Reservable Burgess Shale hiking and camping information

Kootenay National Park

  • General camping information:
    Dates and reservations:

    • 2020 Mt Stephen hikes
      • June - 13, 14, 15, 19, 20,, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29 = 11 hikes
      • July - 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31 =13 hikes
      • August - 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 = 14 hikes
      • Sept - 5, 6 = 2 hikes
      • Total: 40 hikes

    • 2020 Walcott Quarry hikes
      • July - Starting Sunday July 5, every day except Wednesday = 24 hikes
      • Aug - Every day except Wednesday =27 hikes
      • Sept – 4, 5,, 6, 11, 23, 13 = 6 hikes
      • Total: 57 hikes

    • 2020 Stanley Glacier hikes
      • June - 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29 = 11 hikes
      • July - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31 = 21 hikes
      • Aug – 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 = 23 hikes
      • Sept – 5, 6, 7 = 3 hikes
      • Total: 58 hikes

    • Click here to find out more about the Burgess Shale before booking your hike: http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/yoho/activ/burgess

    • Click here to see animated versions of the Burgess Shale Fossils by the Virtual Museum of Canada: www.burgess-shale.rom.on.ca

    What every hiker should know:
    • Parks Canada offers 3 different Burgess Shale Guided Hikes. Two very challenging hikes depart from Yoho National Park and 1 gentler, family-friendly hike departs from Kootenay National Park.

    • All three Burgess Shale hikes are physically demanding. The Walcott Quarry and Mount Stephen Guided Hikes (in Yoho) are very difficult and long. The Kootenay Fossils Revealed Stanley Glacier Guided Hike (in Kootenay) is more moderate in difficulty. If you have any past injuries or surgeries, trouble with heights or exposure, or medical conditions that Park Staff should know about, please inform the Hiking Guide before you begin the hike. The Mt. Stephen hike is not advised for people with fear of heights or exposure. It is important that you are fully prepared for your hike. Check the Challenges of the Burgess Shale Hikes section for more details.

    • Note that children under 8 are NOT ALLOWED on the Walcott Quarry and Mount Stephen hikes. Children 0 to 5 years are NOT ALLOWED on the Stanley Glacier hike and Youth under 8 are not recommended on the Stanley Glacier hike due to trip length and difficulty. No exceptions.

    • Children and youth up to 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Parent or guardian of participants 17-19 years of age must sign a waiver at the trailhead.

    • It is also very important that the person making the booking shares all this information with everyone in their group so that each person is prepared to have a great experience on the hike.

    • Change of time for British Columbia: When coming from the west, the time change from PDT to MDT is between Golden and Revelstoke, BC. Please note that all hike times are in the Mountain Daylight Time Zone, equivalent to Alberta time.

    Entrance points:
    • Walcott Quarry Hikes: Takakkaw Falls, Yoho National Park, at 7 am MDT.
    • Mount Stephen Hikes: Yoho Visitor Centre, Yoho National Park, at 7 am MDT.
    • Kootenay Stanley Glacier Hikes: Stanley Glacier trailhead parking lot in Kootenay National Park, at 8 am MDT.
    Exit points:
    • Walcott Quarry Hikes: Takakkaw Falls, Yoho National Park, later than 6 pm MDT
    • Mount Stephen Hikes: Yoho Visitor Centre, Yoho National Park, later than 2:30 pm MDT
    • Stanley Glacier Hikes: Stanley Glacier parking lot in Kootenay National Park, around 3:30 pm MDT

    • Entrance or exit at any other point is not permitted unless an evacuation is required.
    • On all three hikes the Guides will walk at a pace that is suitable for conversation. They make frequent stops for information sharing and breaks. Beyond this, the pace is determined by the slowest person. The group will hike together and no group members shall be allowed to separate from the group, unless accompanied by the Volunteer Hike Assistant (if available).
    • If you cannot complete the hike, or in the opinion of the Guide you are not able to complete the hike, you will be assisted off the trail by the Volunteer Hike Assistant or other able bodied person. No refunds.

    For the Walcott Quarry only:
    • Arrangements may be made to meet the hiking group at Yoho Lake if you are camping there. The hiking group usually arrives at Yoho Lake between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. Please inform the registration staff if you will need this arrangement.
    Group size:
    • Hikes are restricted to a maximum of 12 participants, plus 1 guide and 1 volunteer hike assistant.
    Hike descriptions:
    • Since its discovery in 1909 by palaeontologist Charles Walcott, the Burgess Shale has been widely regarded as one of the world’s most important animal fossil sites. These “stone bugs” are actually the remains of half a billion year old sea creatures so exquisitely preserved that scientists can actually tell what they ate for breakfast! ! Recent Burgess Shale fossil finds in Kootenay National Park have given us over a dozen species new to science. These fun and educational hikes are limited to a maximum of 12 people and are led by knowledgeable Parks Canada Heritage Interpreters.

    • Walcott Quarry – 21 km (13 miles) roundtrip; 825 metre (2710 feet) elevation gain and loss. Approximately 11 hours. Beginning at Takakkaw Falls, this awe-inspiring hike takes you through a variety of mountain landscapes including stunning views of Emerald Lake en-route to the world-famous fossils at Walcott Quarry.

    • Mount Stephen Fossil Beds – 8 km (5 miles) roundtrip; 795 metre (2610 feet) elevation gain and loss. Approximately 7 hours. This short but very steep and challenging hike leads you to the Trilobite Beds, high above the town of Field.. The sheer number of fossils at Mount Stephen has been described by some as comparable to stumbling upon a treasure frozen in time.

    • Stanley Glacier- 10 km (6.3 miles) roundtrip; 450 metre (1476 feet) elevation gain and loss. Approximately 7.5 hours. This family-friendly guided hike to one of Kootenay National Park’s recently discovered Burgess Shale fossil sites takes you through a variety of beautiful terrain and gives you the opportunity to hold a 505 million year old piece of earth’s history in your hand.

    • Parks Canada Hike Guides have backgrounds in sciences, outdoor recreation and group management. They have all worked in parks for many years and are very knowledgeable about the area. They are specifically trained in the information related to the Burgess Shale, including ongoing training from the palaeontology department at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto (which holds Canada’s Burgess Shale fossils in trust) and they are in direct contact with the ROM about new research and knowledge. They are passionate about this world renowned resource and are happy to answer your questions. For anything particularly technical they can direct you where to find more information.

    • Be prepared for a spectacular day that you will never forget!

    Orientation session:
    • An orientation session will be provided by the Guide on the morning of the hike. Please arrive at the allotted time to sign waivers and go through hike preparations.
    Cellular phone and wifi:
    • Cellular phones may work in the area. As of 2013 there is limited TELUS coverage in Yoho National Park. Check with your carrier to see if they have coverage in this area.
    • There is no cellular service in Kootenay National Park.
    Pets policy:
    • Pets are NOT permitted on the Burgess Shale Hikes.
    • Pets disturb wildlife, interfere with other visitors’ enjoyment of the hike and can introduce disease to wildlife.
    Alcohol
    • Alcohol is not permitted on the Burgess Shale Guided Hikes.
    Site access:
    • Access to the Walcott Quarry and Mount Stephen Burgess Shale sites is by authorized guided hike only. The Stanley Glacier site is not restricted.
    • Removal of fossils is strictly forbidden at all fossil sites.

  • Fees

      Hiking Fees (subject to change without notice)

    • All participants on the Burgess Shale Guided Hikes require a valid national park permit. Acquire your Park Pass the day before your guided hike; the park gates and visitor centres are not open in the early morning, and the guides do not have any park passes for sale.

    • All fees are listed per person and in Canadian funds.

    • Visit our Fees page for an up-to-date fees schedule as fees may change at any time.

    • Payment must be made at the time the reservation is made. 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783) 8 am to 6 pm local park time or https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/

  • Cancellation and change policy:

    • Reservation fee: is non-refundable.

    • Cancellations: Cancellations with a full refund may be made 5 days or more before the scheduled hike (minus the non-refundable reservation and cancellation fees which will apply per booking). Cancellations made 5 days before the scheduled hike will only receive 50% of their prepaid hiking fees (minus the non-refundable reservation and cancellation fees which will apply per booking).

    • Changes: may be made up to five days before the scheduled hike.

    • Registration cut off: at 11:59 pm MDT the evening before the hike.

    • Reservation changes and cancellations are subject to a fee.

  • Accomodation in Yoho and Kootenay National Parks:

    Camping:

    Other accommodations:

  • Transportation

    Transportation to and from the Burgess Shale guided hike site:

    • Walcott Quarry Guided Hike: Meets at the Takakkaw Falls parking lot by the washrooms. Hikes end at the same location. The main Takakkaw Falls parking lot is a 14 kilometre (9 mile) drive from the Trans-Canada Highway; allow 30 minutes to drive from the town of Field. The road to Takakkaw Falls is steep, with tight switchbacks. Leave trailers in the parking lot across from Monarch Campground. Vehicles may be left for the day in the parking lot at Takakkaw Falls. There is no public transportation to Takakkaw Falls.

    • Mount Stephen Guided Hike: Meets at the Yoho Visitor Centre, located next to the Trans-Canada Highway at the entrance to the town of Field, British Columbia. Hike ends at the same location. Vehicles may be left for the day in the parking lot of the Yoho Visitor Centre.

    • Kootenay Fossils Revealed: Stanley Glacier Guided Hike: Meet at the Stanley Glacier trailhead parking lot in Kootenay National Park. The Stanley Glacier parking lot is 15 km (9.3 miles) south of Castle Junction on Highway 93 South in Kootenay National Park. It is 95 km (59 miles) from Radium Hot Springs, 45 km (28 miles) from Banff and 40 km (25 miles) from Lake Louise. There is no public transportation to the Stanley Glacier trailhead.

    • Under no circumstances may Parks Canada staff provide clients with rides in Parks Canada vehicles.

  • Visitor safety information:

    Yoho National Park:

    Kootenay National Park:

    Challenges of the Burgess Shale Guided Hikes:

    • 1) Walcott Quarry Hike: This rugged 21 km (13 mile) hike is not for everyone. It takes place in challenging back-country mountain terrain. Your fitness level must meet the challenges of the hike.

      • All hikers in your group must be prepared for:
        • A minimum of 11 hours in the back-country.
        • Rugged, steep ground, with 825 metres (2710 feet) elevation gain, then 825 metres (2710 feet) elevation loss as you return to the parking lot. This hike is the equivalent of climbing up and down all the stairs in a 234 story building.
        • Snow or heavy rains.
        • Slippery conditions on steep, gravelly and possibly, wet trails.
        • Negotiating exposed steep slopes.
        • Rocky mountain climate. The weather in Yoho National Park is localized and changeable and summer weather extends from mid-June to mid-September. The mean temperature during this period is 12.5° C (54.5 F), with average high temperatures of 20° C (68 F) and low temperatures of 5° C (41 F). Above 1500m (5000 feet) elevation, freezing temperatures and snow are common in the summer. Incidents of hypothermia and physical injury increase significantly during cold and wet periods.
        • Accidents and injuries.

      • The Walcott Quarry Hike is for hikers who are:
        • Experienced hikers, who are able to hike long distances through rough and steep terrain.
        • Able to handle 825 metres (2710 feet) elevation gain and loss over 21 km (13 miles).

      • The Walcott Quarry Hike should not be considered by:
        • Children under eight are NOT ALLOWED; baby carriers and strollers are NOT allowed on this hike. NO EXCEPTIONS.
        • Those with little stamina or recurring knee, back or ankle injuries.
        • People who have never hiked before.

    • 2) Mount Stephen Guided Hike:

      • This rugged 8 km (5 mile) hike is not for everyone. It all takes place in challenging back-country mountain terrain and the trail is very steep and exposed for most of the day. Your fitness level must meet the challenges of the hike. Hiking poles are required on this hike and will be provided by the Guide if needed (limited supply). This hike is not advised for people with fear of heights or exposure.

      • All hikers in your group must be prepared for:
        • A minimum of 7 hours in the back-country.
        • Rugged, steep ground, with 795 metres (2610 feet) elevation gain, then 795 metres (2610 feet) elevation loss as you return to the parking lot. This hike is the equivalent of climbing up and down all the stairs in a 234 story building.
        • Snow or heavy rains.
        • Slippery and muddy conditions on steep, gravelly and possibly, wet trails.
        • Negotiating exposed steep slopes.
        • Rocky mountain climate. The weather in Yoho National Park is localized and changeable and summer weather extends from mid-June to mid-September. The mean temperature during this period is 12.5° C (54.5 F), with average high temperatures of 20° C (68 F) and low temperatures of 5° C (41 F). Above 1500m (5000 feet) elevation, freezing temperatures and snow are common in the summer. Incidents of hypothermia and physical injury increase significantly during cold and wet periods.
        • Accidents and injuries.

      • The Mount Stephen Hike is for hikers who are:
        • Able to hike long distances through rough and steep terrain.
        • Able to handle 795 metres (2610 feet) elevation gain and loss over 8 km (5 miles).
        • Comfortable with being on steep exposed mountainsides.

      • The Mount Stephen Hike should not be considered by:
        • Children under eight are NOT ALLOWED; baby carriers and strollers are NOT allowed on this hike. NO EXCEPTIONS.
        • People with fear of heights or exposure.
        • Those with little stamina or recurring knee, back or ankle injuries.

    • 3) Kootenay Fossils Revealed: Burgess Shale Stanley Glacier Hike (easier): This family-friendly guided hike is moderately difficult. Most of the hike is on a well maintained trail.

      • All hikers in your group must be prepared for:
        • A minimum of 7.5 hours in the back-country.
        • Trail conditions: The first 4 km (2.4 miles) of the trail is excellent and well maintained. The final sections to the fossil site include 800 m (874 yards) of rocky trail and 200 metres (218 yards) of walking on a gentle slope where rocks may move underfoot.
        • Trail difficulty: the trail is moderately difficult, e.g., equivalent to climbing all the stairs up and down again in a 110 story building over 10 km (6.3 mile) in distance.
        • Snow or heavy rains.
        • Slippery conditions on steep, gravelly and possibly, wet trails.
        • Rocky mountain climate. The weather in Yoho National Park is localized and changeable and summer weather extends from mid-June to mid-September. The mean temperature during this period is 12.5° C (54.5 F), with average high temperatures of 20° C (68 F) and low temperatures of 5° C (41 F). Above 1500m (5000 feet) elevation, freezing temperatures and snow are common in the summer. Incidents of hypothermia and physical injury increase significantly during cold and wet periods.
        • Accidents and injuries.

      • The Kootenay Fossils Revealed Stanley Glacier Hike is for hikers who are:
        • Able to hike 10 km (6.3 miles) through some rough terrain.
        • Able to handle 450 metres (1476 feet) elevation gain and loss over 10 km (6.3 miles).
        • Over 8 years of age. Baby carriers and strollers are not allowed on this hike.

      • The Kootenay Fossils Revealed Stanley Glacier Hike should not be considered by:
        • Children 0 to 5 years are NOT ALLOWED; baby carriers and strollers are NOT allowed on this hike. NO EXCEPTIONS..
        • Youth under 8 are not recommended due to trip length and difficulty.
        • Those without sufficient stamina.

      • NOTE- All hikes are offered in English only.

  • Equipment:

    Musts:

    • To enjoy your Burgess Shale Guided Hike experience and be comfortable you must bring the following:

      • Sturdy boots. High quality hiking boots with good ankle and arch support are required. Rubber soles provide better traction on rocks and slippery surfaces than hard Vibram soles. Do not break in new boots on this hike. Bring extra wool socks.

      • Waterproof rain suit and warm clothing. Quality waterproof jacket and pants, coupled with a NON COTTON layering system are the most effective. Under-layers should be quick drying and keep you warm even when wet, such as wool or fleece. Bring a warm winter hat and winter gloves, as well as sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

      • Food and Water. Bring multiple snacks, a hearty lunch and at least 2 litres (1/2 gallon) of water per person.

      • Other Musts. Hiking poles. Sturdy and supportive backpack with waist belt. Personal medical supplies, blister kit and reading glasses (if you need them).

  • Require additional information?

    Reservation:

    • Standby list: Standby spots may be available on a first come, first served basis on the morning of the hike. Please show up at the hike start location by 6:45 am for Walcott Quarry and Mount Stephen hikes and 7:45 am for Stanley Glacier hikes.

    • Reservations: May be made online starting January 2020 for the 2020 season.

    • 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783) 8 am to 6 pm local park time or https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/

    • When making a reservation, have the following ready:

      • preferred hike dates – first choice and alternate dates
      • names and contact information for all hikers in your group (maximum group size is 12 - 10% discount for groups reserving all 12 available spaces at the same time for the same hike)
      • email address to send confirmation and orientation information to
      • means of payment: Visa, MasterCard or American Express

    • There is room on each hike for one Volunteer Hike Assistant, who helps the Guide by escorting clients off the hike if necessary and may be required to assist in emergency situations. Eligible hike assistants include Parks Canada staff, Park Ambassadors (official Volunteers), locals and members in good standing of the Interpretive Guides Association. Hike Assistants must be experienced mountain hikers. Please contact Yoho National Park after May 1 at 250-343-6783 or yoho.info@pc.gc.ca if you would like to apply to be a Volunteer Hike Assistant on any Burgess Shale hike.

    Maps

    Directions to Park

    Transportation to area:

    Local weather:

    Local amenities:

  • Terms and definitions
    Site-specific
    Guests select the specific campsite or accommodation when they make their reservation. All front-country camping reservations made through the Parks Canada Reservation Service (PCRS) are site-specific reservations.
    Operating season (nights)
    The "operating season" is the nights that the campground is open. Sometimes the campgrounds are open for longer than the period for which they accept reservations. Any dates of the "operating season" outside of the "Reservable Period" are dates that the campground operates on a first come, first served basis only.
    Reservable period (nights)
    The "reservable period" is the nights for which you can make a camping or accommodation reservation. Note that many campgrounds may be open longer than this period, and operate outside of these dates on a first-come, first-served basis.
    Kiosk
    The administration/entrance booth of a particular campground, this is where you "check-in" and register your arrival.
    Vehicle
    Car, truck, motorcycle, truck-camper, motorhome, or recreational vehicle. A motor home pulling another vehicle may count as two vehicles.
    Camping unit
    Tent, tent-trailer, truck-camper, trailer, 5th wheel, motorhome or recreational vehicle.
    Serviced site

    Refers to a campsite offering either electrical, water, and/or sewer hook-ups or any combination of these services directly on the campsite. Fully-serviced sites offer electrical, potable water, and sewer hook-ups. "Unserviced" sites do not offer any of these hook-ups.

    The terms "serviced" and "unserviced" refer to the individual campsites; they do not refer to the washroom facilities or other amenities available at the campground.

    Drive-through site
    Campsite where the driver does not have to reverse their vehicle to exit (there is a separate entrance and exit to the individual campsite). Ideal for larger vehicles and trailers.
    Walk-in site
    Campsite which requires some degree of walking to access the site, and therefore requires a tent. Vehicle will be parked a short distance away.
    Overflow site
    Overflow campsites vary from park to park, and may range from a paved area to park a camping unit (not generally suitable for tents) to a more traditional, grassy site. They are unserviced and are not reservable.
    Accessible site
    A campsite which is accessible to guests with limited mobility.
    Firepit

    A designated structure for campfires located on a campsite. Check availability, as not all campsites offer a fire pit. In some parks, a fire permit is required to have a fire.

    In some parks, only communal firepits are available, and access is shared with other guests.

    Fire permit
    In some campgrounds, guests will require a valid fire permit to have a campfire. A fire permit may include firewood. Please refer to the ‘Fire policy’ section of the QRT for individual campground policies.
    Firewood
    In some campgrounds firewood is sold by the bundle, whereas in others a fire permit may give the holder access to the campground wood pile. Please refer to the ‘Fire policy’ section of the QRT for individual campground policies.
    First-come, first-served site
    Campsites that are available on a first come, first served basis only. These sites are only available to guests who are physically located at the campground. These sites cannot be registered over the telephone or on-line. These campsites may be available for only 1 night or for multiple nights depending on availability.
    Shoulder season
    Shoulder season refers to the season before and after the peak season. While many campgrounds remain open outside of their peak season, the services offered during this period may be limited (please check with the park for more details).
    Entrance pass
    A valid National Park Entrance Pass is required for all visitors to National Parks that have entry fees.
    Daily entrance pass
    A daily entrance pass permits visitor’s unlimited entry to the specified park on a per day basis for the period of time indicated.
    Annual/Seasonal entrance pass
    An annual or seasonal entrance pass permits visitor’s unlimited entry to the specified park for the period of time indicated.
    Parks Canada Discovery pass
    The Parks Canada Discovery Pass permits visitors unlimited entry to the participating Parks Canada national parks and national historic sites across Canada, for a period of 12 months.

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