Banff National Park

Parks Canada’s federal infrastructure investment program

Parks Canada will invest $3 billion over 5 years to support infrastructure improvements within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. This historic investment supports conservation while promoting visitor experience and making our infrastructure safer and more appealing to visitors.

A significant amount of Parks Canada’s existing highway infrastructure assets require action now, and the paving projects, rock and slope stabilisation, and rehabilitation of bridges planned as part of this historic investment will ensure safe and reliable roads while protecting the ecological and cultural integrity of our national treasures; the continued flow of commercial goods through these vital East-West corridors; and an improved visitor experience for the almost five million visitors to the mountain national parks each year.

As one of the largest federal custodians, Parks Canada manages a variety of real property and infrastructure assets. In Banff National Park, the infrastructure portfolio is wide-ranging and includes assets such as highways, bridges, contemporary and historic buildings, trails, campgrounds, water and wastewater treatment facilities, visitor centres and operations compounds.

Winter 2019 to 2020: November to May

Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway areas

Lake Louise Drive – Weather permitting, between mid-March and the end of June, traffic lights will be installed on the westbound exit ramp to Lake Louise and at the first four-way stop on Lake Louise Drive and Village Road. No significant disruptions to transit or shuttles are expected but, as always, motorists should plan ahead for potential delays during peak periods. The traffic lights will help reduce congestion and improve pedestrian safety. Traffic flagging may still be required during peak periods. 

Lake Louise Visitor Centre - Interior displays are being designed for the Lake Louise Visitor Centre to enliven the space and provide engaging and helpful information to visitors in the Lake Louise area. Timelines are to be determined. Structural renovations are complete and the restrooms are open 

Hamlet of Lake Louise – Excavation to replace aging water and sewer pipes in the Lake Louise village will take place  on Fairview and Sentinel Road. No impacts to shuttle services are not anticipated. Traffic flow will be maintained at all times but delays are possible. Plan ahead and leave some extra time in your travels.

• Visiting Lake Louise

Peyto Lake and Bow Summit - The Peyto Lake viewpoint, viewing platform and upper parking lot are closed until winter 2020. The lower parking lot, restrooms and access road will close in spring 2020 until winter 2020.

• Peyto Lake – Frequently Asked Questions

Spring and summer 2020: May to September

Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway areas

Lake Louise Drive – Weather permitting, between mid-March and the end of June, traffic lights will be installed on the westbound exit ramp to Lake Louise and at the first four-way stop on Lake Louise Drive and Village Road. No significant disruptions to transit or shuttles are expected but, as always, motorists should plan ahead for potential delays during peak periods. The traffic lights will help reduce congestion and improve pedestrian safety. Traffic flagging may still be required during peak periods. 

Hamlet of Lake Louise – Excavation to replace aging water and sewer pipes in the Lake Louise village will take place  on Fairview, Village, Sentinel Road and Pipestone roads. No impacts to shuttle services are not anticipated. Traffic flow will be maintained at all times but delays are possible. Plan ahead and leave some extra time in your travels.

• Visiting Lake Louise

Moraine Lake Restrooms - New restrooms will be installed at Moraine Lake in spring and summer 2020. Temporary restrooms will be provided. Impacts to shuttle services are not anticipated.

Peyto Lake and Bow Summit – The entire Peyto Lake day use area will be closed for rehabilitation from late spring 2020 until winter 2020. Entry is strictly prohibited to allow work to proceed efficiently and safely. It will not be possible to see Peyto Lake in 2020. We encourage visitors to take this opportunity to explore other Parks Canada places.

• Peyto Lake – Frequently Asked Questions

Lake Louise Visitor Centre – New interior displays are being designed for the Lake Louise Visitor Centre to welcome and serve visitors. Timelines are to be determined. Structural renovations are complete and the restrooms are open.

Other national parks nearby

• Construction in Kootenay National Park
• Construction in Yoho National Park
• Construction in Jasper National Park

What's happening?

In 2020, Parks Canada will continue improvements in the Lake Louise village area. This work will repair infrastructure, increase safety, improve visitor experience and safeguard ecological integrity in the Village of Lake Louise. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:

• Water and sewer line replacement - Aging water and sewer lines will be excavated and replaced on Fairview, Sentinel, Village and Pipestone roads.
  
• Visitor Centre interior renovation - New interior displays are being designed for the Lake Louise Visitor Centre to welcome and serve visitors. Structural renovations are complete and the restrooms are open.
  
• Traffic light installation - Traffic flow will be improved and traffic lights will be installed at the westbound entrance ramp to Lake Louise and at the intersection of Lake Louise Drive and Village Road (i.e. the first 4-way stop). This work will reduce congestion, improve the sense of arrival, and make it easier and safer for both vehicles and pedestrians to navigate the village.
• Campground service building - A new service building is under construction in the Lake Louise hard-sided campground to consolidate service and utility storage and free the campground kiosk to provide dedicated visitor services. No disruption to camping is expected.
• New restrooms at Moraine Lake – New and additional restrooms will be installed at Moraine Lake. The old restrooms were removed last fall and new restrooms are expected to be completed by August. Temporary restrooms will be provided.
  

What you need to know

• No significant impacts to transit or shuttle services are expected in the Lake Louise area. Delays for motorists are possible. As always, plan accommodation and site-seeing well in advance and leave extra time in your schedule to allow for changes.
• Water and sewer line replacement work on Fairview, Sentinel Road, Village and Pipestone roads  will proceed in stages. Traffic flow will be maintained but delays are possible. Plan ahead and leave some extra time in your travels.
  • How to get around the Lake Louise area 
  • Best times to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake 
• Parks Canada has been investing an unprecedented $3 billion dollars over 5 years to support infrastructure work within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. These investments represent the largest federal infrastructure plan in the history of Parks Canada.
• Construction timelines are subject to change. Updates will be provided as timelines are confirmed. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption and safety is our top priority.

Questions? Give us a call

Amy Krause, Public Relations and Communications Officer
Lake Louise, Yoho, Kootenay - Parks Canada
Telephone: 403-522-4230
Email: amy.krause@canada.ca