Banff Legacy Trail opens on a spectacular Rocky Mountain afternoon

A little over a year after the announcement of its planned construction, the first section of the Banff Legacy Trail was officially opened on July 24th. Environment Minister Jim Prentice and His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex shared the ribbon-cutting duties, to the delight of local residents.

Trans Canada Trail President and CEO Deborah Apps, Director Jim Bishop, and National Campaign Director Gail Urquhart were on hand to celebrate along with Chair of the Board, Valerie Pringle, who spoke to the enthusiastic crowd. “Please love it, and please use it,” she said of the newly completed Trail. “Be a part of something as great and beautiful as Canada itself. And when you do use it, dream big.”

The Banff Legacy Trail is 70% complete with five crossing structures to be added in the fall of this year.  When finished, it will run 26km from the East gate of  Banff National Park to the Bow Valley Parkway.