This year, Parks Canada will ask visitors to use its shuttlesRegional transport or commercial vehicles to reach the famous lake and nearby climbing routes and hiking trails.

Disabled card holders and cyclists are allowed to use the road.

Environmental groups said the measure was a good start to protect the park’s ecological integrity. Others, including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, have raised concerns about access for some visitors, including those with canoes or large dogs.

Parks Canada claims to have considered all users before making the decision, which could improve the overall visitor experience as thousands of vehicles are denied access to the site due to too many tourists each day during peak times.

The Alpine Club of Canada, a membership association for outdoor enthusiasts, said it supports the decision: Something had to be done, said Keith Haberl, the club’s communications director. It was unbearable.

A saturated side

John Marriott, a Canmore-based professional photographer, said he used to visit Moraine Lake to take sunrise photos but hasn’t done so in about six years because of the always-crowded site. .

“I don’t think there’s any way to reach out and educate people before they get here or when they get here, so Parks Canada has to step in,” he says. You need to put conservation and preservation ahead of tourism, especially when tourism starts to do harm. »

The measure was a recommendation from a Parks Canada Advisory Committee composed of transportation, recreation and tourism professionals seeking to move people sustainably through Banff National Park.

A 29% increase

According to his report, Banff National Park saw a 29% increase in visitor numbers between 2010 and 2019. Some routes around Lake Louise have seen a 71% increase in traffic in a decade.

The Lake Louise and Banff tourism authorities could not be reached for comment.

According to Bill Keeling, who runs Wilson’s Mountain Sports in Lake Louise, the area has been “besieged” for 15 summers.

” It’s brutal for visitors and locals alike. It’s not good for business and I think Parks Canada is finally moving in the right direction. »

According to him, the agency should increase the frequency of its shuttles. Last year, 2,500 people used it and 900 private vehicles were allowed to park at Moraine Lake every day.