There’s something almost magical about driving the Bow Valley Parkway – the slow curves, the towering cliffs, and that feeling you might spot a bear, an elk, or a lone wolf at any moment. But if you’re planning a visit to Banff National Park, you need to know: the Parkway experience is changing.
Parks Canada has introduced new seasonal vehicle restrictions that will affect when and how you can travel this historic road. Don’t worry – with a bit of planning, you can still have an incredible adventure. In fact, these changes might even make your experience more special.
Here’s what you need to know before you go:
Why Are There Vehicle Restrictions?
The Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) winds through one of Banff’s most sensitive ecological zones – a rare montane landscape that comes alive early each spring, long before the high alpine meadows melt out. This is critical habitat for bears, wolves, elk, and other wildlife.
To protect this landscape (and the creatures who call it home), Parks Canada has put two kinds of restrictions in place:
- Spring Nighttime Closure: From March 1 to June 25, between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., the eastern section of the Parkway (17 kilometres from Fireside Day-use Area to Johnston Canyon) is closed to all traffic – cars, bikes, and hikers alike.
- Seasonal Daytime Vehicle Closure: From May 1 to June 25 and August 28 to October 2, the same eastern section is closed to public motor vehicles during the day, usually between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. However, it is open to cyclists and walkers.
In short: Depending on when you visit, you might not be able to drive this iconic route during certain hours, but you can explore it in quieter, more adventurous ways.
What This Means for Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Banff and you want to visit the Bow Valley Parkway, here’s what the new rules mean for you:
1. If You Want to Drive the Parkway
- Morning and Evening Drives (Spring): In the spring (March-June), you can’t drive this part of the Parkway at night. Plan your drives between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Midday Access (Spring and Fall): Between May 1 and June 25 and August 28 and October 2, the eastern section is closed to vehicles during the day. You’ll need to use the Trans-Canada Highway if you want to drive between Banff and Johnston Canyon.
Good news: Johnston Canyon itself – the famous waterfalls walk – remains open to vehicles year-round. You’ll just have to reach it via the Castle Junction exit off the Trans-Canada Highway instead of the Parkway.
2. If You Want to Cycle or Walk
- During the spring and fall closures, cyclists and walkers have the road to themselves during daylight hours.
- You must still be off the road by 8:00 p.m. in spring (March-June), because the nighttime closure is absolute for all users.
- There’s no nighttime cycling closure in the fall – only in the spring.
Tip:
The best starting point is from the Town of Banff. You can park at the Fenlands Rec Centre or Banff Train Station, hop on the Banff Legacy Trail, and ride a few scenic kilometres to the start of the Parkway.
If you plan to drive to the Fireside Day-use area and cycle from there, get there early – parking is limited.
Why These Changes Matter
The heart behind these closures is wildlife conservation. Research shows that when roads are free of people at night, animals like grizzly bears, wolves, and deer double their use of this critical habitat. It gives them space to feed, travel, and raise young in peace.
The daytime cycling closure is about offering a safer, quieter, and more eco-friendly way for visitors to experience this beautiful place. During COVID-19, temporary road closures unexpectedly turned the Parkway into a cyclist’s paradise – and people loved it so much that Parks Canada decided to make it a seasonal tradition.
It’s a win for wildlife, and a win for travellers seeking an unforgettable (and sustainable) Banff adventure.
Essential Things to Plan For
- Mobility and Accessibility: If you or someone in your group can’t cycle or walk long distances, plan your visit accordingly. You’ll still be able to drive to Johnston Canyon, but you won’t be able to drive the eastern Parkway during closure times.
- Bike Rentals: No bike? No problem. Banff has plenty of places to rent e-bikes and road bikes. An e-bike can turn a longer ride into a leisurely, fun cruise.
- Weather: Spring and fall can bring unpredictable weather – snow in May isn’t unheard of! Dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Wildlife Safety: Whether you’re cycling, hiking, or even just taking photos, remember that this is prime wildlife country. Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep a respectful distance from all animals.
Final Thoughts
The Bow Valley Parkway isn’t just a road – it’s a living, breathing slice of the Rockies. The new vehicle restrictions might mean a little extra planning, but they also offer a deeper, more meaningful connection with this incredible place.
Whether you’re pedalling along a silent highway flanked by towering cliffs or quietly watching a bear forage at dawn from a safe distance, you’re experiencing Banff the way it’s meant to be – wild, raw, and unforgettable.
So lace up your hiking boots, rent that bike, grab your camera, and see the Bow Valley Parkway in a whole new way.
Adventure – and maybe a few elk – are waiting around the next bend. 🚲🌲