Fire started by lightning in Banff National Park contained; some trails open

BANFF, Alta. – A fire that was threatening to cause travel headaches for visitors to Banff National Park has been contained.

Parks Canada says rain and cooler weather has helped crews contain the Spreading Creek fire to about 90 square kilometres.

Lightning started the fire at the boundary between Banff National Park and the province of Alberta on July 3.

Highway 93 North, also called the Icefields Parkway, between Banff and Jasper, has remained open since July 14 and facilities in the area also are open, including Saskatchewan Crossing Resort, Rampart Creek Campground and Waterfowl Campground.

All trails west of Highway 93N that were previously closed due to the wildfire are now open, including Glacier Lake, Owen Creek, Mistaya Canyon, Sarbach and Howse River.

There are several trails that remain closed, and visitors should check with Parks Canada on which ones.