Banff National Park prepares for long weekend rush

The August long weekend is typically the busiest time of the year in Banff National Park, and if you’re going, you’re being urged to plan ahead.

Parking lots near popular attractions like Tunnel Mountain, Lake Minnewanka, and Lake Louise have been filling up before sunrise this summer, meaning one of the only ways to get there is on transit. However, buses have also been reportedly filling up.

“If you do not have a reservation for a shuttle and you’re thinking you can show up, that’s probably misinformed,” said Daniella Rubeling, visitor experience manager for Parks Canada Banff.

“You want to make sure you make that reservation before you even leave the city so that you can be guaranteed a spot on the bus,” she said for those considering leaving their cars behind.

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Wildfires are also a concern for those heading out this weekend, as concerns with wildfires are high as a fire advisory is in effect for the Calgary Forest Area.

Wildfires are also a concern with many heading out for the long weekend.

Banff National Park’s Fire Danger Field Unit has its fire danger rating listed as extreme — which is the most dangerous mark on its scale.

While there are no fire restrictions in place, Rubeling is asking people to put out their campfires, ensuring they are soaked completely. She is also encouraging people to keep fires small and manageable.

“When people are done with their campfires, make sure (they’re) fully extinguished before they leave the area because we don’t want any wildfire situation,” she told CityNews.

As of Thursday afternoon, there were 31 active wildfires in the province, with none reported in Banff National Park.