EASY MODERATE PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAIL ETIQUETTE 1 Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court 3c Castle Mountain Lookout to 6 Healy Creek / Brewster Creek In Banff National Park, we share the trail. 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 Winter Trails in the 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-Canada 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. 1.7 km one way visiting the Banff Visitor Centre. The report is • Estimated time to complete the trail is no longer than updated as conditions change and trails are rated Trailhead: Start at the closed gate at the intersection of Tunnel 5 hours. Mountain Drive and St. Julien Way. for their overall condition; grooming reports are 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 Bow River to WILDLIFE CONTACT INFORMATION 2.4 km one way icy, especially during the spring.