PARK ACTIVITIES

NATURE WATCHING & PHOTOGRAPHY

Anywhere and any time, take a moment to stop and quietly observe your natural surroundings. Chances are you’ll find something of interest. It could be as grand as a mountain sunrise, as tiny as an alpine flower, or as exciting as finding cougar tracks in the snow...

SIGHTSEEING

We have scenic drives, roadside viewpoints, interpretive exhibits and easily-accessible strolls for people of all ages, abilities and interests. See MAP pages for details.

ON THE WATER

SWIMMING

There’s nothing more refreshing than a dip in a clear, cold mountain lake on a hot summer’s day. You probably won’t want to stay in for long, though!

SOAKING

At the other temperature extreme are the steaming mineral springs in Banff, Jasper, and Kootenay National Parks. What better way to relax after a day on the trail?

FISHING

The practice of catch and release angling is encouraged our cold waters cannot support large fish populations. You must have a National Park fishing license and follow all regulations.

BOATING

If you can buckle up a life jacket, you can enjoy a quiet canoe on a calm, alpine lake. Travel on mountain rivers, however, should only be attempted by well-informed and experienced paddlers. Motor boats are prohibited on most park waters.

SKATING

What could be more Canadian than skating on a frozen Rocky Mountain lake? Natural ice conditions in the parks are not monitored; make sure the ice is at least 15 cm (6 in) thick.

ON THE TRAIL

ON FOOT

Whether you hike, cross-country ski or snowshoe, hundreds of kilometres of trails - from easy to challenging - lead into this spectacular mountain scenery.

BY BIKE

Mountain bikes are permitted on certain park trails. When done safely and with respect, mountain biking can be a great way to ‘get out there’.

BY HORSE OR SLED

Take a couple of hours, or a few days, to explore the parks as the old-timers did. Guided horse trips, sleigh rides and dog-sledding are offered in some locations.

UNDER THE STARS

CAR CAMPING

Parks Canada offers a choice of about 30 road-accessible campgrounds throughout the six parks, providing a range of facilities from primitive to full service. First come, first served. Demand for the more ‘urban’ campgrounds is heavy in July and August. As campsites cannot be reserved in advance, please plan to arrive by early afternoon or consider staying at a more remote campground. See MAP pages for front-country campground locations, fees and amenities. NOTE: Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds only.

BACKPACKING

You’ll really get a taste of the wilderness if you spend a night or two out in it. Before heading out you must purchase a Wilderness Pass and obtain current safety information. Reservations may be required for the more popular backcountry campsites; these can be made up to 3 months in advance.

MOUNTAINEERING

Opportunities abound for experienced climbers, scramblers, and ski tourers. Or hire a guide, and learn as you go.

SKI AREAS

Banff NationalPark

Banif Mount Norquay (403) 762-4421

Skiing Louise (403) 522-3555

Sunshine Village (403) 762-6500

Jasper National Park

Marmot Basin (780) 852-3816

GUIDED ADVENTURES

Does your idea of a great vacation include learning and experiencing new things? Would you like to meet a local or two? If so, we have one simple suggestion:

Explore the parks with a local guide.

The Mountain Parks Heritage Interpretation Association wants you to get the most out of your trip, with the least impact on local nature and culture. Accreditation by this professional guides’ organization is a requirement of all hiking guides licensed by Parks Canada. Write to the Mountain Parks Heritage Interpretation Association, Box 900, Banff, Alberta T0L OCO.

http://www.parkscanada.gc.ca/np/np_e.htm

Parks by Area - Parks Canada