WATCH ABOVE: Tens of thousands will be flocking to the mountains this weekend, but if you are looking for a quiet getaway you may want to avoid some of the more popular sights. Global’s Jayme Doll reports.
LAKE LOUISE, Alta. – Albertans heading to the mountains for Heritage Day weekend can expect long lineups and traffic delays.
“It’s crazy. I’ve been doing this for nine years,150 times a year…it’s never been like this before,” said Legendary Tours’ Dave Smith.
Smith, who runs tours to Lake Louise, says trying to see the sights is a sight in itself.
Local businesses say Lake Louise is bursting with visitors—the product of a low Canadian dollar and hot, dry weather.
Moraine Lake is at the top of many visitors’ lists, but the parking lot typically fills up by 9 a.m. For Heritage Day weekend, a free shuttle will be offered from the Trans-Canada Highway until Monday.
“Our shuttle runs just outside Lake Louise, five kilometres east of the village will take you up to Moraine Lake and back,” said Parks Canada spokesperson Alyssa Salloway.
It’s the first time the service has been offered in the summer.
Parks Canada officials said the influx can also take a toll on wildlife. So far this summer there have been eight cases of people feeding bears, which is not only illegal, but also dangerous.
“We are habituating bears to be comfortable with people, road sides,” said Jim Mamalis, park warden supervisor squire. “The more comfortable they get, they are going to get hit and killed.”
Three people have been charged with feeding bears so far.
READ MORE: Feeding wildlife in national parks can earn you a $1,000 fine
Of course, the upside to all the traffic is that business is booming, especially with American consumers.
“Their dollar’s going further; they are enjoying our store and devices,” said Bill Keeling, of Wilson Mountain Sports.
READ MORE: 10 things to do in Calgary over the Heritage Day long weekend
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