Picnicking in Banff National Park
Banff National Park
Parking lots at day-use areas fill quickly. Park only in designated lots, not along the road. Check BanffNow for real-time parking status or transit and shuttle options.
While these day-use areas are not closed in the winter, some might have limited access and services due to snow. Visit the Banff or Lake Louise visitor centres for more information and more picnic areas to enjoy.
* Walk-in day-use area, 3.5 km from the trailhead at Cave and Basin National Historic Site.Where to picnic in Banff National Park
Area
Location
Services and activities
Valleyview
Trans-Canada Highway
Cascade Ponds
Lake Minnewanka Loop
Johnson Lake
Lake Minnewanka Loop
Two-Jack Lake
Lake Minnewanka Loop
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka Loop
Upper Bankhead
Lake Minnewanka Loop
Fenland
Town of Banff Area
*Sundance Canyon
Town of Banff Area
**Fireside
Bow Valley Parkway
**Muleshoe
Bow Valley Parkway
**Sawback
Bow Valley Parkway
Boom Lake Trailhead
Highway 93 South
Storm Mountain
Bow Valley Parkway
Baker Creek
Bow Valley Parkway
Corral Creek
Bow Valley Parkway
Taylor Lake
Trans-Canada Highway
Temple
Trans-Canada Highway
Bow River Canoe Launch
Trans-Canada Highway (Westbound access only)
Fairview
Lake Louise
Moraine Lake
Lake Louise
Herbert Lake
Icefields Parkway
Bow Lake Picnic Site
Icefields Parkway
Saskatchewan Crossing
Icefields Parkway
Coleman Flats
Icefields Parkway
** Private motor vehicle access may be restricted on portions of the Bow Valley Parkway to protect wildlife and to allow for an enhanced cycling experience.
Picnicking etiquette and regulations
Keep fires small
Fires must be contained within the metal fire ring and cook stoves provided. Random fires and rock rings are not allowed. To reduce the negative impact of campfires on the environment, keep your fires to a reasonable size.
Use only firewood purchased in the area
Firewood should not be brought in from outside the park, but purchased at various providers within the park to prevent the risk of invasive insect species or disease from being brought into the park. Do not use deadwood, bark or branches for fuel or burn food or garbage.
Never leave a fire unattended
Campfires are permitted from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Fires must be attended at all times, and completely extinguished before leaving the area. Bring your own bucket to fill with water and use the soak, stir, soak method to extinguish your fire.
Cook on a personal propane stove
We strongly recommend the use of personal propane stoves for cooking. You may also use the provided metal fire rings or wood stove when available on site. Charcoal barbeques and hibachis are permitted: ensure ashes are cold and discard into a garbage bin or firepit when finished.
Never leave food unattended
When you are done cooking or eating at your picnic table, all food, food-related and scented items MUST be stored in a hard-sided vehicle. Items such as coolers and cook stoves must be properly stored when unattended.
Do not litter
Ensure all garbage and recycling are disposed in wildlife-proof bins immediately or pack out any unwanted items.
Do not feed wildlife
Wildlife quickly find any food, scented items or garbage that is left unattended. Eating these unnatural foods teaches wildlife to approach people. Once wildlife develops a taste for human food, they often become aggressive in their search for more.
For other regulations related to picnicking, see the regulations page.
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