Key Marina

The majority of restaurants and businesses have reopened in the town of Banff, Alta. 'We're so excited to welcome everyone back. We know that Canadians have always wanted to enjoy their national parks,' said Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen. (Dave Rae/CBC) As the majority of national parks opened earlier this month, Nick Schlachter was waiting in his truck at the front of the line to access Banff National Park's Lake Minnewanka, a picturesque glacial lake surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests near Banff, Alta. He couldn't wait for the park to open for the first time this season and get his boat on the open water. Welcome to Key Marina "It's been a long three months. Everyone has been cooped up, and it's time to get out and get some lake trout," said Schlachter, who lives in Canmore, Alta. "It's time to go." The lake is a tourist magnet, but this year, the water will be noticeably quieter, as will the nearby bike paths, cafe and ...

COVID-19 HAS MADE summer 2020 the stay-home summer, or at least a stay-close-to-home one. With most of the world largely shut off to Americans, domestic travel, particularly road trips, has come zooming back into style. Add caption And since Canada and the U.S. share the world’s longest undefended border, exploring the planet’s second-largest country might seem like an easy add-on for Americans on family driving getaways to Vermont or Maine, or a good choice for a quick weekend away from Seattle. Welcome to Key Marina But not this year—sorry! (Insert rounded Canadian “o” sound here.) Canada has been off limits to all foreigners since March 21, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced that borders will remain closed to all but essential travel until at least July 21. Almost everyone eligible to enter it—Canadians included—is required to quarantine for 14 days. And yes, the government and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police do check to make sure. Besides, in its most recent w...