Backcountry camping

Stay on trails

Shortcutting between trail switchbacks damages both the soil and vegetation, making the area susceptible to further damage by erosion. You must stay on designated trails at all times.

Campgrounds

Camp in designated campgrounds as indicated on your backcountry permit and use the tent pads provided to minimize impact on vegetation. The length of stay for any campground cannot be more than three consecutive nights. The maximum group size for a reservation is 10 people and 5 tents. Only 4 people and 1 tent are allowed per tent pad/site. Campers must have a copy of their backcountry permit (paper or a screen shot) and present it to Parks Canada staff when requested.

Random camping

Random camping is permitted in designated areas only. Make sure you camp 5 km or more from either the trailhead or any designated campground. Pitch your tent at least 50 m from the trail and at least 70 m away from the nearest water source. Cook and store food well away from your tent. Bear-resistant food containers are mandatory between April 1 and November 15. See a current approved list. Remember to bring a stove and fuel as campfires are not permitted in random camping areas.

A backcountry permit is required for random camping and can only be obtained in person at Parks Canada visitor centres in Banff and Lake Louise, or by calling 403-762-1556 or 403-522-1264.

Climbing, mountaineering and glacier travel

Mountaineers require a backcountry permit to bivouac, and may do so in non-vegetated areas only. Get your permit in person at Parks Canada visitor centres in Banff or Lake Louise, or by calling 403-762-1556 or 403-522-1264.

Alternatively, the Alpine Club of Canada (403-678-3200) operates several alpine huts in the park that are ideally located for these pursuits.

Cooking and campfires

All backcountry travellers should carry a portable fuel or propane stove for cooking. Cook and eat in the designated cooking area. Campfires are permitted only in the shared metal fire rings provided. Rock rings are prohibited. Not all campgrounds allow fires. If you have a campfire, use only downed deadwood, keep it small and do not leave it unattended. Be sure fires are fully extinguished by using the soak, stir, soak method.

Please note: As of 2024, campfires are no longer allowed at the following campgrounds. Any existing fire rings will be removed.

• Wildflower Creek (Ba15)
• Merlin Meadows (Sk18)
• Red Deer Lakes (Sk19)
• Glacier Lake (Gl9)
• Hector Lake (He5)
• Mosquito Creek (Mo5)
• Molar Creek (Mo16)
• Norman Lake (No5)
• Siffleur River (Sf)
• Taylor Lake (Ta6)

Food storage

To avoid attracting bears and other wildlife to your campsite, all food, garbage, toiletries and cooking equipment must be stored in the food lockers or on bear poles provided at designated campgrounds. For areas where random camping is permitted, bear-resistant food containers, approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, are mandatory between April 1 and November 15 and should be hung when possible. See a current approved list. Bring a rope to hang your food downwind of your campsite (see illustration). For more information, contact a Parks Canada visitor centre. Remove all garbage, food, gear and personal belongings at the end of your stay.

Fishing

To fish in Banff National Park, everyone aged 16 or older is required to have a National Park Fishing Permit. Children under 16 do not require a permit but must be accompanied by a permit holder. Any harvest by the child counts towards the permit holder’s limit. These permits can be purchased at a Parks Canada visitor centre or at most local retail outlets that sell angling supplies. Provincial fishing licenses are not valid. See the Fishing Regulations page for more information.

Washing

Wash well away from any water sources and keep the use of soap to a minimum (even biodegradable soaps are pollutants). When washing dishes, strain bits of food waste and pack them out. Disperse strained water on the land.

Pack out garbage

If you pack it in—pack it out. Littering is unlawful and hazardous to wildlife. Do not dispose of garbage in outhouses or in food lockers.

Properly dispose of human waste

Use the outhouses provided. If there are no outhouses nearby, select a spot away from trails and campsites, and at least 70 m away from water sources. Dig a hole 12 to 16 cm deep to reach the dark-coloured soil layer. When refilling the hole with soil, do not pack it down. Pack out toilet paper and used hygiene products.

Take only photos

Leave all rocks, fossils, horns, antlers, wildflowers, nests and other natural or historic objects where they are for others to enjoy. It is unlawful to remove, deface, damage or destroy any natural or cultural resources within national parks. Visit leavenotrace.ca for information on low-impact backcountry travel.

Firearms are prohibited

Firearms, including pellet guns, bear bangers, bows, slingshots and similar devices, are prohibited in national parks. For protection from wildlife, Parks Canada recommends carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it.

Share the trail

Backcountry trails are shared by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Please be respectful and let others pass to ensure safety.

Banff National Park is home to wildlife including elk, wolves, cougars, grizzly bears and black bears. To successfully raise their young and sustain a healthy population, wildlife need access to as much quality habitat with as few human surprises as possible. Be aware of possible encounters with wildlife in all areas of the park, including paved trails and roads.

Tips

• Always carry bear spray, ensure it is accessible, and know how to use it. Bear spray is available at Parks Canada visitor centres and some retail outlets in Banff and Lake Louise.
• Make noise. Being quiet puts you at risk for sudden wildlife encounters. Be alert through shrubby areas, near running water and when approaching blind corners. Travel in tight groups and always be aware of your surroundings.
• Give wildlife space. If you approach wildlife, you put yourself in danger. You may also cause animals to lose their natural fear of people.
• Report bear, cougar, wolf and coyote sightings and encounters to Banff Dispatch when possible and safe to do so: 403-762-1470.
• Keep dogs on leash and under physical control at all times. Dogs are not allowed in backcountry shelters and on some trails.
• Leave your drone at home. Drones disturb wildlife and other park visitors.

More information

• Wildlife Safety
• Wildlife and You

Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail

7.8 km, 9 km or 11.1 km one way

Campgrounds: Aylmer Pass Junction (Lm8), Aylmer Canyon (Lm9), Mt. Inglismaldie (Lm11)

Roam Route 6 (summer service) from Banff

This is a popular early or late season hike or bike along the lakeshore. The trail starts from the trailhead at the Lake Minnewanka Day-use Area and returns by the same route. Stay an extra night and explore Aylmer Pass or Aylmer Lookout. If paddling to these campgrounds, be aware of strong unexpected winds which can make travel difficult or dangerous.

July 10 to September 15 - Trail restrictions are in effect to minimize disturbance to grizzly bears. No dogs and no bikes allowed. Bear spray and groups of 4 are required.

Glacier Lake

8.9 km one way

Campground: Glacier Lake (Gl9)

A popular early season hike that departs from a trailhead north of Saskatchewan Crossing on the Icefields Parkway (93N). This trail brings hikers to a campsite at one of the largest backcountry lakes in Banff National Park.

To see a map of Banff’s campground locations, use the brochure Backcountry Trails in Banff National Park to help you plan the best trip for you and your group.