Potential access issues in Banff National Park
As many of you are aware, for the second year in a row this past summer, Parks Canada closed a stretch of the 1a to vehicular traffic for cycling. Parks is now soliciting feedback to make the closure permanent. There are a number of climbing areas that are impacted including Johnston Canyon and Guides Rock.
For full details on the Parks Canada proposal, check here. (https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/info/gestion-management/cyclisme-cycling)
Feedback can be sent to opinion@canada.ca
Spring has arrived, and people are heading out climbing, excellent. Here are some quick notes if you’re considering a trip to Cougar Canyon.![]()
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Use the current access arrangements for going around the dam and accessing the canyon. Our understanding is the road/walkway over the structure will be opening in May. We all look forward to the announcement.![]()
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Material has been added to the bottoms and starts of the climbs at Sugar Shack as a result of the dam work. Similar to some of the post-flood climbing, the bolt spacing has changed. It is worth bringing a stick clip if you plan climbing there.![]()
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The real thing to pay attention to is a large tree that has broken at the trunk and fallen against the cliff at Casino Wall. It is on the climber’s right-hand side and impacts several climbs. It is wedged in place, but clearly, everyone needs to give it a wide birth for the time being. TABVAR and the Bow Valley Climbing Access are working on it, but removing the will be a project and will take some time.
