
Preparation from Home
1) Research - Knowing what to
expect while traveling in the backcountry will help you deal with situations calmly and
intelligently. Choose several trails or routes in case you need to change your plans
because of adverse trail conditions or closures. There are several guides specific to
hiking in Banff National Park that are excellent resources for planning your trip.
2) Permits - You are required
to have a Personal Use Permit, Wilderness Pass and any other permits required BEFORE you
travel into the backcountry. The funds collected from the Wilderness Pass and other
permits are crucial to the continued maintenance and provision of services associated with
them.
3) Backcountry Regulations
& Minimum Impact Camping - Regulations applying to backcountry use are designed to
protect the park visitor as well as the park. Onus is placed upon the visitor to be
familiar with these regulations.
4) Reservations - Although few
in numbers, some backcountry campgrounds as well as the Egypt and Bryant Huts, operate on
a quota system to help reduce the human impact on an area. Check to make sure if your
route contains one so as to make appropriate arrangements and avoid disappointment.
5) Topographic Maps &
Compass - Learn how to use these before arriving. Trail conditions can vary greatly from
one area of the park to another. In more remote areas of the park trails are much less
defined demanding expert route finding skills. Adverse weather conditions can also alter
the landscape unexpectedly, requiring you to find your own way to safety, regardless of
where you are in the backcountry. Purchase maps now from the Friends of Banff to give
yourself plenty of time to plan your route.
6) Equipment - Having proper
equipment is essential for comfort and safety. Be diligent with research for this list. If
you dont have all the gear or dont want to bring all of it out, rentals are
available in town for a number of items. Contact the Tourism Bureau for rental details.
7) Getting to Trailheads -
Although the town of Banff is abundant with services, do not rely on having easy access to
trailheads. Many visitors to the Information Centers have to delay departure because they
have no readily available and/or affordable access to trailheads. Inquire with visitor
center staff as well as researching through guide books to help you make arrangements for
this, and/or to work in extra costs.
8) Groceries - There are
several large grocery shops in Banff to purchase supplies, a smaller shop in the town of
Canmore (30 kms east of Banff) also sells bulk dry-goods.
9) Physical & Mental
Conditioning - Get into shape, and build your endurance. If youve never carried a
heavy pack before, you may want to look at short trips to build up experience and
strength. Differences in elevation and climate can alter your performance, you may wish to
take a day or two to acclimatize before heading out on the trail.
Once You Arrive
Upon arrival you will need to
purchase your permits, adjust to elevation changes, pick-up any supplies, go over your
plan, and update yourself on the latest conditions for backcountry travel.
1) Visitor Center - There are
two in Banff National Park, one in the townsite of Banff and the other in the village of
Lake Louise. Check to find out hours of operation and exact location.
2) Weather Forecast - In the
mountainous region of Banff National Park, weather changes quickly and is difficult to
predict. Snow and freezing temperatures occur even in midsummer, particularly at higher
elevations. Heavy rainfalls may make river crossings difficult etc. The forecast may
severely alter your plans, make sure you get the latest update.
3) Trail Conditions - This
factor will also influence your decision on whether to forge ahead with your current
itinerary.
4) Warnings & Closures -
Some trails are closed due to wildlife conservation, animal activity, or natural hazards
like fire. Some trails may not be closed but have warnings placed upon them for similar
reasons that require extra caution when traveling on them. Where Warnings are in effect,
we strongly recommend choosing an alternate route.
5) Safety Registrations - If
you do not have anyone to check-in with in the immediate area, you may want to make use of
this service. The registration is voluntary and is available at no extra charge. What is
required: Route plan and itinerary of campsites (and potential campsites), alternative
routes, color & style of tent and packs, color/make & license plate number of
vehicle at trailhead (if using one), departure & return dates, contact person(s) in
case of emergency

Camping Banff National Park
Although these campsites are
situated in the beauty that is Banff; one can almost be guaranteed a less than quiet
experience in peak summer periods. Trailmonkey highly advises off-season visitations,
and/or backcountry adventuring! However, if you do find yourself in the need for a quick
camp fix, with all the trimmings, here's our campsite breakdown.
***Campgrounds in Banff National
Park are on a first come, first serve basis. Check out time is 11 a.m., so drop by then
and you will have a good chance at getting a site.
Tunnel Mountain Campground
2.4 km from Banff. Situated close to Banff
on Tunnel Mountain, within walking distance (or trolley distance) of downtown Banff.
Services, such as food, laundry and a waterslide are close by. There are 321 full service
sites in the Trailer Court, 188 power only, sites in Village II, plus 618 non-serviced
sites in Village I (4km from Banff). There is an unbelievable view of the valley, hoodoos,
and the Banff Springs Golf course. Tunnel Mtn. Village II is open year round.
Two Jack Main Campground
12 km from Banff. Camp in the wilderness,
beautiful wooded area, secluded campsites (381), lots of wildlife. Situated on the scenic
Minnewanka Lake loop drive. Explore the ruins of Bankhead, sheep in the area may be on the
roadways, so drive with care. Flush toilets, no showers. Kitchen shelters available.
Two Jack Lakeside Campground
Right across the road is a small (74) site
campground. Awake to the sound of water flowing and birds cooing. Showers available.
Castle Mountain Campground
34 km from Banff. 43 sites in a beautifully
wooded area. Close to a small store, gas bar and restaurant. Flush toilets, no showers,
kitchen shelters.
Protection Mountain Campground
48 km from Banff. 89 sites, great area for
hiking, lots of wildlife. No showers. Flush toilets.
Johnston's Canyon Campground
25 km from Banff. Across from Johnston's
Canyon is a picturesque campground of 132 sites. A creek flows nearby and the scenery is
awesome. Take a walk up Johnston Canyon, and view the two waterfalls. Lots of wildlife in
the area. Take the scenic route from Banff for wildlife sightings. Showers available.
Lake Louise Campground
58 km. from Banff. 189 drive-thru R.V.
sites with electric hook-up and 216 unserviced sites in the jewel of the Rockies. Try the
scenic route from Banff, past Johnston Canyon on the Bow Valley Parkway. The Campground is
1 km. from Lake Louise village and 4 km. from the Lake. NO showers.
Mosquito Creek Campground
24 km North of Lake Louise. 32 sites, see
the sandstone cliffs of Bow Peak. The rugged cliffs of Mount Hector dominate the southeast
skyline. Pit toilets, no showers. Open all year.
Waterfowl Lake Campground
57 km North of Lake Louise. 116 sites, the
bubbling Mistaya River enters Waterfowl Lake. A trail leads to Cirque and Chephren lakes
for great hiking. Flush toilets, no showers.
Rampart Creek
88 km North of Lake Louise. A small
campground with 50 sites on the way to the Columbia Icefield. Great area for viewing
wildlife, scenic grandeur. Pit toilets, no showers.
| Campgrounds |
Open |
Power, Water, Sewage |
Electric |
Primitive |
Shower |
Aprox. Fee
+
* $3 Fire
Permit |
| Tunnel
Mt. Trailer Court |
May 9 -Sept29 |
322 |
|
|
Shower |
$22.00 |
| Tunnel
Mt. Village I |
May 9 -Sept29 |
|
|
|
Shower |
$16.00
* |
| Tunnel
Mt. Village II |
YEAR ROUND |
|
189 |
|
Shower |
$19.00 |
| Two Jack
Main |
May16 -Sept 2 |
|
|
|
|
$13.00
* |
| Two Jack
Lakeside |
May16 -Sept 22 |
|
|
|
Shower |
$16.00
* |
| Johnston
Canyon |
May30 -Sept22 |
|
|
|
Shower |
$16.00
* |
| Castle
Mountain |
June20 -Sept 2 |
|
|
|
|
$13.00
* |
| Protection
Mountain |
June20 -Sept 2 |
|
|
|
|
$13.00
* |
| Lake
Louise Trailer |
YEAR ROUND |
|
189 |
|
|
$18.00 |
| Lake
Louise Tent |
May16 -Sept29 |
|
|
|
|
$14.00
* |
| Mosquito
Creek |
YEAR ROUND |
|
|
32 |
|
$10.00
* |
| Waterfowl |
June13 -Sept22 |
|
|
|
|
$13.00
* |
| Rampart
Creek |
June20 -Sept 2 |
|
|
50 |
|
$10.00
* |
|