BANFF NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 57

area is excellent for wildlife viewing, especially in winter when it provides habitat for elk,
coyotes, and the occasional wolf.
Mount Norquay Road
One of the best views of town accessible by vehicle is on this road, which switchbacks
steeply to the base of Mount Norquay, the local hangout for skiers and boarders. On the
way up are several lookouts, including one near the top where bighorn sheep often graze.
To Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka Road begins where Banff Avenue ends at the northeast end of town.
An alternative to driving along Banff Avenue is to take Buffalo Street, opposite the Banff
Park Museum, and follow it around Tunnel Mountain, passing the campground and sever-
al viewpoints of the north face of Mount Rundle, rising vertically from the forested valley.
This road eventually rejoins Banff Avenue at the Banff Rocky Mountain Resort.
After passing under the TransCanada Highway, Cascade Falls is obvious off to the
left. The base of the falls can be easily reached in 10 minutes (climbing higher without
the proper equipment is dangerous). In winter, these falls freeze, and you'll often see ice
climbers slowly making their way up the narrow thread of frozen water. Directly opposite
is a turn to Cascade Ponds, a popular day-use area where families gather on warmer days
to swim, sunbathe, and barbecue.
The next turnout along this road is at Lower Bankhead. During the early 1900s, Bank-
head was a booming mining town producing 200,000 tons of coal a year. The poor quality
of coal and bitter labor disputes led to the mine's closure in 1922. Soon after, all the build-
ings were moved or demolished.
From the parking lot at Lower Bankhead, a 1.1-kilometer (0.7-mile) interpretive trail
leads down through the industrial section of the town and past an old mine train. The
town's 1,000 residents lived on the other side of the road at what is now known as Upper
Bankhead. Just before the Upper Bankhead turnoff, the foundation of the Holy Trinity
Church can be seen on the side of the hill to the right. Not much remains of Upper Bank-
head. It is now a day-use area with picnic tables, kitchen shelters, and firewood. Through
the meadow to the west are some large slag heaps, concealed mine entrances, and various
stone foundations.