:
First scientific exploration from Lake Superior to Rocky Mountains, 1857-60
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: Lake Minnewanka Loop Road, east side of Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park, Alberta
Captain John Palliser was able to carry out his project of making a scientific exploration of western British North America in 1857, when the Royal Geographical Society induced the British government to commission the venture. Assisted by Dr. James Hector, geologist, Eugene Bourgeau, botanists, Lieut. Thomas W. Blakiston, R.A., magnetical observer, and J.W. Sullivan, secretary and astronomical observer, he made the first detailed and scientific survey of the region from Lake Superior to the southern passes of the Rocky Mountains.