Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff Final Report

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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