Underground Structure Found at Banff's Lake Minnewanka
Parks Canada is investigating a mysterious wooden structure that collapsed near Lake Minnewanka, believed to date back before the 1950s or 1960s.
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Staff at Banff National Park are investigating an unusual subterranean discovery near Lake Minnewanka.
Park authorities were called to the lake beach in late May after part of the ground caved in. Upon closer inspection, they determined the collapse was caused by the roof of a previously unknown underground structure.
Parks Canada said an "initial assessment indicates the structure is constructed of untreated wood, including log walls and rough-cut planks, and is believed to date back to before the 1950s or 1960s." No historical or photographic record of it exists.
Official say it could be part of an old Minnewanka campground, which operated more than 80 years ago. "It is possible that this feature was related to the Lake Minnewanka Campground and was likely installed in early 1944," Parks Canada stated. The campground closed in 1952 and was converted into a day-use area following the opening of Two Jack Lake Campground.
Heritage specialists are currently assessing the site to gain a deeper understanding of the structure's origin and any potential heritage or archaeological significance. In the meantime, the area has been fenced off due to its instability.