Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff Final Report

Final Report
Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
May 4, 2005
External
Advisory
Committee

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

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Table of Contents:
Introduction...................................................................................................4
An Overview of the LATB Planning Process................................................5
Considerations...............................................................................................6 - 7
Figure 1..........................................................................................................8
Figure 2..........................................................................................................9
Existing Conditions.......................................................................................10 - 11
Recommendations........................................................................................12 - 24
1. Strategic Goal.................................................................................12 - 13
1.1 Objectives..................................................................12
1.2 Key Actions...............................................................12
2. Fairholme/Johnson Lake Area......................................................14
2.1 Objectives..................................................................14
2.2 Key Actions...............................................................14
3. Cascade Ponds/Two Jack/Minnewanka Area..............................15 - 16
3.1 Objectives.................................................................15
3.2 Key Actions...............................................................15
4. Norquay/Cascade Corridor Area...................................................17 - 18
4.1 Objectives..................................................................17
4.2 Key Actions................................................................17
5. Vermilion Lakes Area....................................................................19 - 20
5.1 Objectives..................................................................19
5.2 Key Actions...............................................................19
6. Sulphur/Sundance Area................................................................21 - 22
6.1 Objectives..................................................................21
6.2 Key Actions...............................................................21
7. Tunnel/Rundle/Indian Grounds Area..........................................23 - 24
7.1 Objectives.......................................................................23
7.2 Key Actions.....................................................................23
8. Implementation............................................................................25

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Table of Contents:
Appendix
Appendix 1:
Maps that Assisted External Advisory Committee Discussion
Map 1 : Fairholme/Johnson Lake Area................................................2
Map 2 : Cascade Ponds/Two Jack/Minnewanka Area.........................3
Map 3 : Norquay/Cascade Corridor Area..............................................4
Map 4 : Vermilion Lakes Area...............................................................5
Map 5 :Sulphur/Sundance Area............................................................6
Map 6 : Tunnel/Rundle/Indian Grounds Area.....................................7
Map 7 : Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff Overview.....................8
Map 8 : Southside Detail.......................................................................9
Map 9 : Townsite Ring Trail..................................................................10
Map 10 : Tunnel Bench Map.................................................................11
Map 11 : Tunnel Mountain Bench - Primary and Secondary Trails....12
Map 12 : Trails and Wildlife Corridors.................................................13
Map 13 : Wildlife Corridors...................................................................14
Map 14 : Golf Course Wildlife Corridor................................................15
Map 15 : Vermilion Environmentally Sensitive Site............................16
Map 16 : Global Positioning System Map.............................................17
Map 17 : Topographical Sulphur Map Area..........................................18

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
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.
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
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
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
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, pages 8 and 9. 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).
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
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.
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Figure 1 : Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff Study Area
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Figure 2 : LATB Planning Units Used
by the Advisory Committee
Norquay/Cascade Corridor Area
Cascade Ponds/Two Jack/Minnewanka Area
Vermilion Lakes
Sulphur/Sundance Area
Fairholme/Johnson Lake Area
Tunnel/Rundle/Indian Grounds Area
Lands LATB Planning Adjacent Units to the Used Town by the ofAdvisory Banff Study Committee Areas
Scale: 1:85,000
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
Kilometers
Banff Townsite Boundary
Lands Adjacent Boundary
´
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External 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 kilometres 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.
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
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 page 9
• Section 8 provides recommendations for implementing the strategy
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
1. Strategic Goal
To protect ecological integrity and enhance visitor opportunities year-round
1.1 Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
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
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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
6. 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
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
•
•
•
7. Signs:
•
•
•
•
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)
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
8. 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
9. Continue to impose seasonal closures as needed to protect sensitive wildlife and
determine whether other mitigation measures are required
10. Eliminate trail conflicts between commercial horse operations and other users
11. Ensure appropriate construction, maintenance and licensing standards for trails
which are used by commercial operations
12. Work in partnership with local operators, volunteers, user groups etc., as
applicable, to implement the recommendations of the LATB Human Use
Management Strategy
13. Implementation of the Key Actions must include consistent enforcement of
regulations, including the “dogs on leash” regulation
14. On trails which are heavily used by dog walkers, provide “poop and scoop”
dispensers
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
2. Fairholme/Johnson Lake Area (Appendix 1, Map 1, page 2)
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
1.
2.
3.
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
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
3. Cascade Ponds/Two Jack/Minnewanka Area (Appendix 1, map 2, page 3)
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
• mportant 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
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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
1. 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
2. Provide washrooms at the Lake Minnewanka day use area during the winter
3. Formalize and improve vehicle pull-offs and viewpoints along the loop road to
reduce environmental impact and improve safety
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
4. 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
5. Investigate interpretive opportunities for aquatic habitats in conjunction with
possible increases in water flows through the Cascade gravel pits
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
4. Norquay/Cascade Corridor Area (Appendix 1, Map 3, page 4)
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
1.
2.
3.
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
1. 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
2. Provide trailhead facilities for orientation to Stoney Squaw, Cascade
Amphitheatre, and Forty Mile trails: maps, washrooms, information kiosk, and
garbage disposal
3. 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
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
4. 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)
5. Remove Forty Mile dam and associated facilities and rehabilitate to a natural
condition
6. 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
7. 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
8. Open the Fireside picnic site as early in the spring as snow conditions and
wildlife movement permit
9. Continue to recognize that the south facing slopes of Mt. Norquay are not an
appropriate location for mountain biking
10. 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
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
5. Vermilion Lakes Area (Appendix 1, Map 4, page 5)
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
1.
2.
3.
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
1.
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
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
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
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Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
6. Sulphur/Sundance Area (Appendix 1, Map 5, page 6)
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
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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
1. 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
21

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
2. Work with partners to extend public transit to the Sulphur Mountain/Upper Hot
Springs area
3. 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
4. Retain existing Upper Bridle Trail and create a new adjacent parallel trail for separate
users
5. Formalize a limited number of existing trails, including a separate trail for commercial
horse use, through the proposed Environmentally Sensitive Site
6. 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
7. Provide picnic tables, toilets, and interpretive messages at both the trailhead and at
kilometre 6 of the Spray River loop trail
8. Provide new trailhead signs, including kilometre markings, for the Sulphur Mountain
trail; improve the identification of trailheads in the parking lots
9. 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.
10. 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
11. As part of the National Historic Site Management Planning process, upgrade exhibits
and clarify messaging at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site
12. Re-evaluate heritage value of the Wheeler House and investigate off-site interpretive
possibilities
13. 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
•
14. 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.
15. Support a cross-country ski track along the Bow River from the canoe docks to the
Sundance Canyon and Healy Creek trails
16. 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)
22

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
7. Tunnel/Rundle/Indian Grounds Area (Appendix 1, Map 6, page 7)
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
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
7.2 Key Actions
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
1.
2.
3.
4.
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
23

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
5. 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)
6. Establish working group of stakeholders to assist Parks Canada in trail
identification, stewardship and maintenance of Tunnel Mountain trail systems
7. 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
8. 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)
9. Work with the Town of Banff to ensure that future intercept parking
possibilities off Banff Avenue do not encroach on Indian Grounds grasslands
10. 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.
24

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
8. Implementation
1. 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
2. Where a permanent loss of a recreational opportunity is unavoidable, all alternative possibilities
should be explored for replacing the opportunity
3. 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
4. All Objectives and Key Actions will be subject to strategic and project specific environmental
assessments and peer review
5. 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
6. 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)
25

Appendix 1
Maps that Assisted External Advisory Committee Discussion
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. The following maps are, therefore, provided as background
material with hopes that they will help readers in the same manner.
These maps do not necessarily represent specific recommendations of the External
Advisory Committee. Specific recommendations made by the group are found in the
main body of this report.

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 1 : Fairholme/Johnson Lake Area
Fairholme/Johnson Lake Area
Fairholme/Johnson Lake Area
´
Banff Townsite Boundary
Proposed New Routes
Proposed Primary Hardsurface Trails
Southside Trails - Existing and Proposed
Secondary Trail System
Proposed Valleyview ESS
Scale: 1:52,000
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1
Kilometers
2

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 2 : Cascade Ponds/Two Jack/Minnewanka Area
Cascade Ponds/Two Jack/Minnewanka Area
Cascade Ponds/Two Jack/Minnewanka Area
Banff Townsite Boundary
Proposed New Routes
Proposed Primary Hardsurface Trails
Southside Trails - Existing and Proposed
Secondary Trail System
Proposed Valleyview ESS
Scale: 1:33,000
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8
Kilometers
´
3

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 3 : Norquay/Cascade Corridor Area
Norquay/Cascade Corridor Area
Norquay/Cascade Corridor Area
Banff Townsite Boundary
Proposed New Routes
Proposed Primary Hardsurface Trails
Southside Trails - Existing and Proposed
Secondary Trail System
Proposed Valleyview ESS
Norquay/Cascade Corridor Area
Scale: 1:50,000
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1
Kilometers
´
4

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 4 : Vermilion Lakes Area
Vermilion Lakes
Vermilion Lakes Area
Banff Townsite Boundary
Proposed New Routes
Proposed Primary Hardsurface Trails
Southside Trails - Existing and Proposed
Secondary Trail System
Proposed Valleyview ESS
Scale: 1:33,000
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8
Kilometers
´
5

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 5 : Sulphur/Sundance Area
Sulphur/Sundance Area
Sulphur/Sundance Area
Banff Townsite Boundary
Proposed New Routes
Proposed Primary Hardsurface Trails
Southside Trails - Existing and Proposed
Secondary Trail System
Proposed Valleyview ESS
Scale: 1:58,000
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1
Kilometers
´
6

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 6 : Tunnel/Rundle/Indian Grounds Area
Tunnel/Rundle/Indian Grounds Area
Tunnel/Rundle/Indian Grounds Area
´
Banff Townsite Boundary
Proposed New Routes
Proposed Primary Hardsurface Trails
Southside Trails - Existing and Proposed
Secondary Trail System
Proposed Valleyview ESS
Scale: 1:54,000
0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2
Kilometers
7

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 7 : Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff Overview
8

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 8 : Southside Detail
9

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 9 : Townsite Ring Trail
10

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 10 : Tunnel Bench Map
11

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 11 : Tunnel Mountain Bench - Primary and Secondary Trails
12

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 12 : Trails and Wildlife Corridors
13

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 13 : Wildlife Corridors
Winter limited
14

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 14 : Golf Course Wildlife Corridor
15

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 15 : Vermilion Environmentally Sensitive Site
593500
594000
594500
595000
595500
596000
596500
597000
597500
598000
598500
599000
599500
600000
5668000
5668500
5668500
5668000
5669000
5669000
5667500
5669500
5669500
5667500
5670000
5670000
5670500
5670500
5671000
5671000
5671500
5671500
5672000
5672000
Legend
Cave and Basin Marsh Zone 1
Middle Springs Wildlife Corridor - ESS
Vermillion Wetlands - ESS
Town of Banff - Boundary
0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000
Metres
593500
594000
594500
595000
595500
596000
596500
597000
597500
598000
598500
599000
599500
600000
16

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 16 : Global Positioning System Map
17

Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff
External Advisory Committee
Map 17 : Topographical Sulphur Map Area
18