(April 23, 2020) This is a challenging time. Not only in our community, but across the country and around the world. Right now we are focused on ways to keep our community healthy and safe. This is priority one.
The town of Banff and hamlet of Lake Louise are not serving visitors at this time. The province-wide State of Emergency has led to the closure of non-essential businesses. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, The Town of Banff is operating checkstops at the entrances of the town to encourage visitors to turn away.
Travelling here puts you and our communities at risk. Stopping to get gas or use public washrooms creates opportunities for the virus to keep spreading, which is why the government is advising against all travel.
COVID-19 is effectively being managed by public health agencies in Canada. At this time, health officials are asking that people stay home unless it is absolutely necessary to do otherwise.
We know you love Banff and Lake Louise as much as we do. Stay home for now, and plan to visit Banff when we are through this. The mountains will be here.
PARKS CANADA
To help limit the spread of COVID-19, Parks Canada has suspended camping, group activities, and events in national parks across the country until at least May 31, 2020.
Parks Canada has temporarily suspended visitor services, and as of 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, visitor traffic is suspended into all national parks.
This means:
- Highways will remain open for through traffic.
- Parking lots are closed.
- Stopping on the highway is prohibited.
The following roads have now been closed by Parks Canada:
- The Bow Valley Parkway
- Minnewanka Loop
- Mountain Ave
- Sunshine Road
- Norquay Road
- Tunnel Mountain Road
Park Passes
The sale of annual Discovery Park Passes has been suspended until at least May 31, 2020. Annual Discovery Park Passes that have already been purchased will automatically be extended for the full duration of the suspension period. For each month that visitor services are not offered, a full month will be added to the end date of the annual pass.
Camping Reservations
Parks Canada will not be taking new reservations until at least June 1, 2020. All existing reservations set to take place prior to May 31, 2020 will be automatically cancelled and refunded in full.
Parks Canada Shuttle System
Reservations for the 2020 Parks Canada Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shuttles have been postponed until further notice.
Avalanche Bulletins
To support the national effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 and align with Avalanche Canada, Parks Canada will no longer be issuing public avalanche bulletins for spring 2020. The decision demonstrates Parks Canada’s dedication to fostering the health and safety of its visitors.
TOWN OF BANFF LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY
On March 17, 2020, the Town of Banff declared a Local State of Emergency to stem the spread of COVID-19.
This means:
- Non-essential retail services are closed. Essential services such as grocery stores will remain open for residents.
- The Town of Banff will operate checkstops at both entrances to turn around non-essential works and residents.
- All gatherings are to be limited to less than 15 people, including employees and customers within a business space. This also includes parties, conferences, worship gatherings, and gatherings in open spaces, such as hiking trails.
- Restaurants are no longer offering dine-in service. Take-out, delivery or drive-through services are permitted.
BANFF & LAKE LOUISE VISITOR SERVICES TEAM
Visitor Centres are closed across the province. However, visitors can still get in touch with a Visitor Services specialist by phone, email and online chat.
Twitter: @Banff_Squirrel
Facebook: @Banffnationalpark
Instagram: @Banff_LakeLouise
Email: info@banfflakelouise.com
Telephone: 403-762-8421 or toll free 877-762-8421