New activities add to national park experience

Editor:

In October 2008, about 25 people from across Canada, representing a full range of stakeholder opinion, including AMPPE, were invited by Parks Canada to meet in Mt. Tremblant, Quebec to discuss the merit of new activities in Canada's national parks.

This initiative was in response to Parks Canada's Management Bulletin 2.6.10, Recreational Activity and Special Event Assessments. This bulletin was issued in January 2008 and is a real step in the right direction. And yet, more than two years later nothing has actually publicly moved forward.

The meeting in Mt. Tremblant focused on whether or not the activities of zip-lining, via ferrata, and canopy touring were appropriate as new events for the national parks. After three days in working groups, including an afternoon enjoying a via ferrata course, the group approved these three activities as suitable for Canada's national parks. However, approval has not been given nationally from the Parks Canada Agency in Ottawa.

New activities present sensitivities for some factions who have input into the decision process. The diverse Mt.Tremblant group acted responsibly in considering all points of view and established criteria for new activities as set out in a list of conditions that would ensure that the new activities are appropriate for a national-park setting.

The criteria state that any activity must be focused on learning and present every participant with an experience that enhances learning about the ecosystem in which the activity is located. It must also present the messages that are specific to national parks.

In summary, the recommendations from the group were based on a consensus that new activities could be a significant factor in increasing awareness about the national park experience.

They would also add to the national park experience and attract new people to our parks, much like the tubing park at Mount Norquay has accomplished so successfully this winter. People want to do, not just "see" during their vacations.

There are examples of these activities in many parts of the world, notably Ziptrek Ecotours in Whistler and New Zealand and the via ferrata course in Mt.Tremblant Provincial Park in Quebec. These are examples of doing it right.

We have several potential opportunities for these new activities in Banff National Park and the time is right to offer something new to visitors that will serve to educate as well as provide an exceptional visitor experience. The time has come for Parks Canada to move forward and approve the new activities, both nationally and locally.

The result will be an enhanced visitor experience, increased awareness of our national parks, and new reasons for Canadians to visit Banff National Park. Why are we still waiting?

Richard Leavens, Executive Director

The Association for Mountain Parks Protection & Enjoyment