New mountain trail to connect Canmore, Lake Louise

Outdoor enthusiasts will soon have a stunning nature trail to explore in Alberta that runs from Canmore to Lake Louise.

The federal government announced Tuesday afternoon that $6.75 million will be spent on building a new paved path through Banff National Park for hikers, cyclists and in-line skaters.

The Legacy Trail will run 26 kilometres from Canmore to the Bow Valley Parkway just west of the Banff town site, along the Trans-Canada Highway between the road and wildlife fence. The path will then join up with Highway 1A to Lake Louise.

Federal Environment Minister Jim Prentice, who was at the Banff announcement, called the trail an environmentally friendly way to link the mountain towns.

The trail still needs to pass an environmental assessment, but work could begin this summer and finish in time for Banff's125th anniversary in the fall of 2010.

People who live in area say they're pleased the project that's been in works for years is going ahead. Local groups hope it will bring more tourists to the region.