ROB MURRAY: Daniella Rubeling is the Visitor Experience Manager with the Banff Field Unit for Parks, Canada. The Bow Valley Parkway, for a couple of summers now, has been something of a cycling-only experience for sections and at different times in what was a bit of a pandemic project. Did you anticipate the success and the popularity of this when you launched it?

DANIELLA RUBELING: I don’t think we did. We had an inkling, but I don’t think we anticipated seeing this volume of interest and use of it in this way.

RM: Although the western section is open so people can drive to Johnston Canyon. I believe for this summer you still have the 17 kilometre eastern section still available only to cyclists?

DR: That’s correct. From the Fireside day use area to just near the Johnston Canyon the area has  limited vehicle traffic. so really only Parks Canada or utility vehicles can access that roadway.

RM: What does the future look like? You’re putting that out to the public right now.

DR: Exactly. We’re wanting to hear from Canadians and hear about their experiences, hear what they think, and build on the success of this cycling opportunity that, as you said, was a pandemic related offer. We’ve put forth some options and we are looking to Canadians to tell us what they think. People can give us their feedback through email or by letter.

RM: What are the options you’ve proposed?

DR: We’re considering two different options with seasonal restrictions, so spring and fall. The first option would be seven days a week in May and June, and then again in September and October. Option two would be two days a week, so weekends only in May/June and September/October

RM: I’m curious why the option to essentially doing what you’re doing right now, making that a cycling only area through July and August, isn’t on the table?

DR: We have been getting a lot of really great feedback from cyclists, and from those who have been using it and have really enjoyed the whole summer experience. At the same time, we’ve also been getting feedback from folks who really want to enjoy a scenic drive, or would like access to some of the day use areas along that section of roadway as well. We’re trying to balance the needs of motorists, cyclists, and wildlife accessibility, which is why we’re looking at the options we’re looking at.

RM: Is there like a place online people can go find out more details, check the maps, and send some feedback?

DR: They can go to the Banff National Park website. They can directly email us as well or send a letter to the Superintendent’s mailbox (Banff Superintendent, Box 900, Banff, AB, T1L 1K2)

RM: Is there a deadline people need to get their feedback in?

DR: People have until September 9th. We’ll look at refining our plans based on that feedback and we will report back publicly with a What We Heard document, and any proposed changes that come into place will be implemented in 2022.

Filed under: Banff, Banff National Park