Getting Around Banff National Park
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
2019 – 2020 Getting Around Banff National Park Également offert en français S. Munn S. Munn AV Wakefield AV Connect with Nature Contents Suggested Itineraries Take the Scenic Route Drive the 230 km Icefields Parkway (93N) past Our Story Suggested Itineraries ................................. 3 Hit the Top Spots in Town glaciers, sparkling waterfalls and turquoise lakes Bucket List ................................................ 4 on your way from Lake Louise to Jasper. Hike to In 1883, like Indigenous peoples long before them, three Start your day with a relaxing soak in the warm view ancient ice at Parker Ridge and Bow Glacier railway workers came across a series of hot springs on Explore from Town ..................................... 5 mineral waters of the historic Banff Upper Hot Falls. Snap unforgettable panoramas at Crowfoot the lower shoulder of present-day Sulphur Mountain. Springs. Be inspired by award-winning exhibits at Plan Ahead. Take Transit. ........................... 5 Glacier, Bow Lake and Herbert Lake. Try a unique No doubt they laid down their shovels and pick axes, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site – the Camping .................................................... 6 adventure: take the David Thompson Highway removed their dusty clothes and gratefully slid into the birthplace of Canada’s national parks. Take an (Hwy 11) to Rocky Mountain House National waters to soothe their aching muscles. Two years later, Park Map ................................................... 7 afternoon stroll through the flower-filledCascades Historic Site to explore the archeological remains as Canada was completing its transcontinental railway, Bow Valley Parkway Map ........................... 8-9 of Time Garden, then listen and watch the rushing of four fur-trade forts during the day and experience Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister, river along the trail to Bow Falls. These sites are Town of Banff Map ..................................... 10-11 the life of a fur trader by sleeping in a tipi or Metis realized a new national dream: the creation of Canada’s accessible by Roam public transit, bike, car or foot. Lake Minnewanka Loop Map ..................... 12 trapper tent at night. first national park, which set aside the Cave and Basin hot springs and 26 km2 of land as a small protected Lake Louise Area Map ............................... 13 Four Extraordinary Afternoons Banff’s Iconic Landscapes reserve. More than a century later, the national park has Mountain Wildlife ....................................... 14-15 By canoe, explore the wildlife hidden among grown in size and draws millions of people each year to Wildlife Need Your Help ............................. 16-19 the marshes at Vermilion Lakes, a magnificent A slow, scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway experience the staggering natural beauty of Banff and wetland. Hike a switchback trail up Tunnel winds through sun-speckled forests and past Bison Return to Banff ................................ 19 Lake Louise, no fewer than seven national historic sites Mountain for the best views of the town of Banff. the tiered pinnacles of Castle Mountain. Walk and a bounty of wildlife large and small—from iconic Mountain Safety ......................................... 20 Enjoy an easy walk to discover Fenland Trail, or alongside waterfalls in the summer and glittering ice grizzly bears to the endangered Banff Springs Snail. Conservation Stories ................................. 21 bike along on the paved Banff Legacy Trail. in the winter at Johnston Canyon. Stroll along the shoreline of Lake Louise or in the summer, hike to With a long history of melding innovative conservation National Park Regulations ......................... 22-23 initiatives with spirited adventure, Canada’s oldest Family Time on Minnewanka Loop two historic teahouses surrounded by glaciers (bring national park offers mountains of possibilities. Winter Adventures ..................................... 24-25 cash for tasty treats). In the winter, play on skates, Interpretive Programs and Activities .......... 26 Picnic with the kids by Lake Minnewanka skis and snowshoes. reservoir then walk the twisting shoreline trail to Volunteering in Banff National Park ........... 26 A UNESCO World Heritage Site Stewart Canyon. Explore the history and remnants Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Johnston Contact Information ................................... 27 of an old coal town on the Lower Bankhead Canyon are some of the most popular locations Four of the mountain national parks – Banff, Jasper, Trail. For a truly Canadian experience, book a in the park. In the summer, park your car and take Yoho and Kootenay – are recognized by the United comfortable Equipped Campsite at Two Jack Main Roam public transit from Banff to Lake Louise and Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Campground where your tent is ready and waiting. Johnston Canyon. For Moraine Lake, Parks Canada as part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Roam public transit route 6 services most areas of shuttles are available from the Lake Heritage Site, for the benefit and enjoyment of all the loop. Louise lakeshore. nations. Among the attributes that warranted this designation were vast wilderness, diversity of flora and fauna, outstanding natural beauty and features such as Lake Louise, Maligne Lake, the Columbia Icefield and Public transit and shuttle information: the Burgess Shale. parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-transit 2 3 S. Munn Banff & Lake Louise Tourism/J. Dyson Banff & Lake Louise Tourism/J. Parks Canada Wakefield AV S. Munn Wakefield AV Bucket List Explore Lake Minnewanka Loop Explore from Town Roam Route 6 (summer only) Nature is only a moment away in Banff National Park. The trails listed below are near the town centres. See the Cave and Basin National Visit a glacial lake, remnants of a coal mining town and a scenic canyon. In the summer, enjoy Banff Lake Louise Historic Site picnicking, hiking and being on or by the water. See trails on pages 10-11 See trails on page 13 Roam Route 4 (summer only) In the winter, half the loop is closed to vehicles, Bow River Trail Bow River Loop Nature, culture and history are minutes from Banff making it a great destination for cross-country Discover mountain views only steps away from Banff This gentle self-guided interpretive loop along the Avenue. See impressive architecture, bubbling mineral skiing, winter walking or snowshoeing. Avenue. Start at Central Park and follow this river trail Bow River connects Samson Mall in the centre of waters, and an underground cave that gave rise to the past the canoe docks to Fenland Trail. Alternatively, Lake Louise to the campgrounds. birthplace of Canada’s national parks. The site is open Discover Johnston Canyon walk over the pedestrian bridge and follow the river to Tramline Trail year-round. Roam Route 9 (summer only) Bow Falls. Avoid traffic and enjoy this moderately challenging Follow wide trails and narrow bridges with railings Hoodoos Viewpoint to Surprise Corner hike up to the Lake Louise lakeshore. A century ago, Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs through the canyon to the majestic Lower Falls. This trail connects the Tunnel Mountain campgrounds this was the trolley route to the Chateau Lake Louise. Roam Route 1 (year-round) Take Roam public transit to this iconic location in to Surprise Corner along the beautiful Bow River. Louise Creek Trail Relax among the jagged peaks in an outdoor pool with summer. In other seasons, be sure to bring Tunnel Mountain Trail Take this trail to create a loop back to the village hot, mineral-rich water. This fully accessible site is ice cleats. A 15 minute walk from downtown brings you to the from the lakeshore. This easier trail follows the entire open daily, year-round, complete with café, gift shop, trailhead of this short hike. The summit offers stunning length of Louise Creek as it rushes from Lake Louise and picnic tables. Visit Lake Louise – The Lake Roam Route 8 (year-round) views of the town and valley. to the Bow River. Summit Tunnel Mountain This spectacular alpine setting is a hub for Roam Route 7 (year-round) iconic photos, hikes, canoeing, horseback Plan Ahead. Take Transit. riding, climbing, and awe-inspiring scenery. The switchback trail to this low summit provides During the summer, Roam public transit is highly Significant traffic congestion can occur in Banff National sweeping views across the town and Bow Valley, Lake Louise Area Shuttle Map recommended. Park. Transit and shuttles are available to many top with Mount Rundle rising dramatically to the south. destinations in the park—look for the bus symbol on Pick-up and drop off The trailhead is a 15 minute walk (1 km) from Drive the Icefields Parkway the maps. Park your vehicle or RV and come explore! Drop off only downtown Banff. Pick-up only This world-renowned, 230 km drive winds through Transit/shuttle info: pc.gc.ca/banff-transit Town of Banff parking: banffparking.ca Lake ancient glaciers, dramatic rock spires, emerald La Louise ke Meander along Vermilion Lakes Drive Village L Real-time park info: pc.gc.ca/banffnow o lakes, and broad sweeping valleys. Snow may be u i s This 4.3 km paved road is ideal for biking and can Maps: Banff visitor centres e present any time of the year—review driving safety D r also be explored by car or foot. Relax on the docks iv on page 25. e and benches, learn about the area, and snap a Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake stunning picture of Mount Rundle. Experience Great Canadian Camping Parking at these popular spots fills quickly. For the best Bike the Banff Legacy Trail Fairview Drive Season-long service to most campgrounds experience, take public transit or a shuttle. Roam Route 3 (year-round) Camping in the national park is as rewarding as its Roam Route 8 Year-round service Paved paths and roadways span 29 km from Travel majestic landscapes. Sites range from rustic, treed Campgrounds Trans-Canada Highway Trans-Canada Alberta’s visitor centre in Canmore to the Bow settings to full service with mountain views. Book Lake Louise Shuttle May 17 to October 14 Moraine Lake Road Village: Drop-off only Valley Parkway.