BANFF - Parks Canada will offer public transit to Johnston Canyon this summer, one of Banff National Park's prime tourist attractions.
BANFF - Parks Canada will offer public transit to Johnston Canyon this summer, one of Banff National Park's prime tourist attractions.
In addition, the federal agency will continue offering its bus services to Lake Louise, but there will now be a $10 return fare. The bus from the overflow parking lot east of the hamlet to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise remains free.
Parks officials say a 48-seat shuttle bus will depart the Banff train station to Johnston Canyon, located about 38-kilometres west of Banff, every 1.5 hours from the May long weekend until October. The fare is $5 return.
"It's such a popular place and we know there are parking limitations there," said Greg Danchuk, visitor experience manager for Banff National Park.
"This is the best example in this part of the park where we want people leaving their vehicles in the parking lot, campground, hotel or at home and take transit to reduce the amount of traffic that's on the road."
No parking signs are posted along the Bow Valley Parkway at Johnston Canyon, where in the busy summer months, vehicles can line the road for a couple of kilometres.
"It will be enforced," said Danchuk.
Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission (BVRTSC) will continue offering transit around the Minnewanka Loop. The Calgary-Banff service, known as On-It, also resumes.
Parks Canada, the Town of Banff, and the Town of Canmore financially support the Calgary-Banff On-It service, which runs weekends and holiday Mondays starting May 29, with BVRTSC managing the contract with Southland Transportation.
Once On-It gets rolling, Calgarians can get to Canmore or Banff for a $10 one-way ticket. Riders can transfer for no charge onto any local Roam bus, including Canmore and Banff, where Roam goes to places like Banff gondola, Cave and Basin and Minnewanka Loop.
"The commission, along with Parks Canada and our municipal partners, are pleased to see On-It headed back to the Bow Valley," said BVRTSC chief administrative officer Martin Bean.
"On-It is an invaluable part of the local transportation system and was instrumental in helping visitors get to the valley without the use of their vehicle."
Danchuk said the Banff Field Unit is putting $1.5 million into transit this year, which include support for On-It, Lake Minnewanka Loop, Johnston Canyon and Banff-Lake Louise.
Unlike in 2017, when during Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation when transit was free to Minnewanka and Lake Louise, he said there is a cost to ride public transit this year.
"We do have to recover some of our costs," he said. "I'm really optimistic ridership will remain strong."
Service details at a glance:
Banff to Lake Louise May 18- Oct. 8: Departing from the Banff train station. Fares for passengers will be $10, with passengers under 17 free.
Banff to Johnston Canyon May 18-Oct. 8: Departing from the Banff train station, travelling to Johnston Canyon will cost $5. Passengers 17 and under are free.
Minnewanka Services May 18-Sept.16: This is part of the local Roam service, with standard $2 fares for passengers aged 19 and older, and $1 for passengers from six to 18 years of age.
Banff Area: Roam services from the Tunnel Mountain campgrounds between May 18 and Sept. 16, and to the Cave and Basin on weekends from May long weekend to June 17, and daily from June 18 to Sept.16. Registered campers can travel for free when departing from all Parks Canada campgrounds in Banff National Park.
Lake Louise Area: Parks Canada will continue the free shuttle service from the overflow parking area to the upper lake and village of Lake Louise from May 18 to Oct. 8, and service to Moraine Lake from Sept. 10 to Oct. 8.
Calgary-Banff Regional Service: One way trips from and to Calgary will be $10 each direction. More details about the On-It service including schedules, stops, and fares will be available in May.
