EASY MODERATE PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE

CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAIL ETIQUETTE

1 Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court 3c Lookout to 6 Healy Creek / Brewster Creek In , we share the trail. Winter Trails in the 4.4 km of trails Protection Mountain Campground 6a) 5 km one way to Brewster Creek Junction • Do not walk or snowshoe on the track set portion of Trailhead: Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court Campground entrance 6.4 km 6b)13.5 km one way to Sundance Lodge cross country ski trails. The packed smooth middle is Trailhead: Park at Cave & Basin National Historic Site. Trail starts This basic level trail offers first time skiers a perfect place to try Trailhead: Castle Mountain trailhead for skate skiing and the groomed tracks are for out a new sport. For those who want to ski into the evening, the west of building. Banff Area This new single track set trail links the two existing cross classic skiing. area provides dusk to dawn lighting. The track set trail loops country ski trails on the Bow Valley Parkway. Travel this unique This trail offers scenic valley views through open and forested back and forth with options to complete all or some of path to discover a new perspective on the original auto-route areas. Track setting occurs when adequate snow is available. • Do not skate-ski on the track set portion of a the loops. through Banff National Park. Skiing is not available from Brewster Creek junction to classic ski trail. Brewster Creek trailhead due to bridge replacement. For the • When climbing, please yield the right of way to 2 Sundance Trail to Sundance Canyon 4 more experienced, take a detour to Sundance Lodge. Spray River Trail West and East descending skiers. 3.2 km one way 4a) 5.7 km one way from Spray River West trailhead to Trailhead: Park at Cave & Basin National Historic Site. Trail starts Spray River bridge • If you fall, move off track as quickly as possible. west of building. 7 4b) 5.6 km one way from Spray River bridge to Spray River Redearth Creek • When taking a break, step to the side, out of tracks. This trail offers spectacular views of the Bow Valley while East trailhead (Golf Course Road) 10 km one way winding through forested areas to the Sundance Canyon picnic Trailhead: Park at Spray River West trailhead (behind The Trailhead: Redearth Creek trailhead, 20 km west of Banff on the • Leave no trace. Pack out everything you pack in. area. Sections of the trail are single and double track set. Fairmont Banff Springs) or from the east side, start at the Bow Trans- Highway. 3a Falls day-use area and cross the Spray River Bridge (gated in The trail climbs gradually through lodgepole pine forests to the Castle Junction winter). Trail starts at the Spray River East trailhead. Shadow Lake trail. The last few kilometres back to the highway 9.45 km of trails in area The entire trail is double track set with an additional skating can be exhilarating. DOGS Trailhead: Castle Junction on the Bow Valley Parkway (1A) lane on the west side of the river. This trail is the locals’ A series of interconnected single track set trails that wind favourite offering rolling terrain in a picturesque river valley, If you are planning to take your dog out on a trail, please through spruce forest. The main trail runs from Castle Junction with views of The Fairmont Banff Springs. Bring a snack; there 8 Cascade Valley respect the following: to Castle Mountain Lookout. is a picnic spot beside the river at the bridge. 8a) 6.4 km one way to Cascade River bridge 8b) 14.6 km one way to Stoney Creek bridge • Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. 5 Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka parking lot 3b Baker Creek to Goat Creek and Spray River • Dog are not allowed on the following groomed cross 18.7 km one way Double trackset with skating lane to Cascade River bridge. country ski trails: Cascade Valley, Spray River Trail, Protection Mountain Campground Single trackset with pleasant rolling terrain for the remaining 3.9 km Trailhead: Goat Creek trailhead 8 km south of Canmore on Goat Creek and Spray River and Redearth Creek. C. Douce Smith-Dorrien Road or Spray River West trailhead. route to Stoney Creek. A sunny trail with good views and a fun Trailhead: Across the road from Baker Creek Chalets downhill return trip. For a short 1.3 km ski, try the trail from • Dogs can add stress to wildlife; the sight of a dog The double track set trail can be skied in either direction. Most This single track set trail (labelled #2 on-site) runs parallel to Lake Minnewanka day-use area to Upper Bankhead. people choose to start at the Goat Creek trailhead located just reminds some animals of predators like wolves and the parkway, and starts across the road from the Baker coyotes. Prevent your dog from chasing wildlife. Creek Chalets. Castle Mountain Trails outside the park boundaries above Canmore and ski downhill C. Douce most of the way to Banff. Vehicle shuttle recommended. Winter, a season to play . . . WINTER WALKING TRAIL CLASSIFICATION SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Welcome to winter in Banff National Park, Canada’s 9 Johnson Lake EASY • Safety is your responsibility. There are always hazards first national park. Whether you are here for a family 2.8 km loop involved with outdoor recreational activities, especially adventure or a relaxing getaway, there is no better way Trailhead: Park at Johnston Lake day-use area, walk just past the Johnston Canyon Upper Falls • Suitable for any type of visitor. during the winter. Be prepared. Even short trips from to experience Banff’s pristine mountain landscape than picnic tables. • Estimated time to complete the trail is no longer than the Town of Banff can have serious consequences. on foot. This picturesque trail follows the lakeside shoreline. 2–3 hours. Minimize your risk by planning ahead. Breathtaking views of Cascade and Rundle mountains. Nestled Lace up your boots, wax up your skis, strap on a pair of amongst Douglas fir, spruce and pine trees, visitors can • Little or no elevation gain or loss. • Ask for advice at the Banff Visitor Centre snowshoes and enjoy one of our many winter trails. experience the richest biological zone in Banff National Park – regarding current trail conditions, weather and the montane ecoregion. trail classifications. MODERATE • Suitable for most visitors who have some basic trail • Be sure you have the most current information on trail conditions by checking trail reports online or by 10 Tunnel Mountain Drive experience and are generally prepared. visiting the Banff Visitor Centre. The report is 1.7 km one way • Estimated time to complete the trail is no longer than Trailhead: Start at the closed gate at the intersection of Tunnel updated as conditions change and trails are rated 5 hours. for their overall condition; grooming reports are Mountain Drive and St. Julien Way. Closed to vehicles in the winter, this route provides splendid • May experience moderate elevation gain with some included for cross country ski trails. snowshoe opportunities with views of Cascade Mountain. It also short steep sections. connects with the Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Viewpoint • For a suggested list of appropriate outdoor gear, trail (#14). *Note: Easy and moderate trails can become difficult please visit www.pc.gc.ca/banff. trails due to weather change, icy conditions and poor visibility. 11 Johnston Canyon AVALANCHES 11a) 1.1 km one way to the Lower Falls 11b) 2.7 km one way to the Upper Falls Trailhead: Johnston Canyon day-use area, 22 km west of Banff LEGEND Travel beyond these trails may take you into avalanche on Bow Valley Parkway (1A). Sundance Trail Travel in the depths of the canyon along walkways that lead Zizka P. terrain. In such cases, make sure you have the to the Lower Falls or to the spectacular 30 m high frozen Suitable for snowshoeing appropriate knowledge, skills and rescue equipment. Upper lls. The trail is usually very slippery – cleats are strongly 17 Ink Pots via Moose Meadows For avalanche conditions: visit the Banff Visitor Centre Banff Lake Louise Tourism / P. Zizka / P. Banff Lake Louise Tourism Use of cleats is recommended recommended. Travel an additional 3.5 km beyond the Upper 5.3 km one way or www.pc.gc.ca/banff, and click on the trail conditions Falls to reach the Ink Pots. Trailhead: Moose Meadows trailhead 27 km west of Banff on the report, avalanche bulletin, or visitor information for a Dogs on leash at all times Bow Valley Parkway (1A) downloadable copy of the Avalanche Terrain Ratings

Whyte Museum na66-1108 12 15 A quiet alternative to the busier Johnston Canyon trail, this trail Stewart Canyon Fenland Trail publication. 1.5 km one way 2.1 km loop climbs through thick forest to an open meadow with brilliantly Dogs not permitted Trailhead: Past the Lake Minnewanka day-use area Trailhead: Fenland trail parking lot on Mt. Norquay Road coloured mineral springs. A short walk through the Lake Minnewanka day-use area will This is a peaceful interpretive trail under old growth spruce trees. lead you to the trailhead. Explore the Cascade River which Great for families with young children. For a longer walk from 18 Tunnel Mountain Summit feeds Banff National Park’s largest lake. This trail can be very Banff townsite, start at Central Park and follow the to WILDLIFE CONTACT INFORMATION 2.4 km one way icy, especially during the spring. the Fenland trailhead. Walk east, just over the railway tracks on Trailhead: Lower parking lot on St. Julien Road below The Mt. Norquay Road (0.9 km one way). Season Banff Centre. 13 Marsh Loop Reach the summit of a mountain in the heart of Banff’s Winter offers a unique glimpse of wildlife as tracks in the 16 Although snow can fall at any time of year in Banff 2.8 km loop Spray Connector townsite. Take in breathtaking views of the Bow and Spray snow reveal the story of their movements. It is a challenge Banff Visitor Centre: Trailhead: Start at the Cave and Basin parking lot. 1.96 km one way National Park, optimal skiing, winter walking and valleys. This steep trail can be extremely icy. Hiking poles are for wildlife to survive a Rocky Mountain winter, but you 224 Banff Avenue, 403-762-1550 snowshoeing opportunities are from late-December to This trail is located in the wide expanse of the Bow River valley Trailhead: Start at the Spray River West trailhead and take the strongly recommended. Spray Connector located 0.7 km on the left side of the trail to end can help make it easier. If tracks are observed, do not www.pc.gc.ca/banff early-April. and circles the Cave and Basin Marsh. It comes alive in the winter with birds and is a great place to see animal tracks! at the Spray River East trailhead located on the Golf Course Road. follow them towards the animal. For those seeking a short walk or snowshoe opportunity close If you see wildlife, do not approach; give them lots of 14 to town, the Spray Connector links the Spray River East trail to Hoodoos Viewpoint space and observe from a distance with binoculars or a Environment Canada Recorded Weather Forecast Spray River West trail via a small scenic bridge. The trail can be telephoto lens. Winter Walking and 14a) 5.1 km one way from Surprise Corner to Hoodoos viewpoint enjoyed from either direction. Message: 403-762-2088 Trailhead: Start at Surprise Corner parking lot on Tunnel Snowshoeing Trails Mountain Drive. AMA Road Report: 14b) 2.3 km one way on Douglas Fir trail to Hoodoos viewpoint 1-877-262-4997 The winter walking and snowshoeing trails outlined in Trailhead: Start just past Douglas Fir Resort at intersection of Have you tried Tunnel Mountain Road and Tunnel Mountain Drive. this publication follow summer hiking trails. They are Avalanche Bulletin: 1-800-667-1105 From Surprise Corner, the trail takes you through forested snowshoeing? not groomed or maintained during the winter season www.avalanche.pc.gc.ca areas until you reach the Douglas Fir trail. This sunny trail Explore the trails in an authentic, traditional way by and may be slippery. Weather can change quickly provides open vistas to the Hoodoos viewpoint. Keep an eye out snowshoe! If you can walk, you can snowshoe and dramatically in Banff National Park. Be prepared For Banff area maps and guidebooks, visit a retail for wildlife and watch for icy sections. You can make a loop or – and you don’t need any special gear to adjust your activity based on current conditions. return to town along Tunnel Mountain Road. outlet in the Town of Banff. – just snowshoes. Like hiking, As a general rule, if there is fresh snow, conditions pick a trail that suits your may be better suited for snowshoeing; if the snow challenge and you’re off Hare Deer Elk Lynx Wolf is old and well-travelled, it may be better for winter to solitude and clean, walking. If you are looking for trails not listed in this Hare Deer Elk Lynx Wolf fresh air. Travel by Hare Deer Elk Lynx Wolf publication, visit the Banff Visitor Centre for additional foot to enjoy Banff’s In case of EMERGENCY, call 911 or trip planning assistance. scenery up close 403-762-4506 Banff Dispatch. and personal, and Cell phones are not always reliable throughout you might even spot the park. some wildlife.

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Paddy Pallin HareHare DeerDeer Elk Elk LynxLy Cataloguenx No:Wolf R64-372/1-2014EWolf ISBN: 978-1-100-25193-6 Également offert en français EASY MODERATE  Á Mount Ing RATINGS LAKE MINNEWANKA 296 LEGEND 3b8b 972 CROSS COUNTRY SKI 12(! LLake a k e Easy Cross Country Ski Trail A Banff Park Museum National Historic Site Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court MMinnewanka i n n e w a n k a )"3a8a B!B N 1 4.4 km all loops Moderate Cross Country Ski Trail B Lake Minnewanka È

No elevation gain Snowshoe / Winter Walking Trails C Cascade Ponds Lake Minnewanka Sundance Trail to Sundance Canyon 0 0.5 1 (see inset) 3.2 km one way C 2 Trans-Canada Highway D Vermilion Lakes Drive Kilometers Elevation gain 77 m Upper Lak e Minn Bankhead ewanka Road Bow Valley Parkway E e 1A Hoodoos Viewpoint r k Castle Junction re et La t n rr i e k n e c i v 9.45 km of trails in area w i v a J iR n 3a Sundance Trail to w i o e Road F Bow Falls R d Minimal elevation gain n d i a Tw e c e Two Jack Lake s s Sundance Canyon d d a

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3.6 km one way, sc c Canmore s Baker Creek to Protection Mountain Road closed in winter G Banff Upper Hot Springs od l a c a  o Calgary

elevation gain 77 m C Campground e Mountain d R a Banff Visitor Centre I Cave and Basin National Historic Site 998m o

3.9 km of trails in area R

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3b Elevation gain 16 m Norquay Washrooms J Surprise Corner L a Ski Area k e a Ro ad M dk an K a Police Tunnel Mountain Campground Stoney Squaw i o n Rw Mountain n nae Castle Mountain Lookout to LakeewMani nk 1 868 m Parking C m Protection Mountain Campground 1 6129’ !C 8.85. 5kmk 6.4 km Share the trails È 79 3c Elevation gain 16 m Campground (! JohnsonJohnson L Lakeake Spray River Trail West and East Backcounty Campground C a s c a 5.7 km one way from Spray River West Trailhead to n 4a Co m Spray River Bridge Day-use Area pou nd

Elevation gain 18 m m Ro Partageons les sentiers k ad 4b .4 1 5.6 km one way from Spray River Bridge to Viewpoint 5 Spray River East Trailhead (Golf Course Road) e ad u K Ro n in E Elevation gain 56 m e ta Hospital v un DONE WITH THIS BROCHURE? Please return to a park A o ff l M n e

Goat Creek and Spray River a n M n facility or share it with others. a B u M r T Shelter m 18.7 km one way, ot t 5 Nor elevation gain 274 m ar ug Co q F Golf Course o HOW WAS YOUR TRIP? Please send your comments to u x a 14b Healy Creek / Brewster Creek y 15 [email protected] R 5 km one way to Brewster Creek Junction o R a Gondola l bb er a e e rr D 6a d i it Elevation gain 16 m qu D S 13.5 km one way to Sundance Lodge

6b n Elevation gain 173 m te Tunnel r a M oo Second First M se 10 Mountain Redearth Creek Vermilion Vermilion 1 650 m Wolf 5410’

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Cascade Valley t 6.4 km one way to Cascade River Bridge Third 8a A Buffalo Elevation gain 70 m Vermilion osed in w d cl inte Lake Roa r 14.6 km one way to Stoney Creek Bridge 13 8b Elevation gain 171 m S p 14a r a ) y m A k Bow Valley Parkway v e .9 13 I n 2 (see inset) u ( e e J v ri Fairmont D 2 e Banff Springs 1A rs WINTER WALKING ou Golf Course lf C F Go Johnson Lake M Fairmont 2.8 km loop ou Banff Springs 2 nt 2 949 m 9 ain No elevation gain A 9675’ ve nu e er (4 16 Tunnel Mountain Drive iv Sundance Canyon km 4b w R ) 10 1.7 km one way Bo Junction Elevation gain 5 m  Lake Louise 6a Johnston Canyon 11a 1.1 km one way to the Lower Falls N Elevation gain 68 m 4a 11b 2.7 km one way to the Upper Falls Brewster Creek Elevation gain 115 m Junction 6b Sundance Sanson Peak Canyon 2 256 m Stewart Canyon 7402’

S 1.5 km one way p 12 G r Elevation gain 50 m a y

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Sundance i v 0 0.5 1 Marsh Loop Lodge e Sulphur Mountain r 2.8 km loop  2 451 m Kilometers 13 Elevation gain 17 m Mount Ishbel 8042’ Banff 2 908 m Gondola Mount Norquay Hoodoos Viewpoint BOW VALLEY PARKWAY 9541’ Cockscomb Mountain 2 522 m 5.1 km one way from Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Viewpoint Castle Mountain 2 777 m 14a 8275’ Elevation gain 30 m 2 766 m 9111’ 9076’ 17 14b 2.3 km one way from Douglas Fir Trail to Hoodoos Viewpoint Baker Creek 14 I Elevation loss 39 m 11b 2 800 m 4b3b 9186’   11a Fenland Trail Castle 2.1 km loop Lake Louise 1A 3a Junction 2 15 No elevation gain 3c

7a Spray Connector 1A 1.96 km one way 16 Elevation loss 46 m Sundance 93S Copper Mountain 2 901 m 2 795 m 2 935 m 9519’ 9170’ 9630’ Ink Pots via Moose Meadows 7 7b 17 5.3 km one way Elevation gain 217 m Tunnel Mountain Summit 2 930 m 2.4 km one way 18 Storm Mountain N 9613’ Elevation gain 192 m 3 100 m 10 171’

Radium 0 1 2 4 2 820 m  Kilometres 9252’ 5