BACKPACKING

Visit our new site for Banff and the Canadian Rockies

   
 
  The Front Ranges and the foothills in Banff National Park are a great introduction to what the park has to offer. These alone will satisfy you as to why people come from all over the world to travel through this spectacular park.Then, turn your attention to the Main Range, along the continental divide, where you'll find spectacular glaciers amongst the regions highest mountains.
 

Visit our new site for Banff and the Canadian Rockies

With approximately 1,600 km of trail in the park there is endless variety for everyone. In the most popular backcountry areas campsites are designated, no random camping is allowed. Within these areas, the trails are better maintained and the campsites have more amenities such as bear poles, tables, privies, and fire rings (where fires are permitted). There are 54 of these camping areas in the park. In less traveled or more remote areas you'll find that the trails are more rugged and random camping is permitted (certain restrictions apply). Be aware that you'll need expert route finding skills if you venture into these remote areas.

Anyone entering the backcountry should be very experience in the outdoors with a good knowledge of wilderness first aid and the resources to practice it. In addition, you must leave a detailed itinerary with someone you know or sign out a safety registration with the parks service before you depart. The best months for backcountry is in mid-May to mid-October. Remember that the summer is usually warm and comfortable but weather conditions in these mountains can change in an instant. Snow has been recorded even in July.

Tip and how/to's for safe backcountry travel
 
 
Visit our new site for Banff and the Canadian Rockies
Hostels in Banff Hostel Links General Huts in Banff
 
 
  • Larger scale map : Banff, Alberta from Natural Resources Canada.
  • General vicinity map of Banff , Alberta from Natural Resources Canada.
  • National scale map : Banff , Alberta from Natural Resources Canada.

Topographic maps and guidebooks can be obtained from the
Internet: Friends of Banff National Park.
E-mail: ldebie@banff.net
or at the Park Visitor Information, Centre 224 Banff Avenue, Box 1695 Banff, Alberta, T0L 0C0, Phone: 403-762-8918 / Fax: 403-762-2933

 
Anyone traveling in the backcountry is required to obtain a wilderness pass. Permits can be purchased at any of the park's visitor centers. The fee for the pass goes to the maintenance of trails, bridges and campsites in the backcountry, so consider it an investment in the park. This will ensuring access to the backcountry for years to come.
Visit our new site for Banff and the Canadian Rockies
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