Town of Banff

Portion of Legacy Trail temporary closure planned

The west end of the Legacy Trail, between the third Vermilion Lake and Bow Valley Parkway will be temporarily closed August 15, weather permitting, so that Parks Canada can apply herbicide to noxious weeds along the trail.

Herbicide spraying of non-native plants along the Legacy Trail will begin as early as August 15 (weather permitting). The area of focus is the section of trail between the third Vermilion Lake and the Bow Valley Parkway.

Non-native plants have been introduced into Banff National Park mostly as a result of human activity over the past few decades. With no natural predators or diseases, these plants can spread rapidly, out-competing native vegetation and decreasing native biodiversity. The goal is to kill Stinkweed, Perennial Sow Thistle and Canada Thistle, to limit their spread.

Parks Canada will use herbicides of low toxicity and apply them a safe distance away from waterways. There is low risk to the general public.

The section of the Legacy Trail between the third Vermillion Lake and the Bow Valley Parkway will be CLOSED during spraying. The closure will last four to eight hours. Temporary closure signs will be posted along the Legacy Trail. Efforts will be made to avoid closing the trail during periods of peak use.

For more information on the closure, contact Parks Canada:
Percy Woods, Non-Native Plants Program Percy.Woods@pc.gc.ca 403-762-1422
Jane Park, Fire and Vegetation Specialist jane.park@pc.gc.ca  403-762-1417

More information on non-native plant control in Banff National Park

Learn to identify noxious weeds in Banff.