The core mandate of Parks Canada is to maintain the ecological integrity of the national parks it administers, specifically protecting wildlife and the environment.
Everything else is secondary.
While people will grumble, moan and complain about an enormous price increase to park at Lake Louise, the federal agency is fulfilling its guiding principle as it seeks ways for people to better access popular visitor locations and not just in personal vehicles.
The huge price jump will see parking at Lake Louise lakeshore be $36.75 per day from May 17 to Oct. 14, up from $21 in 2023 and $12.25 in 2022.
The significant increases in previous years did little to deter people
An average of 1,200 vehicles per day parked at the Lake Louise lakeshore lot last year, but between 2,000-3,000 vehicles were turned away daily since the lots were packed – a terrible national park experience.
Visitation between 2010-19 increased 29 per cent in Banff National Park, while Lake Louise drive saw a 71 per cent increase in traffic and has shown little signs of slowing down.
Anyone who has tried to navigate the area knows it resembles a demilitarized zone with dozens of Parks Canada staffers frantically trying to keep up with the onslaught of personal vehicles that arrive at all hours.
Though it may be unpopular for out-of-town visitors, Parks Canada has specific direction from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to protect national parks.
In Trudeau’s 2021 mandate letter to Steven Guilbeault, the minister for environment and climate change that has Parks Canada in its portfolio, the priority of national parks is clear.
Not only is it the intended goal to establish more national parks, but to “invest in existing national parks, with more Canadians than ever before visiting these sites.”
Parks Canada’s mandate and charter outline its role as “guardians of the national parks” and “to protect as a first priority, the natural and cultural heritage of our special places and ensure that they remain healthy and whole.”
The Banff National Park management plan has a key objective to both maintain and restore ecological integrity and ensure wildlife can safely move through the Whitehorn and Fairview wildlife corridors.
Though Parks Canada has increased the price of parking to be out of reach for many people, they’ve continued to add options. A park-and-ride lot at Lake Louise ski hill allows people to use transit to get to the popular location.
A shuttle service run by Parks Canada – albeit broken down school buses with a beaver painted on the side – frequently makes the run and several private sector commercial buses are available.
Roam transit also has specific Lake Louise local route and a regional route that connects to the Banff townsite. The On-It service that brings people from Calgary to Banff is also likely to add a specific Calgary to Lake Louise route this year.
Upcoming construction for Lake Louise Drive will make it easier for more pedestrians and cyclists as part of the ongoing mode shift prioritized throughout the region.
Though visitors to Lake Louise may be upset at not getting a cheap parking spot within walking distance of the lake, the reality is it’s likely the beginning for future restrictions.
Moraine Lake was officially closed to private vehicles for the entirety of 2023 and will likely remain for the foreseeable future.
As part of the Parks Canada-struck expert advisory panel on moving people sustainably, Upper Lake Louise was also recommended to be closed to personal vehicles.
Parks Canada is also preparing a plan for managing the Lake Minnewanka area, which has also seen significant increase in traffic volume by roughly 50 per cent.
Some people may be upset at the thought of forking over close to $40 to park at Upper Lake Louise or having to take a shuttle, but the protection of both the environment and wildlife in national parks should always take precedence. And, it also makes for a better visitor experience.
