BANFF – A 17-km section of the scenic Bow Valley Parkway reopened to traffic this week, prompting Parks Canada to remind cycling enthusiasts to be aware of the change and plan ahead for the September long weekend.
The section between Fireside day-use area and Johnston Canyon has been closed to public vehicles for cycling opportunities throughout July and August, but reopened on Sept. 1 to all vehicles.
“We’re really wanting to get the message out there to cyclists to be prepared to expect regular traffic on that roadway again,” said Daniella Rubeling, visitor experience manager for Banff National Park.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, vehicle access on the eastern half of the Bow Valley Parkway was restricted to support physical distancing requirements at Johnston Canyon while also allowing space for cycling.
For much of the time, the section between Fireside day-use area and Castle Mountain was closed to vehicles, but the six-km section between Castle Mountain and Johnston Canyon was opened on July 1 to allow access to the resort, canyon trail, and campground.
Parks Canada is in the process of seeking public input until Sept. 9 on future cycling options for the 17-km eastern section. Comments can be emailed to [email protected] or sent by regular mail to Banff Superintendent, Box 900, Banff, Alberta, T1L 1K2.
Options under consideration include open for cyclists only May-June and September- October seven days a week, or May-June and September-October on weekends only. There is no option for keeping that section of the parkway open for cycling only in the heart of summer.
Johnston Canyon Resort has voiced opposition to the vehicle closure.
Rubeling said Parks Canada is trying to strike a balance.
“We’ve had lots of really positive feedback from cyclists and folks using that offer,” Rubeling said.
“At the same time, we’ve also heard from others who want to be able to access some of the day-use areas and drive the entire length of the Bow Valley Parkway as a scenic drive.”
Heading into the Labour Day weekend Sept. 4-6, Parks Canada is also asking the public to plan ahead for other experiences beyond cycling, including visiting iconic tourist hot spots like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Rubeling said visitors are encouraged to take public transit and reserve a seat on a shuttle bus wherever possible.
“It makes it stress free to get out here, get on your reserved seat and then off you go,” she said.
“If it’s nice weather it’s going to be busy in Banff National Park and we want visitors to plan ahead.”
Visiting Banff National Park also comes with a responsibility to help keep places and the animals that live here wild.
Rubeling said visitors are reminded to dispose of garbage, recycling and food waste in proper bins.
“If they are full, pack out what you pack in,” she said. “Don’t leave anything on the ground or in the fire pits provided.”
There is a alcohol and cannabis ban at Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks campsites on the long weekend.
