We decided to go to Lake Louise for the day, driving there along the Bow Valley Parkway, a forest road that ran parallel to the main highway. As soon as we left the main highway we were stopped by National Park Rangers, who were checking that we had the obligatory National Park Pass. Unfortunately we did not have the obligatory National Park Pass. We knew, from roadside signs, that people “stopping in the National Park” needed an obligatory National Park Pass, but assumed that “stopping in the National Park” applied to those slumming it in a tent, cabin or motor-home, but apparently even we upmarket hotel guests needed to display an obligatory National Park Pass, since we would be travelling in the park. We were directed to a nearby vehicle and parted with $39 to be allowed access to the National Park until 4pm on Saturday, when we would be driving to Calgary.
I approve of this National Park Pass idea, since those using the Park pay for the Park management, and as a result the National Park has excellent car parking, well signed trails, and plenty of information boards.
Our route along the forest road was gorgeous, although the roadside snow disappeared as we travelled further from Banff.