Banff National Park in Alberta (Canada) is set to break visitor records this year, according to Parks Canada officials. The park welcomed 4.288 million visitors during the 2023-2024 season, surpassing the previous high of 4.181 million recorded in 2017-2018.
As reported by the Calgary Herald on May 23, Daniella Rubeling, visitor experience manager for Parks Canada, noted that Banff experienced record-breaking numbers in May, June, and July last year and expects even higher numbers this summer.
“Commercial and international visitation is rebounding, and with still strong regional visitation, we expect to see that,” Rubeling said.
Parks Canada has implemented several measures to alleviate pressure on popular sites within the park. One such measure is the end of private vehicle parking at Moraine Lake, replaced with a shuttle bus service. Additionally, the parking fee at Lake Louise lakeside has doubled from last year to encourage the use of expanded bus services.
Despite park officials’ efforts to manage the increasing human impact, conservationists express concern that these measures are insufficient. Chloe Hahn, conservation coordinator with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s southern Alberta chapter, noted issues of habitat degradation and fragmentation within Banff National Park.
Conservationists argue that more comprehensive strategies are needed. “We’re looking at something that ties those strategies together. If you don’t limit visitors at other areas and don’t have ways to ensure they’re not harming the ecosystem, it’s a problem,” Hahn said.
Banff National Park offers a wide range of activities, from water sports to hiking. Additionally, accessible facilities and services at the park include bus parking, camping, dog-friendly areas, a gift shop, information centers, lookout points, parking, pay parking, picnic areas, picnic shelters, and rentals for canoes, bicycles, and kayaks.