Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff Final Report

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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