Inspired by the economic benefits of a growing tourist industry, the National Parks Branch established a publicity and information division in 1921. The new agency was to ensure that "tourist and holiday attractions ... are brought to the notice of the travelling public abroad." To meet this objective, professional photographers were hired to produce photographs and films featuring spectacular views of Canada's national parks. Here photographer Oliver focussed his camera on recreational activities which he set against a picturesque background, as in this image of canoeists on Maligne Lake.