Annual rush to Banff, Kananaskis for spectacular larch display underway
It's not uncommon for Albertans to flock to Banff National Park in the autumn with the hope of catching the golden hues of the larches, but this year there are a number of factors that have caused parking lots and roadsides to be packed beyond capacity.
Larches are a coniferous tree found in subalpine areas of the Rockies that lose their needles in the fall after turning beautiful shades of golden yellow.
Set against the high peaks of the mountains, they create a picturesque view that many are eager to see.
Last weekend saw massive lines of parked vehicles spilling over from the relatively small parking lot at Ptarmigan Cirque on Highway 40 in Kananaskis Country. Cars lined both sides of the road for more than a kilometre and a half in both directions, stretching all the way to another popular parking area and trailhead to the south.
Warm fall weather likely plays some role in the large crowds. However, the closure of another popular trailhead at Elbow Lake has also changes the distribution of day hikers looking for access to the stunning alpine valleys.
Similar crowds are also flocking to the Lake Louise area, where crowds have been a challenge for Parks Canada through much of the year.
Vehicle access has become extremely limited and now the vast majority of visitors need to use Roam public transit bus service if they wish to have any chance of accessing popular trail heads at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake.
Larch Valley in Banff, Alta. While it's been necessary to purchase a pass to enter Banff National Park for decades, drivers are now also required to purchase a daily or yearly conservation pass experience Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley Corridor. A day pass is $15 per vehicle, while a yearly pass is $90 but purchases can register two vehicles.
On Oct. 2, numerous vehicles parked illegally along the side of Highway 40 could be seen with red tickets flopping from their windshields.
Though Minister of Environment and Parks Whitney Issik was unable to speak about Larch season on Wednesday, her office did issue the following statement:
"Those who are seeking to visit a provincial park are reminded that parking on the roadway or shoulder of a primary highway is illegal and poses a safety risk. We encourage visitors to park in designated lots and obey all posted signage.
"Albertans are also reminded that the fall is a critical time for wildlife, including bears, and parking along roadways to view wildlife is dangerous and can result in wildlife strikes.
"Vehicles not in compliance with local parking regulations, acts and bylaws risk being ticketed by the RCMP and/or conservation officers."
Reliable cell service ends at the turnoff from Highway 1 to Highway 40, so Environment and Parks advises purchasing your pass online prior to your visit.
"Visitors should plan ahead, arrive early and be prepared to make alternate plans should safe parking be unavailable at certain trailheads or day use areas."
So far this year, conservation officers have issued 46 tickets for illegal parking on Crown land.
More than 180 tickets were issued in 2021 and more than 400 tickets were issued in 2020.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.