Starting this year, private vehicles will no longer be allowed at Alberta’s popular Moraine Lake tourist destination.
According to Parks Canada, access to the lake will be by Parks Canada Shuttle, Roam Transit, commercial buses and taxis from June to mid-October.
In a tweet, the organization said the decision was made due to safety concerns and negative experiences caused by the 24-hour search for parking.
Advisory Panel report on sustainable movement of people in Bow Valley says its first key strategy is to reduce private car arrivals.
This report is available for feedback until February 5.
Moraine Lake and nearby Lake Louise are among the most visited destinations in Canada, Parks Canada said.
Due to safety concerns and negative experiences caused by a 24-hour search for parking, personal vehicles will not be allowed on Moraine Lake Road in the summer of 2023.
Access will be via the Parks Canada Shuttle, Roam Transit, commercial buses and taxis
Details pic.twitter.com/LNrapSeLyt
— @BanffNP
Photographer Christopher Andres, who lives in Banff, Alta., says the area’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years.
“A few years ago, we could go there, almost any time of the day or night, and we’d have plenty of parking. We would enjoy the scenes and have an adventure,” he said.
“Over the last few years, it’s exploded where to go [2 a.m.] trying to beat the crowds and the parking lot was jammed 24/7. It has just been overtaken; The natives have been completely pushed out of this area.”
He said something needs to change in the area.
“I’m happy that it will be protected a little bit more, but to completely reduce traffic, I would like them to go to a permit system where it would be a visitor permit only,” Andres said.
“It’s a place that needs to be protected and monitored, but I think there are ways to do that without having to close completely.”
Lee Nordby, a photographer from Calgary who frequents the Moraine Lake area, says there are questions about how the change will affect long hiking trips — including those that take place before sunrise.
“I’m a photographer, I’m an adventurer. I don’t stick to the typical watch. So if there are services that meet those needs, then yes, I will use them. I’ll be there. If not, then I probably won’t,” he said.
A spokesperson for Parks Canada was not immediately available for comment.
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