The ever-popular Ride the Red Rock event is back in Waterton Lakes National Park for the sixth time! This year, participants have the added enjoyment of cycling along the newly-rebuilt Red Rock Parkway.
On Saturday, Oct. 1, cyclists will have the road all to themselves, as the Parkway will be closed to motor vehicle traffic. We’re inviting the public to join us at 9 a.m. in the Pass Creek picnic area for the official ride start. Participants can ride as far as their interest takes them, whether it’s the first few kilometres or the 30 km round-trip all the way to Red Rock Canyon and back. Helmets are mandatory for anyone under 18, and highly recommended for everyone else.
Hundreds of cyclist will be pedalling through the breathtaking Blakiston Valley on Saturday, October 1, 2016. The ever-popular Ride the Red Rock event is returning to Waterton Lakes National Park for its sixth year. This year, participants can enjoy cycling along a newly-rebuilt Red Rock Parkway! Parks Canada is celebrating the completion of the parkway, as well as improvements to Highway 5/6, at the event.
The Red Rock Parkway and Highway 5/6 are two of the first Federal Infrastructure Investment projects completed in Waterton Lakes National Park. These two significant projects, worth a combined $13 million, were finished ahead of schedule and under budget. Both roadways were resurfaced to address ongoing deterioration and received much-needed drainage improvements. More than 42 kilometres of resurfaced roadway will ensure Canadians have excellent and reliable access to Waterton Lakes National Park. The Red Rock Parkway is especially popular, as most visitors to Waterton Lakes National Park use it to see wildlife, access one of our campgrounds and many trails, and visit the scenic Red Rock Canyon.
The work doesn’t stop when the construction is done. Large volumes of top soil were salvaged along the Red Rock Parkway and replaced after construction to preserve rough fescue grasslands, contributing to the field unit’s Conservation and Restoration initiative. Parks Canada has also seeded disturbed areas to promote the growth of the native grass community. Such restoration efforts ensure the long-term rehabilitation of native vegetation within the park.
Parks Canada is investing an unprecedented $3 billion dollars over five years to support infrastructure work to heritage, visitor, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas across Canada. These investments represent the largest federal infrastructure plan in the history of Parks Canada. In Waterton Lakes National Park, a total of over $107 million is being invested to support visitor experiences and conservation.
The public celebration of the Red Rock Parkway and Highway 5/6 will take place on Saturday, October 1 at the Ride the Red Rock biking event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Quick facts:
- Participants are to meet at 9 a.m. in the Pass Creek picnic area.
- The Parkway will be closed to all motor vehicle traffic.
- Participants can ride as far as their interest takes them, whether it’s the first few kilometres or the 30 km round-trip all the way to Red Rock Canyon and back.
- Helmets are mandatory for anyone under 18, and highly recommended for everyone else.
- There will be snack stations and technical assistance.
Ride the Red Rock is a unique opportunity for Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to experience Waterton Lakes National Park and connect with the environment.
Source: Waterton Lakes National Park