Parks Canada is gearing up for the traditionally busy May long weekend – the first chance for many to get out to the mountains and do some camping.
With more than 1,300 sites in total, Lake Louise trailer campground area is open as well as Tunnel Mountain I, II and trailer sections. Two Jack Lakeside and the new Otentiks will not be open in time for the Victoria Day long weekend.
Officials say there will be an alcohol ban in effect, as per usual for long weekends.
“Mother Nature has given us cool, wet weather that has bled into spring and despite efforts to get Two Jack Lakeside open, it’s still snow covered and winter in there,” said Parks Canada spokesperson Michelle Macullo.
“We’re working to get other campgrounds open in the parks throughout May and June, weather permitting.”
Some fishing spots will open on May 17, including Ghost Lake, Johnson Lake and adjacent inflow stream and beaver ponds, Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Vermilion Lakes and adjacent inflow stream and beaver ponds.
Macullo said the Cave and Basin National Historic Site will play host to many activities on May 17-18, including some cowboy culture and history with guests from the Bar U Ranch National Historic Sites.
“Try your hand at roping, and learn how to make your own cattle brand,” she said. “Taste cowboy coffee and bannock roasted over an open fire.”
Despite cooler temperatures and rain in the forecast, Macullo said there are many activities for visitors to take advantage of in the mountain parks, including scenic drives, easy hikes, or biking the Legacy Trail and Tunnel Mountain area.
She said it’s a perfect time of year for wildlife viewing and bird watching, including places like Marsh Loop and Vermilion Lakes.
“It’s nice to hear some of the sounds that tell us spring has, in fact, arrived,” she said.
“This is the time of year to be exploring the lower valley bottoms because there’s persistent snow in the alpine.”
Go to www.pc.gc.ca/banff as a starting place for things to do in Banff.
