Banff National Park of Canada
Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff External Advisory Committee, Final Report, May 2005
- Strategic Goal
1.1 Objectives
1.2 Key Actions
- Fairholme/Johnson Lake Area
2.1 Objectives
2.2 Key Actions
- Cascade Ponds / Two Jack / Minnewanka Area
3.1 Objectives
3.2 Key Actions
- Norquay/Cascade Corridor Area
4.1 Objectives
4.2 Key Actions
- Vermilion Lakes Area
5.1 Objectives
5.2 Key Actions
- Sulphur/Sundance Area
6.1 Objectives
6.2 Key Actions
- Tunnel/Rundle/Indian Grounds Area
7.1 Objectives
7.2 Key Actions
- Implementation
Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Town of Banff
John Stutz, Mayor
Dennis Shuler, former Mayor
Randall McKay, Planning and Development
Sue Webb, Community Services
Association for Mountain Parks Protection & Enjoyment
Wanda Bogdane
Julie Canning
Bow Valley Naturalists
Peter Duck
Mike McIvor
Bow Valley Mountain Bike Alliance
Eric Harvie
Stavros Karlos, Technical Biking Advisor
Public Members
Lorraine Widmer-Carson
Beth Woolley
Banff Light Horse Association
Pierre Savard
Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau
Julie Canning
National Parks Ski Areas Association
Crosbie Cotton
Under the Sleeping Buffalo Research
Dave Campbell
Banff Lake Louise Hotel Motel Association
Gordon Lozeman
Province of Alberta
Steve Donelon
Banff National Park
Anne-Marie Buchwald
Mike Murtha
Introduction
The management plan for Banff National Park was approved in 1997. The plan was amended in 2004 to include an expanded Human Use Management Strategy for all of the park, with the exception of the Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff (LATB).
This draft human use management strategy, once approved, will become part of the Human Use Management Strategy for the park. It will be incorporated as an amendment to the park management plan.
An Overview of the LATB Planning Process
1997 Park Management Plan
2004 Park Human Use Management Strategy
2002 to 2005 External Advisory Group prepares recommendations for LATB area
(this document)
2005 Parks Canada review of recommendations
2005 Public review of recommendations
2005/06 Recommendations revised as necessary
2006 Human Use Management Strategy for LATB
incorporated as Management Plan amendment
Considerations
The Banff National Park Management Plan reflects legislation in the Canada National Parks Act, in particular Section 8.2:
“Maintenance or restoration of ecological integrity, through the protection of natural resources and natural processes, shall be the first priority of the Minister when considering all aspects of the management of parks.”
“Human use management is the direction and guidance of people, their numbers, their behaviour, permissible activities and the necessary infrastructure. The objective of human use management is to allow people to enjoy a national park without damaging its ecological integrity.” (Banff Park Management Plan 2004, p.42)
The External Advisory Committee's recommendations have followed this direction and also sought opportunities to encourage use and enjoyment in ways that respect ecological integrity.
The location and boundary of the LATB area are shown in Figures 1 and 2 . Because of its proximity to the Town of Banff, this area has the highest levels of visitor use and infrastructure in Banff National Park. This area is also very important ecologically. Half of the park's small area of montane habitat is found within the LATB boundary. Major regional wildlife movement corridors encircle the town. The park's low elevation wetlands are also found in the LATB area. The LATB area also contains the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and many archaeological and cultural heritage features.
The recommendations in this report were developed by an advisory group comprising numerous interests:
- Town of Banff
- Banff Light Horse Association
- Bow Valley Mountain Bike Alliance
- Bow Valley Naturalists (local environmental interests)
- Banff-Lake Louise Tourism
- National Parks Ski Areas Association
- Under the Sleeping Buffalo Research (national environmental interests)
- Banff-Lake Louise Hotel/Motel Association
- Province of Alberta
- Association for Mountain Parks Protection and Enjoyment
- Residents of the Town of Banff
The challenge facing the advisory group has been to develop recommendations that protect ecological conditions and accommodate the diverse recreational activities of the 8,282 residents (Town of Banff, 2004) and 3.6 million annual visitors (Parks Canada, 2004).
The advisory group has addressed a number of important issues:
- Safe crossings of the Trans Canada Highway and Canadian Pacific
- Railway for trail users
- Solutions that encourage human use in appropriate locations
- Human use of the wildlife crossing structures along the TCH
- The need for a formal trail system to accommodate all legitimate users
- The proliferation of informal trails that impinge on wildlife habitat
- The need for a formal trail system linking the many existing sections of trail and connecting the Town to nearby popular destinations
- The need for improved trail information and consistent trail standards
- The need for improved interpretation and public information throughout the LATB area
- Alternatives to vehicle use for reaching nearby destinations
- User conflicts on multiple use trails
- The desire for continuing user participation in park management
- The desire for stewardship and volunteer partnerships with Parks Canada, so that users can actively contribute to improved recreational opportunities
- Recreational use on leasehold land within the LATB area
- Quality of experience from different points of view, for diverse user groups
- Priorities amongst the many projects
In addressing these issues the Advisory Committee found it very helpful to refer to a number of maps that provided visual context to the range of proposals and wildlife information brought to the committee's attention. In order to assist readers in a similar manner these maps are included in Appendix 1. However, these maps do not necessarily represent specific recommendations of the Advisory Committee. Recommendations are found in text form in the main body of this report.
As the most intense use of the LATB area occurs in the summer months, the advisory group's recommendations focus on summer use. The group addressed other seasonal issues where they were a concern.
Figure 1 : Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff Study Area
Figure 2 : LATB Planning Units Used by the Advisory Committee
Existing Conditions
The 1997 Banff National Park Management Plan provides considerable management direction for lands within the LATB area. The purpose of the LATB strategy is to provide more detailed direction within the framework of the park management plan.
The plan recognized the significance of the Cascade wildlife corridor and identified the Fairholme and Vermilion Lakes Environmentally Sensitive Sites. The plan provided specific direction for these areas. The plan also directed that popular day use areas be upgraded to meet the needs of modern visitors. Several such areas exist within the LATB area, notably Vermilion Lakes, Johnson Lake and Lake Minnewanka.
The LATB area is the most heavily visited part of Banff National Park, with a wide variety of facilities available (e.g. the Upper Hot Springs, Cave and Basin, Mt. Norquay ski area, Sulphur Mountain gondola, Banff Springs golf course, Tunnel Mountain campgrounds, Lake Minnewanka day use area and a dense network of trails, especially in the Tunnel Mountain area). The national transportation corridors of the Trans Canada Highway (TCH) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) bisect the area. Other developments include powerlines, gas pipelines, dams, gravel pits, sewage treatment facilities, a hydro generating facility and hotels. Dominating the LATB is the Town of Banff, an international tourism destination with a permanent population of more than 8,000 residents. Adjacent to the LATB area and the south boundary of Banff National Park is the town of Canmore, with a current population of 12,000 that is expected to grow to 25,000 in 10 years. All areas of the LATB contain important ecological characteristics. Four major valleys – Bow, Spray, Forty Mile and Cascade – converge at the centre of the planning area. They are important regional wildlife corridors. Comparatively rare montane grassland habitats occur between the Town and Cascade Mountain and eastwards to the Fairholme Bench. The Vermilion Lakes wetland complex is the largest in the park and provides important habitat for waterfowl, amphibians, fish and some mammals. The park's hot springs are concentrated along the northern
base of Sulphur Mountain and provide specialized habitat for plants, fish, amphibians, insects and the unique Banff Springs Snail. Many other individual sites throughout the LATB are ecologically significant. All of the park's ecosystem stressors are evident in the LATB area.
Recreational opportunities include an extensive network of formal and informal trails, which are used by hikers, horse riders, bike riders and cross country skiers. There is also canoeing at Vermilion Lakes and on the Bow River; downhill skiing at Mt. Norquay; nature viewing at the Cave and Basin Marsh, Vermilion Lakes and Johnson Lake; and ice climbing at the Cascade waterfall.
Much of the recreational patterns of use have developed in a piece-meal and random fashion over the last 100 years. For example, there are many ilometres of trail but:
- They are often located in ecologically sensitive areas;
- Some are in wet, muddy areas;
- There are limited connections amongst trails, especially those which originate in Town; and
- The TCH and CPR are effective barriers to trail connections.
The proliferation of informal trails indicates that the formal network fails to meet the needs of some users. The advisory group believes that a more user-friendly network of formal trails will help to overcome many of the problems.
There is also a need for thorough provision of interpretive, directional and appropriate use/behaviour information to improve visitors' enjoyment and appreciation of the surroundings.
From an ecological perspective, human use and infrastructure have been displacing wildlife and destroying or diminishing habitat for over 100 years. As a result, remaining areas have become increasingly important and options for alternative wildlife habitat do not exist. It is important to direct human use so that habitat and movement corridors can continue to function. In the case of large mammals, the valley confluence area is a critical link along the Rockies of North America and its significance transcends the LATB boundaries.
Recommendations
- Section 1 provides recommendations that apply to more than one part of the LATB area or to the whole area
- Sections 2-7 provide recommendations for individual geographic areas represented in Figure 2
- Section 8 provides recommendations for implementing the strategy
1. Strategic Goal
To protect ecological integrity and enhance visitor opportunities year-round
1.1 Objectives
- To provide high quality visitor experiences in the LATB area
- To maintain or restore ecological integrity (e.g. by ensuring the effectiveness of wildlife crossing structures and corridors)
- To support improvements in a variety of recreational opportunities To continue to provide a variety of recreational opportunities and to seek, in a timely way, to provide alternatives for those that are displaced by ecological improvement projects or other developments
- To direct human use to already popular locations and to develop an improved access system to connect such locations
- To identify appropriate activities and facilities for popular locations
- To provide opportunities for a variety of users to safely cross the Trans Canada Highway and the CPR tracks
- To provide user friendly trail links between the Town of Banff and popular locations
- To provide directional information (including maps) that is consistent, integrated and user friendly
- To improve awareness and interpretation of the ecological and cultural heritage features of the LATB area
- To provide specific direction to Parks Canada for implementing the human use strategy for the LATB area
1.2 Key Actions
- Provide a trail crossing structure across the TCH and CPR, east of Banff Avenue and separate from the road interchanges
- Until the trail crossing structure is constructed, direct human use to the Cascade underpass and provide necessary improvements (NB human use of this underpass is already identified in the Environmental Assessment for the relocation of the horse corrals)
- Direct human use away from all other wildlife crossing structures
- Ensure adequate maintenance of park infrastructure that supports visitor experiences and uses ecologically appropriate materials
- Develop a comprehensive plan for the interpretation of ecological and cultural heritage features
- Trails:
- Improve trail connectivity by linking existing trails and by providing new links where needed and ecologically feasible
- Provide a multi-use family oriented “ring” trail around the Town of Banff by linking existing trails and by providing new links where needed and ecologically feasible; include a connector to Tunnel Mountain campgrounds
- Provide a commuter trail between Banff and adjacent communities
- Work with the Town of Banff and trail user groups to develop a trail classification system
- Manage trails for multiple use unless there are safety or environmental reasons for limiting and/or separating uses
- Incorporate signage indicating trail etiquette, trail classification and use restrictions
- Provide more trails, to cater to a broader range of users, including some that allow for mobility-challenged visitor access
- Ensure adequate ongoing maintenance of trails and related infrastructure
- Provide trail and site hardening where required to maintain visitor experiences and environmental protection (e.g. Marsh Loop, Hoodoos)
- Signs:
- Provide accurate and comprehensive trail information, including distances, degree of difficulty and geographic context
- Provide comprehensive information about ecological characteristics and cultural heritage features
- Design a sign plan and map system in conjunction with the Town of Banff and user groups and consistent with contiguous parks
- Where closures or restrictions are implemented, provide explanatory material
- Partner with the Town of Banff and ID 9 to encourage public transit connections between hotels, motels and campgrounds and popular locations such as Sulphur Mountain
- Continue to impose seasonal closures as needed to protect sensitive wildlife and determine whether other mitigation measures are required
- Eliminate trail conflicts between commercial horse operations and other users
- Ensure appropriate construction, maintenance and licensing standards for trails which are used by commercial operations
- Work in partnership with local operators, volunteers, user groups etc., as applicable, to implement the recommendations of the LATB Human Use Management Strategy
- Implementation of the Key Actions must include consistent enforcement of regulations, including the “dogs on leash” regulation
- On trails which are heavily used by dog walkers, provide “poop and scoop” dispensers
2. Fairholme / Johnson Lake Area
Location
- East side of TCH from the East Gate to Johnson Lake
- Eastern boundary is the base of the Fairholme Range
Ecological Characteristics
- Fairholme Bench is designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Site because it is the largest intact expanse of montane habitat remaining in the Bow Valley
- As a result of recent fires, its importance as wildlife habitat will increase in the future
- Johnson Lake and adjacent wetlands provide important aquatic habitats
Recreational Characteristics
- Johnson Lake is readily accessible from Town and is a popular day use area with a water focus
- Extensive trail network in the vicinity of the lake, connecting to areas to the north
- A voluntary closure limits use of the Fairholme Environmentally Sensitive Site
Human Use Issues
- A lack of trail connections across the TCH to Town
- Unsanctioned use of the Powerhouse wildlife crossing
- A proliferation of informal trails at Johnson Lake
- Impacts of heavy use at the lake
- Opportunities for improved interpretation
- Dissatisfaction with the voluntary nature of the Environmentally Sensitive Site closure
2.1 Objectives
- To continue to manage the Johnson Lake area as a popular location for daytime activities
- To improve trail connections to Johnson Lake from the Town of Banff and from the Cascade/Two Jack/Minnewanka areas
- To maintain low human use of the Fairholme Environmentally Sensitive Site
2.2 Key Actions
- Provide and improve facilities that support appropriate levels of use around Johnson Lake. Recognized summer uses include beach activities, swimming, canoeing, fishing, trail use, picnicking, nature viewing. Facilities include the Carver cabin, a trail system, a parking lot, picnic tables, washrooms, and interpretive signage
- Encourage use of formal trails by clearly defining, signing and maintaining them, making improvements where needed. Discourage use of informal trails
- Improve information and interpretation in the Johnson Lake area, notably about the montane ecoregion and prescribed fires
- Manage the wildlife viewing area at the beaver ponds in a way that respects natural components of the site
- Designate a trail link from the Town of Banff to Johnson Lake via the proposed crossing structure (see 1.2.1) and “Watertower trail”, with connections to the Two Jack and Minnewanka areas
- Continue to minimize and to monitor use in the Fairholme Environmentally Sensitive Site
3. Cascade Ponds / Two Jack / Minnewanka Area
Location
- Valley of Cascade Creek from the TCH to Lake Minnewanka
Ecological Characteristics
- Montane habitat but fragmented by the many facilities and the reduced water flow in Cascade Creek
- Important link in the north/south regional wildlife corridor connecting the upper Cascade valley and Fairholme Bench
Recreational Characteristics
- Popular driving area
- Busy campground at Two Jack
- Popular day use areas at Cascade Ponds, Two Jack Lake and, particularly, Lake Minnewanka
- Interpretation of historic features at Bankhead
- Departure point for cruises and boating on Lake Minnewanka
- Extensive system of trails
Human Use Issues
- Lack of trail connection across the TCH to Town
- Considerable human use of Cascade wildlife underpass; horse use is directed to this crossing
- No continuous trail from Cascade Ponds to Two Jack campground and Lake Minnewanka
- Potential for increasing water flow in Cascade Creek, with possible interpretation of aquatic environments
- Opportunities for improved interpretation and information at Lake Minnewanka
- Redevelopment of the Minnewanka day use area required, especially new washrooms for summer and winter
- Congestion on the trail to Stewart Canyon which is heavily used by hikers and mountain bike riders
3.1 Objectives
- To provide a slow-paced driving opportunity to a variety of facilities
- To minimize conflicts between motorized and non-motorized activities and amongst user groups
- To provide a trail link between the Town of Banff and Lake Minnewanka
- To work towards restoring water flows in Cascade Creek and developing interpretive opportunities for aquatic habitats
- To continue to manage the Lake Minnewanka area as a popular location for daytime activities
3.2 Key Actions
- Provide and improve facilities that support appropriate levels of use around Lake Minnewanka. Recognized use includes motorized and non-motorized boating, scuba diving, fishing, commercial guiding operations, group tours, trail use, picnicking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating and nature viewing. Facilities include group picnic facilities (tables and shelters), a commercial tour boat operation, washrooms, boat docks operated by the licensee, a boat launch, a scuba launch, parking lots, and a trail system
- Provide washrooms at the Lake Minnewanka day use area during the winter
- Formalize and improve vehicle pull-offs and viewpoints along the loop road to reduce environmental impact and improve safety
- Provide a trail connection between Cascade Ponds and Lake Minnewanka
- Preferred route is to connect the existing trail between Cascade Ponds and Lower Bankhead to Lake Minnewanka via the trail connection between Upper Bankhead and the Cascade fire road and extension to Minnewanka
- Trackset from Cascade ponds to Minnewanka via Lower Bankhead in winter
- Investigate interpretive opportunities for aquatic habitats in conjunction with possible increases in water flows through the Cascade gravel pits
4. Norquay/Cascade Corridor Area
Location
- Unit extends along the north side of the TCH from the Minnewanka road to the Bow Valley Parkway
- Unit extends south to TCH, north to LATB boundary, east to Minnewanka road, and west to Bow Valley Parkway
- Unit includes Mt. Norquay ski area
Ecological Characteristics
- Montane grasslands
- Important wildlife corridor, including wildlife crossings under TCH
- Artificial impoundment on 40 Mile Creek but with unimpeded through-flow of water
- Sheep population along the Norquay road; bears use the ski area
Recreational Characteristics
- Downhill skiing at Mt. Norquay
- Norquay road is a popular driving route, especially to the viewpoint overlooking the Town
- Trailheads for Cory/Edith and 40 Mile/Cascade Amphitheatre trails
- Mountain bike trails on Stoney Squaw Mountain
- Ice climbing at Cascade waterfall
- Informal use of the airstrip for dog walking and golf practice
- Picnicking at Fireside Day Use Area
Human Use Issues
- Unsanctioned use of wildlife crossings
- Late spring opening of Fireside picnic site
- Uncertainty regarding potential summer use of Mt. Norquay ski area
- Mt. Norquay ski area may soon begin a long-range plan that would include a public discussion of proposals for summer use
- Stoney Squaw mountain bike trails lack connection to Town
- Separate process is addressing decommissioning and future management of the airstrip
- Past unsanctioned mountain biking that formerly occurred on the South-facing slopes of Mt. Norquay has been directed to designated trails; providing more mountain biking opportunities, including technical routes, has been discussed as part of the LATB process
4.1 Objectives
- To manage for effective wildlife movements in the Cascade corridor
- To restore natural water flows in Forty Mile Creek
- To continue to manage the Mt. Norquay area as a popular location for visitor activities
4.2 Key Actions
- Provide facilities that support appropriate levels of use at Mt. Norquay. Recognized use includes winter activities, trail use, nature viewing, slow-paced driving opportunities. Facilities include a formalized trail system, viewpoints, summer washrooms and an access road
- Provide trailhead facilities for orientation to Stoney Squaw, Cascade Amphitheatre, and Forty Mile trails: maps, washrooms, information kiosk, and garbage disposal
- Direct use away from Cascade wildlife corridor (airstrip area and buffalo paddock) by providing alternative trails with the exception of continued, formalized access to Cascade Falls subject to corridor effectiveness monitoring
- Provide a pedestrian and bike route under the Trans Canada Highway at the Five Mile interchange, to provide links to the Bow Valley Parkway, Fireside Day-Use area, and the Cory/Edith trails from the Vermilion Lakes area (see also 5.2.7)
- Remove Forty Mile dam and associated facilities and rehabilitate to a natural condition
- Stoney Squaw Trail:
a) Formalize the connection between the upper and lower Stony Squaw mountain bike trails
b) Provide a safe trail connection to Town of Banff:
- Preferred route: provide a connection via the 40 Mile Creek crossing under the TCH and a simple bridge across 40 Mile Creek, then to the Compound Road
- Alternate route: construct trail along the North part of the Highway near the fence back to the Norquay road
- Allow continued public use of the Mt. Norquay road; determine the future of the road in conjunction with the long range plan for the ski area
- Open the Fireside picnic site as early in the spring as snow conditions and wildlife movement permit
- Continue to recognize that the south facing slopes of Mt. Norquay are not an appropriate location for mountain biking
- Explore the feasibility and the environmental and social implications of an aerial tramway system from the vicinity of the Town of Banff to the Mt. Norquay ski area
5. Vermilion Lakes Area
Location
- Bounded by the TCH, Bow River and Norquay road
- Unit extends north to TCH, south and west to the Bow River, and east to the Norquay road
Ecological Characteristics
- Vermilion Lakes are a part of the larger Vermilion Wetlands, which extend beyond the LATB boundary to include areas between the Trans Canada Highway and the Bow Valley Parkway (e.g. Backswamp)
- Most important wetland in the park; designated an Environmentally Sensitive Site
- Habitat for a wide variety of species, including seasonal use by migrating waterfowl
- Water flows impeded by CPR and TCH infrastructure
- Provides wildlife connection across the Bow Valley
Recreational Characteristics
- Very popular year-round driving destination, adjacent to Town
- Popular for photography and wildlife viewing
- Most popular location for canoeing close to Town
- Fenland trail well used
- Some ice skating
Human Use Issues
- Management plan prescribes road closure at First Lake
- Some unsanctioned use of Edith wildlife crossing to access Cory/Edith trailheads
- Road is in disrepair
- Self-guided interpretation needs to be redeveloped for Fenland trail
- Riparian impacts (trampling of shoreline vegetation)
- Unknown impacts of canoeing, especially on waterfowl
- Potential for trail connection to Bow Valley Parkway and on to Lake Louise
- Potential for trail connection around Vermilion Lakes, connecting with the existing Sundance and Healy Creek trails
- An easily accessed point in the park to experience nature and offers an excellent opportunity to connect visitors with the nature that surrounds them
- Great opportunity for improved interpretation and information
5.1 Objectives
- To continue to manage the Vermilion Lakes area as a popular location, adjacent to the Town of Banff, for daytime activities
- To manage the Vermilion wetlands as one of the most significant places for nature-based experiences in the park and to recognize it is also a unique and important aquatic environment in Banff National Park
- To implement alternate means for humans to cross the TCH in order to direct use away from wildlife underpasses (see 1.2.3)
5.2 Key Actions
- Provide facilities that support appropriate levels of use at Vermilion Lakes. Recognized use includes slow-paced driving, canoeing, trail use, nature viewing, and skating. Facilities include a hard surfaced road, connections to a formalized trail system, viewpoints, and washrooms
- Develop and implement an interpretive plan for the Vermilion Lakes area that focuses on aquatic ecosystems in the montane ecoregion
- Provide an improved trail link across the CPR tracks, from the Town of Banff riverside trail to Fenland Trail and Vermilion Lakes
- Redevelop Fenland trail as an easily accessible interpretive opportunity
- Maintain motorized vehicle access along Vermilion Lakes road to Third Lake 1 and improve the road surface using non-polluting materials
- Improve pull-offs, as needed, at appropriate locations along the road
- Provide a designated trail west from Third Lake to the Trans Canada Highway at Five Mile and provide access under the bridge to connect the trail to the Bow Valley Parkway (see also 4.2.4)
- Investigate the feasibility of providing a designated trail between the Healy Creek trailhead and the Five Mile TCH crossing, close to the TCH fence (see also 6.2.16)
- Ensure that facilities avoid further encroachment on the aquatic environment and on the Christensen archaeological site; restore degraded sites
- Work with the canoe rental company based in the Town of Banff to provide clients with appropriate information about the sensitivity of nesting and riparian areas at Vermilion Lakes; develop a publication containing a code of conduct that can be made widely available to canoeists
- Research impacts of aquatic-based recreational activity on aquatic ecosystems. Use research to develop and implement an aquatic human use plan for Vermilion wetlands
1 Dissenting opinion: Under The Sleeping Buffalo Research
6. Sulphur / Sundance Area
Location
- West of Town along the south side of the Bow River
- South of Town along the Spray River valley
- Includes Cave and Basin area, Sundance Canyon, Sulphur Mountain
Ecological Characteristics
- Hot springs and associated specialized habitats
- Cave and Basin marsh is influenced by warm water flows (Zone 1 area)
- Numerous rare species and unique, endangered snail species
- Important wildlife corridor along north and northeast sides of Sulphur Mountain; designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Site and closed to human use
- Spray valley is a wildlife movement corridor and a cross-valley connection between Sulphur Mountain and the golf course
Recreational Characteristics
- Popular, heavily used trails to Sundance Canyon and in the Spray valley
- Commercial horse use is concentrated in this unit
- Variety of low elevation trails which receive early season use
- Much use by local people
- Heavy visitor concentrations at Sulphur Mountain gondola, Upper Hot Springs and Cave and Basin
- Cross country skiing on the Sundance and Spray valley trails
Human Use Issues
- Conflicts with commercial horse groups on several trails
- Proliferation of informal trails
- Impacts on sensitive ecological areas, especially near the Cave and Basin
- Opportunities for improved directional and interpretive information
- Potential trail connection from Sundance Canyon to Vermilion Lakes around the wetlands
- Spray valley trails are connected to the popular Goat Creek mountain bike trail
- Impacted sensitive wetland area adjacent to Mountain Avenue
- No access to the Wheeler House (in the Sulphur Mountain wildlife corridor which is closed to human use)
6.1 Objectives
- To protect the sensitive wildlife corridors and wetland areas
- To provide a variety of trail opportunities
- To reduce conflict between commercial horse groups and other trail users
- To improve the protection and presentation of cultural heritage resources
- To continue to manage Sulphur Mountain and Sundance areas as popular locations for a variety of visitor activities
6.2 Key Actions
- Provide facilities that support appropriate levels of use in the Sulphur/Sundance area. Recognized uses include gondola sightseeing, trail use, visiting heritage attractions, bathing at the Upper Hot Springs (daytime and evening), cross-country skiing, and nature viewing; Facilities include washrooms, trailhead kiosks, trails, picnic facilities and access to interpretive information
- Work with partners to extend public transit to the Sulphur Mountain/Upper Hot Springs area
- Continue the restriction on human use in the Middle Springs Wildlife Corridor
- Designate the wetland between Mountain Avenue and Valleyview as an Environmentally Sensitive Site
- Retain existing Upper Bridle Trail and create a new adjacent parallel trail for separate users
- Formalize a limited number of existing trails, including a separate trail for commercial horse use, through the proposed Environmentally Sensitive Site
- Formalize and upgrade the trail system connecting the Banff Springs Hotel area and the Sulphur Mountain/Upper Hot Springs area, creating connections with other trails in the area
- Provide directional signs
- Provide designated trails for horses and mountain bikes connecting the Banff Springs Hotel area and the Upper Hot Springs area
- Formalize and clearly sign the designated pedestrian trail parallel to Mountain Avenue, connecting the Town of Banff and the Sulphur Mountain/Upper Hot Springs area
- Consolidate trailheads (to Spray River, Upper Hot Springs, Upper Bridle/Cave and Basin) in the Spray River parking lot
- Provide picnic tables, toilets, and interpretive messages at both the trailhead and at kilometre 6 of the Spray River loop trail
- Provide new trailhead signs, including kilometre markings, for the Sulphur Mountain trail; improve the identification of trailheads in the parking lots
- Address user conflicts and safety concerns on the Tower 1 Trail (from the Sulphur Mountain gondola base to the Spray River trail) by redesigning, improving, and modifying the trail.
- Determine the level of conflict between commercial horse groups and other users on the Spray River trail and work with stakeholders to identify options to resolve safety concerns
- As part of the National Historic Site Management Planning process, upgrade exhibits and clarify messaging at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site
- Re-evaluate heritage value of the Wheeler House and investigate off-site interpretive possibilities
- As part of the management planning process for the Cave and Basin, redesign the trail configuration in the Cave and Basin area to improve trail connectivity, minimize user conflicts, and reduce environment impact
- Redesign the parking lot to take advantage of excess vehicle capacity
- Create a one-way entrance road along the north side or direct entrance through one of the easterly entrances
- Reclaim roadway for trail use to accommodate separation of users
- Direct commercial horse use away from sensitive Zone 1 areas
- Provide signage to clarify trail connections and designated uses
- Determine the level of conflict between commercial horse groups and other users on the Marsh Loop trail and work with stakeholders to identify options, including trail hardening, to resolve safety and trail maintenance concerns.
- Support a cross-country ski track along the Bow River from the canoe docks to the Sundance Canyon and Healy Creek trails
- Investigate the feasibility of providing a designated trail between the Healy Creek trailhead and the Five Mile TCH crossing, close to the TCH fence (see also 5.2.8)
7. Tunnel / Rundle / Indian Grounds Area
Location
- West of the TCH from the East Gate to Town
- Includes the base of Rundle Mountain and the golf course
- Includes area surrounding Tunnel Mountain
- Includes Indian Grounds
Ecological Characteristics
- Dry montane habitats at Tunnel Mountain and the Indian Grounds
- Wildlife corridor along the base of Rundle Mountain, in the golf course area
- Important wildlife connections eastward via TCH underpasses
- Riparian habitat along the Bow River and Cascade Creek
Recreational Characteristics
- Heavy, concentrated summer trail use at Tunnel Mountain
- Large campgrounds at Tunnel Mountain
- Rafting and canoeing on the Bow River
- Golfing
- Private horse corrals are located in this unit
- Climbing on Tunnel and Rundle Mountains
- Popular day use area at the Hoodoos viewpoint
- Some use of Indian Ground during Indian Days
Human Use Issues
- Lack of trail connections across TCH and CPR and to areas west of Town
- Need for commuter trail between Banff and Canmore
- Proliferation of informal trails
- Desire for technical mountain bike trails
- Need for trail connection between town and Tunnel Mountain campgrounds and motels
- Trail impacts on montane vegetation
- Need for improved directional and interpretive information
- Need for a network of designated, signed and maintained trails
7.1 Objectives
- To provide a network of multi use trails
- To provide trail connections between Tunnel Mountain facilities and the Town of Banff
- To provide trail connection across TCH and CPR
- To continue to manage the Tunnel Mountain area as a popular location
- To protect special natural resources such as Indian Grounds grasslands and the Hoodoos viewpoint
7.2 Key Actions
- Centralize trailhead information at Bow Falls/Spray Bridge area that directs users to trails in vicinity
- Provide a trail connection between the Town of Banff and Cascade Ponds via the proposed trail crossing structure (see 1.2.1), to connect with the proposed trail from Cascade Ponds to Lake Minnewanka (see 3.2.4)
- As part of the “ring” trail (see 1.2.6) designate a trail across the Indian Grounds, close to the west side of Banff Avenue but within the trees so as to avoid the sensitive grassland areas
- Relocate Dawson monument to improve visitor access and appreciation
- Provide an integrated network of primary and secondary trails on the Tunnel Mountain bench, including the area east and south of the hoodoos
- All trails to be multi-use, with some closures to specific users for safety or environmental reasons. Use will be directed to primary trails
- Primary trails will be designed to appeal to a range of users, including some that accommodate mobility-challenged visitors. Primary trails will be well signed (including distance and difficulty) and well maintained
- Secondary trails will be narrower, with lower construction and maintenance standards. They may be linked to the primary trails.
- Where appropriate, they will be included on maps and signed
- Loop trails should be provided where possible
- Discourage use of informal trails through appropriate management actions
- Trail development will be subject to avoiding sensitive areas (e.g. riparian areas and established wildlife corridors)
- Establish working group of stakeholders to assist Parks Canada in trail identification, stewardship and maintenance of Tunnel Mountain trail systems
- Implement one of the following three options for designated technical mountain bike trails on Tunnel Mountain 2 :
i. Provide trails 1, 2, and 3
ii. Provide only trails 2 and 3
iii. Provide no trails
If any trails are approved, the following conditions apply:
- The creation of a mountain bike stewardship group to take responsibility for the trails and prevent proliferation
- The rehabilitation of unauthorized trails in the area
- Design features to reduce user conflicts where the mountain bike trails intersect with the riverside trail
- Any trails will also be available to hikers
- Provide a hard surface trail from Canmore to Banff that:
- Avoids the paved shoulder of the TCH
- Provides access to Banff via the former road over Tunnel Mountain (note: this requires use of the former grade crossing across the CPR tracks)
- Work with the Town of Banff to ensure that future intercept parking possibilities off Banff Avenue do not encroach on Indian Grounds grasslands
- Upgrade the exhibit and visitor infrastructure at the Hoodoo lookout and protect special natural resources in the area
2 Since the group was unable to come to consensus on this issue, the LATB group has identified options that have support from various representatives on the advisory group. Option two has the most support.
8. Implementation
- When the LATB recommendations become an amendment to the Park Management Plan, establish a LATB implementation committee whose responsibilities will include:
- Ongoing advice regarding trails and other issues
- Assistance in identifying partnerships
- Advice regarding new or emerging issues
- Advice regarding changing priorities
- Representation of sector interests
- Supporting Parks Canada's implementation of Key Actions
- Advice regarding appropriate human use management tools in specific situations
- Meeting with Parks Canada twice a year
- Where a permanent loss of a recreational opportunity is unavoidable, all alternative possibilities should be explored for replacing the opportunity
- Where seasonal closures or restrictions are required (e.g. to protect nesting waterfowl, to protect wet trails, to avoid conflicts with wildlife), provide explanatory information on-site and off-site and direct visitors to alternative opportunities
- All Objectives and Key Actions will be subject to strategic and project specific environmental assessments and peer review
- Develop a communication plan, in association with the Town of Banff, the Province of Alberta and stakeholders, to provide coordinated information, including directional, educational, interpretive and recreational opportunity information
- Priorities for implementation:
The advisory group has listed 77 Key Actions for achieving its objectives of improving visitor experiences and ecological integrity in the LATB area. The group has identified the following items as the top priorities for implementation:
- Improved communications for visitors
This includes orientation and directional information via signs and maps, including maps for distribution by businesses (Implementation 8.5)
- A structure for safe, multi-use crossing of the TCH and CPR (General 1.2.1)
- A trail from Vermilion Lakes to the Five Mile interchange (Vermilion Lakes 5.2.7)
- A “ring” trail around the Town of Banff (General 1.2.6)
- Trail and site hardening where needed (e.g. Marsh Loop, Hoodoos, riverside trail east of Tunnel Mountain) (General 1.2.6)
- Trail connection from the Town of Banff to the crossing structure (Tunnel Mountain 7.2.2)
- Tunnel Mountain trail system (Tunnel Mountain 7.2.5)
- Commuter trail between Banff and Canmore (General 1.2.6 and Tunnel Mountain 7.2.8)
- Improved trails from the Upper Hot Springs area to the Banff Springs Hotel and the Town of Banff (Sulphur/Sundance 6.2.6)
- Improved trailhead facilities (including washrooms, information) (General 1.2.6 and 1.2.7 and Key Action 1 in each section)