Alberta gives Queen Elizabeth a walking trail in Banff for her 90th

A walking trail "fit for a queen" in one of Canada's most well-known national parks is Alberta's 90th birthday present to the Queen.

An official says the Commonwealth Walkway is to be created in the town of Banff in Banff National Park in honour of the monarch.

• Watch a young Queen Elizabeth's excitement at the Stampede and other highlights of a 1959 visit to Calgary

The idea came from Alberta Lt.-Gov. Lois Mitchell, who wanted to celebrate the Queen's reign and Canada's long-standing role as a member of the Commonwealth.

The chairman of the Banff-Canmore Community Foundation, Bill Fisher, says the United Kingdom organization The Outdoor Trust wants the trails in all Commonwealth countries.

Banff's Commonwealth Walkway is to feature bilingual bronze plaques along existing trails and at points of significant local interest.

Fisher says the trail will originate in downtown Banff, but the final route won't be decided until next year.

A young Queen Elizabethand Prince Philip watched thechuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede during the first of four royal visits to Calgary, back in 1959. Watch CBC's archival footage:

Queen Elizabeth II visits Calgary

9 years ago

Duration 1:00

Queen Elizabeth II visited Calgary in 1959, where she attended the Calgary Stampede and watched the chuckwagon races.