DAY HIKES IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY.
All garbage must be packed out, including diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, food waste and foil.
If you need to relieve yourself, select a spot well away from trails and at least 100 m from water sources. To dispose of human waste, dig a hole 12 to 16 cm deep with a stick, the heel of your boot or a small trowel. Make sure you reach the dark-coloured, biologically active soil layer. Fill the hole with soil afterward and do not pack it down. Use as little toilet paper as possible. Pack out used toilet paper or burn it if the fire hazard is not extreme.
LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND.
Rocks, fossils, horns, antlers, wildflowers, nests and all other natural or historical objects are protected by law. Leave them as you found them for others to discover and enjoy.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU HIKE IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK
PLAN AHEAD AND BE PREPARED.
- Check detailed trail descriptions in trail guide books. Guidebooks can be purchased from the Friends of Banff National Park.
The Canadian Rockies Trail Guide, 2000 (Brian Patton and Bart Robinson)
Classic Hikes in the Canadian Rockies, 1996 (Graeme Pole)
Backcountry Banff, 1997 and Hiking Lake Louise, 1999 (Mike Potter)
Banff - Assiniboine: A Beautiful World. Scenes, Tales, Trails, 1993 (Don Beers)
Purchase a topographic map.
Topographic maps provide detail for safe backcountry travel. Maps can be purchased from the Friends of Banff National Park.
Check the Weather Report
Mountain weather can change quickly and is difficult to predict. You need to be prepared for any and all weather conditions.
Check Trail Conditions
Trails may be temporarily closed for public safety or environmental reasons, for example, aggressive wildlife. Other trails may remain open but have warnings placed upon them for similar reasons. Be extra cautious when travelling on these trails.
Purchase a fishing permit
National Park Fishing Permits are required. Know the National Park Fishing Regulations.
Safety is your responsibility
The park is managed as a natural area, and hazards are part of the wilderness. You are ultimately responsible for your own safety, so please be careful. Hike with companions. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Bring enough food and water. Pack extra clothing in case the weather changes. Carry this guide with you. For more information about public safety, consult park staff.
Carry enough drinking water
At least one litre of safe drinking water on any hike, two litres or more if you are going to be out all day. Surface water can be contaminated with Giardia, an intestinal parasite.
TRAVEL ON DURABLE SURFACES.
Please take the extra steps and stay on the trail. Shortcutting between trail switchbacks damages the soil and plant life, and causes erosion and trail maintenance problems.
Hiking Banff Trail Reports
Hiking Banff
Hiking Banff Trails
Hiking Banff Trails PDF
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Hiking Jasper
Hiking Kootenay Trail Report
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