Getting Around Banff National Park

Home , Banff Upper Hot Springs, Bow Falls, Bow Valley, Castle Mountain, Dolomite Peak, Howse Peak

2015 - 2016 Getting Around Banff National Park

What’s inside • Top 10 Things to Do • Suggested Itineraries • Maps Également offert en français • Where to Camp • Safety Information P. Zizka P. Connect With Nature P. Zizka P.

OUR STORY In 1883, like Aboriginal peoples long before them, three railway workers stumbled across a series of hot springs on the lower shoulder of present-day Sulphur Mountain. No doubt they laid down their shovels and pick axes, stripped out of dusty clothes and gratefully slid into the waters to soothe their aching muscles. Two years later, as Canada was completing its transcontinental railway, Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s rst Prime Minister, realized a new national dream: the creation of Canada’s rst national park, which set aside the Cave and Basin hot springs and 26 km2 of land as a small protected reserve. More than a century later, the national park draws millions of people each year to experience the staggering natural beauty of Banff and Lake Louise, no less than seven national historic sites and a bounty of wildlife large and small — from iconic grizzly bears to the Banff Springs Snail. With the park’s long history of mixing innovative conservation with spirited adventure, Canada’s oldest national park offers mountains of possibilities. A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE Four of the mountain national parks – Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay – are recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scienti c and Cultural Organization as part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, for the bene t and enjoyment of all nations. Among the attributes that warranted this designation were vast wilderness, diversity of ora and fauna, outstanding natural beauty and features such as Lake Louise, Maligne Lake, the Columbia Ice eld and the Burgess Shale.

2 Top 10 Things to Do

1 CAVE AND BASIN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Nature, culture and history minutes from Banff Avenue. Impressive architecture, bubbling mineral waters, and an underground cave that gave rise to a huge idea, the birthplace of Canada’s national parks. Family activities and interactive programs available. (see p. 6)

2 BOW VALLEY PARKWAY (HWY 1A) This year-round 48 km scenic drive between Banff and Lake Louise is the place to be for wildlife viewing, picnicking, learning opportunities and hiking trails. Rustic campgrounds, unique cottage accommodations and Johnston Canyon enhance this experience. 5 (see p. 5) P. Zizka P.

3 ICEFIELDS PARKWAY This world-renowned, 230 km drive through the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must do! The parkway winds through ancient glaciers, dramatic rock spires, emerald lakes, and broad sweeping valleys. (see p. 5)

4 LAKE MINNEWANKA LOOP Visit a cascading waterfall, a glacial lake, remnants of a coal mining town and a scenic canyon. Minnewanka, the largest lake in the park, is ideal for boating, camping, 7 P. Zizka P. picnicking, road biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing or winter walking. (see p. 6)

5 BANFF UPPER HOT SPRINGS P. Zizka P. A visit to the upper hot springs is a long-standing tradition. Relax in an outdoor pool with hot, mineral rich water amidst the jagged peaks. Open daily, year round. Day spa, cafe and gift shop on site. (see p. 6)

6 LAKE LOUISE – THE LAKE Victoria Glacier and Lake Louise are the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies. This spectacular alpine setting is the hub for iconic hikes, canoeing, horseback 8 P. Zizka P. riding, climbing, and awe-inspiring scenery. Before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m. is quieter.

7 BANFF LEGACY TRAIL Paved paths and roadways span 26 km from the park’s East Gate to the Bow Valley Parkway. Cyclists, strollers, and runners enjoy breathtaking views, picnics, the Banff townsite, Vermilion Lakes, and other popular trails along the way.

8 MORAINE LAKE Known as the Valley of the Ten Peaks, this alpine area offers hiking, paddling, and dramatic photographic opportunities. In the winter, the Moraine Lake Road is closed to 1

P. Zizka P. vehicles and becomes a popular cross-country ski trail. (see p. 7)

9 VERMILION LAKES DRIVE On foot, by bike or by car, explore this year-round 4.3 km paved road offering wildlife viewing, learning opportunities and breathtaking scenery. Relax on the docks and benches and snap a picture of the iconic Mount Rundle. (see p. 6)

10 GREAT CANADIAN CAMPING Camping in the park is as rewarding as its majestic landscapes. Sites range from rustic, treed settings to full service with mountain views. Choose from traditional RV and tented 10

P. Zizka P. sites to modern A-frame, soft-sided oTENTik or tent-equipped campsites. (see p. 8)

3 Suggested Itineraries P. Zizka P.

HALF-DAY ADVENTURES A FULL DAY OF FUN

HIT THE TOP SPOTS IN TOWN TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE Be inspired on an award-winning tour Drive the Ice elds Parkway past 100 glaciers, at the Cave and Basin National Historic sparkling waterfalls and turquoise lakes on Site – The Birthplace of Canada’s National your way from Lake Louise to Jasper. Hike Parks. Browse through 5 000 natural to view ancient ice at Parker Ridge and Bow history specimens displayed at the Banff Glacier Falls. Snap unforgettable panoramas at Park Museum NHS and then stroll along Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake viewpoints – the trails at the famous Bow Falls. To end and a photographers’ favourite, Herbert Lake. the day, luxuriate in the warm mineral For scenic views, park your motorhome at waters of the historic Upper Hot Springs. Silverhorn Creek Campground just north of Lake Louise. Try a unique adventure, take the David FOUR EXTRAORDINARY AFTERNOONS Thompson Highway to Rocky Mountain House Canoe to the perfect resting spot at NHS to explore the historic fur-trading fort Vermilion Lakes, an irreplaceable wetland during the day and sleep in tipis and trapper’s and home to abundant wildlife. Hike a tents at night. switchback trail up Tunnel Mountain for the best views of town. Trek up to the BANFF’S UNIQUE LANDSCAPES Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station A scenic, slow speed drive along the Bow Valley NHS to observe from above, or ride a bike Parkway winds through wildower meadows, past rivers and valleys on the smoothly sun-speckled forests and multi-tiered pinnacles paved Banff Legacy Trail. of Castle Mountain. Walk among waterfalls in the summer and on glittering ice in the winter FAMILY TIME ON MINNEWANKA LOOP at Johnston Canyon. Experience iconic Lake Picnic with the kids by Lake Minnewanka Louise from a canoe on still water, by bike on then stroll the twisting shoreline trail the Bow River trail, or from above at two historic to Stewart Canyon. A short drive over teahouses surrounded by glaciers. In the winter, to Johnson Lake offers canoeing and play on skates, skis or snowshoes. From Lake shing or for a truly Canadian experience Louise, it’s a short trip up to Moraine Lake stay overnight in a comfortable oTENTik to photograph the glowing blue-green water A-frame canvas cabin on the shores of surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Two Jack Lake.

4 Park Map

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5 Maps

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Banff Cascade Mountain 2998 m 9836' MOUNT NORQUAY SKI AREA

Stoney Squaw 1 Mountain 10 VILLAGE I 1868 m 6129’ 1 HAWK ROAD 3 NORQUAY MT. TRAILER COURT Industrial area MARMOT BANFF AVENUE Mount Norquay 2 HOODOOS Interchange

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Sulphur Mountain 2451 m 8042' BANFF GONDOLA

6 VILLAGE OF LAKE LOUISE

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Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Lake Louise 6

Recreation centre and grounds

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Road closed October to May; open for Consolation cross-country skiing only Lakes FIELD 27 km (weather depending) GOLDEN 76 km VANCOUVER 795 km West 6 8

LEGEND SERVICES THINGS TO DO

Trans-Canada Highway Bus Station Police Attraction Lookout

93N Icefields Parkway Campground RV Parking Canoeing Picnic Area Trail Gas Station Sani Dump Exhibit Playground Hospital Train Station Golf Skating Hostel Visitor Centre Gondola Ski Hill Parking Washroom Horse Riding Theatre

7 Where to Camp

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1 Tunnel Mt. Village I May 14 − Oct 5 618

2 Tunnel Mt. Village II Open year round 188

3 Tunnel Mt. Trailer May 14 − Oct 5 321

4 Two Jack Main EC Jun 25 − Sep 8 380

5 Two Jack Lakeside May 14 − Oct 5 74

6 Johnston Canyon May 28 − Sep 28 132

7 Castle Mountain May 28 − Sep 14 43

8 Protection Mountain Jun 26 − Sep 7 89

9 Lake Louise Tent May 29 − Sep 27 206

10 Lake Louise Trailer Open year round 189

11 Mosquito Creek Jun 1 − Oct 12 32

12 Silverhorn Jun 26 − Sep 7 50

13 Waterfowl Lakes Jun 26 − Sep 7 116

14 Rampart Creek Jun 1 − Oct 12 50

15 Rocky Mountain House May 11 − Sep 30 43 NHS Campground

Highlighted campgrounds may be reserved.

PLANNING TO CAMP IN ANOTHER NATIONAL PARK? BOOK ONLINE OR CALL AHEAD FOR INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS. Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay and Waterton Lakes national parks offer extraordinary camping experiences, ranging from full-service RV sites to rustic settings. Many campsites can be reserved and most ll up quickly. Call ahead or go online for recommendations and availability of campsites, oTENTik and Equipped Campsites.

1-877-RESERVE OR RESERVATION.PC.GC.CA

BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING Parks Canada offers a variety of pristine backcountry settings to choose from. Contact a Parks Canada Visitor Centre for information on services and bookings. (see p. 11) S. Gignac

8 Stay Safe and Enjoy

MOUNTAIN SAFETY Unpredictable mountain weather can change road and trail conditions instantly and wildlife can be anywhere, at any time. These simple precautions will help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

• Check road and trail conditions prior to heading out. • Obey speed limits and watch for wildlife on the roadside. • Stay on designated roads, trails and other hardened surfaces. • Keep a ‘Bare’ campsite. Visit parkscanada.gc.ca/bare-campsite. A. Athwal • Make noise on the trails and let wildlife know you are coming. • Research and plan overnight trips including potential trail restrictions and closures, avalanche conditions and mandatory backcountry permits. Visit avalanche.pc.gc.ca for safety tips. • Let someone know your travel plans; cell phones are not reliable in the wilderness. • Keep clear of cliffs, ledges and fast moving water.

Parks Canada PARK REGULATIONS Following park regulations while enjoying the national parks will help protect the visitor, the land, and the wildlife: • Keep pets on a leash and under control at all times. Please collect and properly discard of pet feces. • Take only photographs. It is illegal to pick flowers, mushrooms, cut down trees, branches, remove cultural artifacts or otherwise cause damage to natural objects or living things.

M. Macullo • Be considerate of your neighbours. Liquor consumption is prohibited in public places, day-use areas, and during set periods in campgrounds. Respect quiet hours and liquor bans in campgrounds. • Stay out of closed areas. Area closures or activity restrictions are implemented when visitors are at risk or when wildlife requires additional protection. Signs indicate the areas impacted. • Be careful with fire. Fires are permitted only in designated areas with fireboxes or re pits. Extinguish res completely. Do not use deadwood, bark or branches for fuel.

P. Zizka P. • Buy fishing permits. Anglers require a national park fishing permit, available at Parks Canada visitor centres. Provincial licenses are not valid in national parks. • Going boating? Motors are not allowed on most lakes. • Motorized off-road travel is not permitted.

THE CANADA NATIONAL PARKS ACT Park Wardens are responsible for enforcing park regulations as required by the Canada National Parks Act. To report park violations, call 24 hours, 7 days per

D. Dufresne week: 1-888-927-3367 (Banff, Yoho, Kootenay and Waterton Lakes) 1-877-852-3100 (Jasper and Mountain Revelstoke & Glacier) Visit parkscanada.gc.ca/mtnregulations Violators will be charged, be required to appear in court, and could pay ﬁnes of up to $25 000. 9 Mountain Stories

MEET PARK INTERPRETERS Want to discover more about the uniqueness of the area’s natural and cultural heritage? Friendly and knowledgeable interpreters are here to share the stories of the special places protected by Parks Canada. Look for interpreters at campgrounds and popular day-use areas throughout the summer, and at national historic sites during various times of the year. Check parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-interpretation for more information on interpretive experiences in Banff National Park and national historic sites.

WILDLIFE VIEWING TIPS The best chance of observing wild animals is by giving them space to feed,

G. Twomey rest and keep their young safe. Help keep them wild by: • Staying at least three (3) bus lengths (30 metres) away from elk, deer and bighorn sheep. • Staying at least ten (10) bus lengths (100 metres) away from bears, cougars and wolves. • Ensuring children are in immediate sight and within close reach at all times. • Never feeding or approaching wildlife. • Ensure pets are under control and on a leash at all times. • Carrying bear spray when out on the trails, ensuring it is accessible, and know how to use it. For further information pick up a copy of Keep the Wild in Wildlife brochure at a Parks Canada Visitor Centre.

Parks Canada To report wolf, bear and cougar sightings call 403-762-1470.

HEY KIDS AGED 6-11!

Check out Parks Canada’s Xplorers booklets lled with fun activities to do while visiting. In Banff National Park there are four different booklets to complete: Banff National Park, Cave and Basin, Banff Park Museum and Rocky Mountain House national historic sites.

10 M. Cheniak Want More?

REMEMBERING CANADA’S HISTORY... SPOTLIGHT ON PARKA

The Last Spike at Craigellachie ON THE ROAD TO 2017 Canada turns 150 in 2017! On the road to this momentous celebration, Parks Canada’s treasured natural and historic places will host special programs and events to commemorate the milestones that contributed to the Canada of today, strong and Parka, Parks Canada’s mascot, free. Experience what inspired will soon be a TV star! Check out Canada! Parka on Chirp TV airing on the parkscanada.gc.ca CBC Kids network and on Radio

Parks Canada Canada in french in fall 2015.

WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BANFF NATIONAL PARK? Visit facebook.com/BanffNP or twitter.com/BanffNP These and more detailed brochures are available online or for pick-up at a Parks Canada Visitor Centre.

WANT MORE INFORMATION ON OTHER MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARKS?

BANFF YOHO Banff Visitor Centre: 403-762-1550 Yoho Visitor Centre: 250-343-6783 Lake Louise Visitor Centre: 403-522-3833 pc.gc.ca/yoho pc.gc.ca/banff Tourism Golden: 1-800-622-4653 Banff Lake Louise Tourism: 403-762-8421 tourismgolden.com banfflakelouise.com field.ca

JASPER MOUNT REVELSTOKE AND GLACIER Jasper Information Centre: 780-852-6176 Rogers Pass Discovery Centre: 250-837-7500 pc.gc.ca/jasper pc.gc.ca/glacier • pc.gc.ca/revelstoke Tourism Jasper: 780-852-6236 Tourism Revelstoke: 1-800-487-1493 jasper.travel seerevelstoke.com KOOTENAY WATERTON LAKES Kootenay Visitor Centre: 250-347-9505 Waterton Lakes Visitor Centre: 403-859-5133 pc.gc.ca/kootenay pc.gc.ca/waterton Tourism Radium/Radium Chamber of Commerce: Waterton Chamber of Commerce 1-888-347-9331 mywaterton.ca tourismradium.com 11 M. Cheniak !( Grande Cache

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FOR EMERGENCIES DIAL 911 (Police, Fire and Ambulance) Road Conditions: call 511 (AB) 1-800-550-4997 (BC) Cell phone coverage is not reliable in all areas of the mountain parks.