Trails in Banff, Alberta, are clearly marked and park visitors are expected to stay on them. First and foremost this is to protect the environment from the crushing number of visitors the park gets now. Second, is safety. That's one big tripping hazard you're looking at, not to mention that idiots can get killed off trail (well, quicker than they get killed on trail). Finally, your socks won't get wet. So sloppy during the spring melt.
