BANFF NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 59

backdrop. The reservoir was first constructed in 1912, and additional dams were built in
1922 and 1941 to supply hydroelectric power to Banff. Even if you don't feel up to an
energetic hike, it's worth parking at the facility area and going for a short walk along the
lakeshore. You'll pass a concession selling snacks and drinks, then the tour boat dock, be-
fore entering an area of picnic tables and covered cooking shelters—the perfect place for a
picnic. Children will love exploring the rocky shoreline and stony beaches in this area, but
you should continue farther around the lake, if only to escape the crowds.
Banff Lake Cruise (403/762-3473) is a 90-minute cruise to the far reaches of the lake,
passing the Devil's Gap formation. It departs from the dock late May-to early October 3-5
times daily (first sailing at 10am, adult $45, child $20). An easy walking trail leads past a
number of picnic spots and rocky beaches to Stewart Canyon. The lake is great for fishing
(lake trout to 15 kilograms/33 pounds) and is the only one in the park where motorboats
are allowed. The same company operating the tour boats rents aluminum boats with small
outboard engines.
From Lake Minnewanka, the road continues along the reservoir wall, passing a plaque
commemorating the Palliser Expedition. You'll often have to slow down along this stretch
of road for bighorn sheep. The road then descends to Two Jack Lake and a small day-use
area. Take the turnoff to Johnson Lake to access a lakeside trail, good swimming on the
warmest days of summer, and picnic facilities with views across to Mount Rundle.
MM Bow Valley Parkway
Two roads link Banff to Lake Louise. The TransCanada Highway is the quicker route,
more popular with through traffic. The other is the more scenic 51-kilometer (32-mile)
Bow Valley Parkway, which branches off the TransCanada Highway five kilometers (3.1
miles) west of Banff. Cyclists will appreciate this road's two long, divided sections and
low speed limit (60 kph/37 mph). Along this route are several impressive viewpoints, in-
terpretive displays, picnic areas, good hiking, great opportunities for viewing wildlife, a
hostel, three lodges, campgrounds, and one of the park's best restaurants. Between March
and late June, the southern end of the parkway (as far north as Johnston Canyon) is closed
6pm-9am daily for the protection of wildlife.
As you enter the parkway, you pass the quiet, creekside Fireside picnic area, where
an interpretive display describes how the Bow Valley was formed. At Backswamp View-
point, you can look upstream to the site of a former dam, now a swampy wetland filled
with aquatic vegetation. Farther along the road is another wetland at Muleshoe. This wet-
land consists of oxbow lakes that were formed when the Bow River changed its course