BANFF, AB. June 27, 11:15 a.m.
The Trans-Canada Highway is open and you can now access the Town of Banff from the east.
Private and commercial traffic may travel between Golden and Calgary.
Due to the repairs still underway one lane will be open on both the east and westbound sides of the highway for 12 km between the park's East Gate and the turn-off to the Town of Banff and speed limits will be reduced to 60 kilometres per hour in the area.
The rest of the Trans-Canada Highway through Banff National Park (west of the Town of Banff) remains a divided highway with 4-lane traffic.
Highway 93 South:
Commercial traffic is also now permitted on Highway 93 South between Castle Junction and Radium.
Highway Updates are available in Alberta through http://511.alberta.ca and British Columbia drivebc.ca.
Driving Conditions:
Please note that driving conditions are not yet back to normal along the 12-kilometre active construction zone in the park. For the safety of the travelling public, as well as those still working in the area:
• respect all traffic signs and traffic control personnel
• obey reduced speed limits as posted
• do not pass or stop for the length of the detour
• be alert for wildlife (repairs to the wildlife fence are still underway)
• prepare for unexpected delays
All traffic regulations will be strictly enforced.
Parks Canada and partners are working diligently toward full restoration of the Trans-Canada Highway as soon as possible.
Roam Transit:
The Roam Bus commuter will continue to run today until 9:30 p.m. as a free hourly service. Tomorrow (Friday, June 28) Roam will resume its regular schedule and fee-based service. Parks and the town encourage continued use of Roam to alleviate the traffic pressure on the highway as we continue to work toward optimal road conditions.
Please check roamtransit.com or banff.ca/roam for schedule information for Friday onward.
The Legacy Trail:
Sections of The Legacy Trail between Banff and the park's East Gate are impassable due to flood damage. Cyclists on a cycle trip through the park, must take the Town of Banff's Roam shuttle bus between Banff and Canmore (info available at roamtransit.com or banff.ca/roam).
Commuters and recreational cyclists wishing to cycle between Banff and Canmore are advised that the RCMP will NOT allow bicycle traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway at this time - it is simply too unsafe.
Local road update:
Open
• All roads in the Town of Banff
• Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A): Lake Louise to Baker Creek -and- Castle Junction to Johnston Canyon
• Moraine Lake Road
• Little Yoho Valley / Takakkaw Falls
Closed
• Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A): Banff to Johnston Canyon -and- Castle Junction to Baker Creek
• Minnewanka Road
• Sunshine Road
There is no estimated time of reopening for any of these roads due to flooding and potential mudslides.
Campgrounds:
Open: Tunnel Mountain Village I, II and Trailer Court, Lake Louise Tent and Trailer, Rampart Creek, Mosquito Creek
Campgrounds in nearby national parks are also open including Kicking Horse and Takakkaw Falls in Yoho, and Redstreak in Kootenay.
Closed: Two Jack Main and Lakeside, Johnston Canyon, Castle Mountain, Waterfowl Lake, Protection Mountain
Backcountry camping is currently unavailable until further notice. Backcountry campgrounds are still being assessed and information about your backcountry destination may not be available at this time.
Latest trail report for trails around the Town of Banff:
Bow River Trail – CLOSED
Fenland Trail - CLOSED
Hoodoos Trail –OPEN (but listed as fair/poor)
Tunnel Mountain Trail - OPEN
Spray River Loop - CLOSED
Rundle Riverside - CLOSED
Sulphur Mountain Trail - OPEN
Marsh Loop – WARNING - Flooding
Sundance Canyon – Partial Closure
A full trail report is available from Parks Canada at http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_e.asp?oPark=100092
Recreation Grounds:
The Recreation Grounds in the Town of Banff are open with the exception of the Bike Park and Rundle baseball diamond.
Canada Day:
Banff is getting ready to celebrate Canada Day on July 1. A full schedule of events is available online along with parade information. There are still volunteer opportunities available. For details, please visit Banff.ca/canadaday