Backcountry Trails in Banff National Park, Visit a Parks Authorities
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
EXPLORING THE BACKCOUNTRY BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING INFORMATION SOURCES Most visitors to the backcountry of Banff National Banff Visitor Centre Park are hikers. Travel by horseback or bicycle is also Passes, Permits and Campgrounds 224 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB possible on designated trails. Reservations Camp in designated campgrounds as indicated tel 403-762-1556; fax 403-762-1551 Backcountry Trails in A Backcountry Permit and campground reservations on your Backcountry Permit and use the tent pads [email protected] Cycling are mandatory for anyone planning an overnight trip provided to minimize impact on vegetation. The maximum length of stay for any one campground is Lake Louise Visitor Centre Cycling is permitted only on designated trails. For more Baker Lake into the backcountry of Banff National Park. It specifies Banff National Park three consecutive nights. Samson Mall, Hamlet of Lake Louise, AB information on cycling in the park, ask for a biking trail the campgrounds you have booked, as well as the L. Holleman tel 403-522-1264; fax 403-522-1212 brochure at a Parks Canada Visitor Centre or online at number of people (maximum 10) and tents in Bring a Cooking and Campfires [email protected] parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-brochures. your group. Fishing carabiner All backcountry travellers should carry a portable stove A National Park Fishing Permit is your ticket to enjoy There are two ways to pay for your Backcountry for cooking. Campfires are permitted in metal fire rings For detailed trip planning information visit: one of Banff National Park’s most rewarding traditions. Permit. For shorter trips, you can purchase your Random Camping provided at certain campgrounds, see reverse for map. parkscanada.gc.ca/banff Horse Use Backcountry Permit based on a nightly rate. If you will Random camping is permitted in designated areas Fishing is permitted during specified seasons in most If you have a campfire, use only deadfall, keep it small Guidebooks and topographic maps are available at spend more than 7 nights in the backcountry of Banff, only, see reverse for map. Make sure you camp 5 km Horse travel is permitted throughout most of the park. backcountry lakes, rivers and creeks, however some and do not leave it unattended. the Banff Visitor Centre and outdoor retailers and Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho national parks this year, an or more from either the trailhead or any designated If you are planning a trip with your own horse, visit areas are catch and release only. To fish in Banff bookstores in Banff and Lake Louise. Annual Wilderness Pass is a better choice. campground. Pitch your tent at least 50 m from the trail parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-horse for information on National Park, everyone aged 16 or older is required where to ride and the required grazing permits, fees and at least 70 m away from the nearest water source. to have a National Park Fishing Permit. Children All backcountry visitors, including annual Wilderness Environment Canada Weather Forecast: and regulations. This website also provides links to Cook and store food well away from your tent. If you under 16 do not require a permit but must be Pass holders, must make reservations for overnight 403-762-2088 companies offering guided horseback trips within have a campfire, remove all trace before moving on. accompanied by a permit holder 16 years of age or backcountry trips, specifying which campgrounds or weather.gc.ca the park. older. These permits can be purchased at a Parks shelters you will stay at on which dates. Reservations Avalanche Bulletin (winter only): Canada Visitor Centre or at most local retail outlets that can be made in person at Parks Canada Visitor Washing sell angling supplies. parksmountainsafety.ca Climbing, Mountaineering and Centres in Banff and Lake Louise, or by calling Food Storage 50 metres Wash well away from any water sources and keep the For regulations visit 403-762-1556 in Banff or 403-522-1264 in Sleeping area use of soap to a minimum (even biodegradable soaps Banff Dispatch: Glacier Travel To avoid attracting bears and other wildlife to your At least 4 m from ground and 1.3m s from the top and side supports tre 403-762-1470 parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-brochures Lake Louise, up to three months in advance of your me are pollutants). When washing dishes, strain the bits Mountaineers require a Backcountry Permit to campsite, all food, garbage, toiletries and cooking 50 or pick up a copy of the Fishing Regulations Summary trip. Advance reservations are highly recommended of food waste and pack them out. Disperse strained bivouac, and may do so in non-vegetated areas only. equipment must be suspended from the food storage In case of EMERGENCY, call 911 or Banff Dispatch brochure from any Parks Canada Visitor Centre. for July and August. A non-refundable reservation fee water on the land. cables provided at designated campgrounds. For at 403-762-4506, but remember cell phone reception Alternatively, the Alpine Club of Canada Seasonal closures may be in effect for some lakes to applies to all bookings. P. Zizka P. (403-678-3200, alpineclubofcanada.ca) operates areas where random camping is permitted bring bear- in the backcountry is not reliable. S. Gignac allow fish populations to recover from over-fishing and resistant canisters, rope or hang your food downwind several mountaineering huts in the park that are ideally these are generally not posted at the lake, so you must You will also require a National Park Day Pass or located for mountaineers. annual National Park Discovery Pass to enter of your campsite as illustrated on right. Cooking/eating area © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada be familiar with the regulations. Catalogue: R64-445/2016E Également offert en français Banff National Park. ISBN #: 978-0-660-02419-6 BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL SHELTERS, HUTS, AND LODGES BACKCOUNTRY ETIQUETTE SAFETY Banff National Park is a very special place to enjoy a backcountry experience. As a Skoki Lodge National Historic Site backcountry user, you can access treasured Stay on the Trail Collecting Natural or Cultural Checklist natural wonders not seen by most park Rustic trail shelters located at Egypt Lake and Bryant When planning a trip into the backcountry of Banff Shortcutting between trail switchbacks damages both Creek can be booked through the Parks Canada Objects National Park, at least one person in your party visitors—and experience them without the the soil and vegetation. This not only impacts the Select a trip which best suits your group’s Visitor Centres in Banff or Lake Louise. Leave all rocks, fossils, horns, antlers, wildflowers, should be able to recognize natural hazards and have crowds associated with the park’s more area, but also makes it susceptible to further damage abilities, experience, interests, equipment and nests and other natural or historic objects where they experience in wilderness first aid. Caution and self- accessible attractions. by erosion. the time you have available. Alpine huts maintained by the Alpine Club of Canada are for others to enjoy. It is unlawful to remove, deface, reliance are essential. This guide is designed to help you plan a are available to club members and non-members. damage or destroy any natural or cultural resources Familiarize yourself with the hike you have Reservations are required: 403-678-3200 or within Canada’s national parks. Giardia lamblia is a water borne parasite that can be safe and enjoyable visit of Banff National selected by using guidebooks and topographic alpineclubofcanada.ca Garbage present in any surface water. Boil, filter or chemically Park’s backcountry, while keeping the natural maps. If you pack it in—pack it out. Littering is unlawful and treat all water before drinking. environment as healthy as possible. For information on low-impact backcountry travel, visit: Howard Douglas Lake There are four commercial lodges located in the hazardous to wildlife. Do not dispose of garbage in leavenotrace.ca Obtain all required permits from a Parks backcountry of Banff National Park. For reservations S. Gignac Ticks carrying Lyme disease may be present in the park. outhouses. Canada Visitor Centre. and information: banfflakelouise.com. Learn how to protect yourself and pets. Check weather conditions prior to departure. Shadow Lake Lodge Red paintbrush Dogs are considered as either predator or prey by many North Molar Pass shadowlakelodge.com Human Waste Share the Trail wild animals. This can provoke confrontations with Be prepared to be self-sufficient in all weather Use the outhouses provided. If there are no outhouses, Backcountry trails are shared by hikers, trail runners, wildlife and may affect your safety, so consider leaving conditions and emergency situations. Skoki Lodge select a spot away from trails, campsites and at least mountain bikers and horseback riders. Please your dog at home. Dogs must be kept under control skokilodge.com 70 m away from water sources. Dig a hole 12 to respect other users and yield the right of way to and on a leash at all times. Ensure a friend or family member knows your 16 cm deep to reach the dark-coloured biologically ensure safety. If you wish to avoid trails that are travel plans. Any wild animal can become aggressive if it feels Sundance Lodge active soil layer. When filling the hole with soil, do not busier due to shared use, plan ahead and check with pack it down. Pack out toilet paper and used feminine threatened. Keep a distance of at least 30 m from most staff at a Parks Canada Visitor Centre. Before starting your hike, check the trailhead Halfway Lodge hygiene products. species and at least 100 m from bears.