Parks Canada and Roam Public Transit jointly announced new Roam service to Lake Minnewanka this summer.
As part of a two-year pilot, the service from the Town of Banff to Lake Minnewanka will be extended from the May long weekend to mid-September. Parks Canada is investing up to $870,000 over two years in this service as a means to promote eco-friendly behaviour, reduce traffic congestion and improve accessibility to a key area of the park.
“In 2017, the Government of Canada is inviting Canadians and visitors from around the world to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary,” said Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. "I am proud that Parks Canada is committed to protecting the ecological integrity of national parks while providing visitors with a memorable experience of our wonderful nature and heritage.”
“This is great news,” said Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen. “We are thrilled to have more routes to national park destinations on Roam public transit.
"When the Town of Banff launched Roam transit in 2008,” she continued, “we envisioned it as a national park experience for our visitors. It really is the best way to roam and explore the town, the national park and the Bow Valley, unfettered by traffic. We congratulate Parks Canada and the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission for introducing this service to Lake Minnewanka and making it even more convenient for residents and visitors to leave their vehicles at their hotels, homes and campsites and Roam Banff.”
“Roam Transit is committed to creating transit services that enhance the experience of existing riders and attract new riders and visitors to the Bow Valley Region,” said Martin Bean, CAO of the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission. “We are pleased to be working with Parks Canada on this new service that will improve accessibility to a great location in Banff National Park, helping visitors connect with these incredible natural places.”
In addition, Parks Canada is expanding the free Lake Louise Shuttle service. The shuttle to Upper Lake Louise from the Lake Louise Overflow will now run seven days a week from May 19 to September 10. The shuttle to Moraine Lake from the Lake Louise Overflow will also run seven days a week from September 11 to October 9. The shuttle service will have increased hours, beginning at 8 a.m. and running until 6 p.m., so day hikers can take advantage of the 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. shuttles.
Parks Canada is taking a coordinated approach with the Town of Banff, the community of Lake Louise, Banff Lake Louise Tourism and other stakeholders to manage the expected increase in visitation in 2017 and beyond.
For more information, and to find out current routes and schedules, visit
banff.ca/roam or
roamtransit.com.