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EXPLORING THE BACKCOUNTRY BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING INFORMATION SOURCES

Most visitors to the backcountry of Banff National Banff Visitor Centre


Park are hikers. Travel by horseback or bicycle is also Passes, Permits and Campgrounds 224 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB
possible on designated trails. Reservations Camp in designated campgrounds as indicated tel 403-762-1556; fax 403-762-1551
Backcountry Trails in A Backcountry Permit and campground reservations on your Backcountry Permit and use the tent pads banff.vrc@pc.gc.ca
Cycling are mandatory for anyone planning an overnight trip provided to minimize impact on vegetation. The
Lake Louise Visitor Centre
Banff National Park maximum length of stay for any one campground is

L. Holleman
Cycling is permitted only on designated trails. For more Baker Lake into the backcountry of Banff National Park. It specifies
the campgrounds you have booked, as well as the three consecutive nights. Samson Mall, Hamlet of Lake Louise, AB
information on cycling in the park, ask for a biking trail
number of people (maximum 10) and tents in tel 403-522-1264; fax 403-522-1212
brochure at a Parks Canada Visitor Centre or online at
your group.
Bring a Cooking and Campfires ll.info@pc.gc.ca
parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-brochures. Fishing carabiner All backcountry travellers should carry a portable stove
A National Park Fishing Permit is your ticket to enjoy There are two ways to pay for your Backcountry for cooking. Campfires are permitted in metal fire rings For detailed trip planning information visit:
one of Banff National Park’s most rewarding traditions. Permit. For shorter trips, you can purchase your Random Camping provided at certain campgrounds, see reverse for map. parkscanada.gc.ca/banff
Horse Use Fishing is permitted during specified seasons in most
Backcountry Permit based on a nightly rate. If you will Random camping is permitted in designated areas If you have a campfire, use only deadfall, keep it small Guidebooks and topographic maps are available at
Horse travel is permitted throughout most of the park. spend more than 7 nights in the backcountry of Banff, only, see reverse for map. Make sure you camp 5 km and do not leave it unattended.
backcountry lakes, rivers and creeks, however some the Banff Visitor Centre and outdoor retailers and
If you are planning a trip with your own horse, visit Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho national parks this year, an or more from either the trailhead or any designated
areas are catch and release only. To fish in Banff bookstores in Banff and Lake Louise.
parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-horse for information on Annual Wilderness Pass is a better choice. campground. Pitch your tent at least 50 m from the trail
National Park, everyone aged 16 or older is required
where to ride and the required grazing permits, fees and at least 70 m away from the nearest water source.
to have a National Park Fishing Permit. Children All backcountry visitors, including annual Wilderness Cook and store food well away from your tent. If you
Environment Canada Weather Forecast:
and regulations. This website also provides links to under 16 do not require a permit but must be 403-762-2088
Pass holders, must make reservations for overnight have a campfire, remove all trace before moving on.
companies offering guided horseback trips within accompanied by a permit holder 16 years of age or weather.gc.ca
backcountry trips, specifying which campgrounds or
the park. older. These permits can be purchased at a Parks shelters you will stay at on which dates. Reservations Avalanche Bulletin (winter only):
Canada Visitor Centre or at most local retail outlets that can be made in person at Parks Canada Visitor Washing parksmountainsafety.ca
Climbing, Mountaineering and sell angling supplies. Centres in Banff and Lake Louise, or by calling Food Storage 50 metres Wash well away from any water sources and keep the
Glacier Travel For regulations visit 403-762-1556 in Banff or 403-522-1264 in At least 4 m from ground and 1.3m
Sleeping area
use of soap to a minimum (even biodegradable soaps Banff Dispatch:
To avoid attracting bears and other wildlife to your from the top and side supports tres 403-762-1470
parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-brochures Lake Louise, up to three months in advance of your me are pollutants). When washing dishes, strain the bits
Mountaineers require a Backcountry Permit to campsite, all food, garbage, toiletries and cooking 50
or pick up a copy of the Fishing Regulations Summary trip. Advance reservations are highly recommended of food waste and pack them out. Disperse strained
bivouac, and may do so in non-vegetated areas only. equipment must be suspended from the food storage In case of EMERGENCY, call 911 or Banff Dispatch
P. Zizka

brochure from any Parks Canada Visitor Centre. for July and August. A non-refundable reservation fee water on the land.
Alternatively, the Alpine Club of Canada cables provided at designated campgrounds. For at 403-762-4506, but remember cell phone reception
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Seasonal closures may be in effect for some lakes to applies to all bookings.
(403-678-3200, alpineclubofcanada.ca) operates areas where random camping is permitted bring bear- in the backcountry is not reliable.
allow fish populations to recover from over-fishing and
several mountaineering huts in the park that are ideally You will also require a National Park Day Pass or resistant canisters, rope or hang your food downwind
these are generally not posted at the lake, so you must
located for mountaineers. annual National Park Discovery Pass to enter of your campsite as illustrated on right. Cooking/eating area © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada
be familiar with the regulations. Catalogue: R64-445/2016E
Également offert en français
Banff National Park. ISBN #: 978-0-660-02419-6

BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL SHELTERS, HUTS, AND LODGES BACKCOUNTRY ETIQUETTE SAFETY


Banff National Park is a very special place
to enjoy a backcountry experience. As a
Skoki Lodge National Historic Site
backcountry user, you can access treasured Stay on the Trail Collecting Natural or Cultural Checklist
natural wonders not seen by most park Rustic trail shelters located at Egypt Lake and Bryant When planning a trip into the backcountry of Banff
visitors—and experience them without the Creek can be booked through the Parks Canada
Shortcutting between trail switchbacks damages both Objects National Park, at least one person in your party
the soil and vegetation. This not only impacts the Select a trip which best suits your group’s
crowds associated with the park’s more Visitor Centres in Banff or Lake Louise. Leave all rocks, fossils, horns, antlers, wildflowers, should be able to recognize natural hazards and have  abilities, experience, interests, equipment and
area, but also makes it susceptible to further damage nests and other natural or historic objects where they
accessible attractions. experience in wilderness first aid. Caution and self-
Alpine huts maintained by the Alpine Club of Canada
by erosion. are for others to enjoy. It is unlawful to remove, deface, the time you have available.
reliance are essential.
This guide is designed to help you plan a are available to club members and non-members. damage or destroy any natural or cultural resources
Familiarize yourself with the hike you have
safe and enjoyable visit of Banff National Reservations are required: 403-678-3200 or within Canada’s national parks. Giardia lamblia is a water borne parasite that can be  selected by using guidebooks and topographic
Park’s backcountry, while keeping the natural alpineclubofcanada.ca Garbage present in any surface water. Boil, filter or chemically
treat all water before drinking.
maps.
environment as healthy as possible. If you pack it in—pack it out. Littering is unlawful and

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There are four commercial lodges located in the For information on low-impact backcountry travel, visit: Howard Douglas Lake
hazardous to wildlife. Do not dispose of garbage in Obtain all required permits from a Parks
leavenotrace.ca
backcountry of Banff National Park. For reservations outhouses. Ticks carrying Lyme disease may be present in the park.  Canada Visitor Centre.
and information: banfflakelouise.com. Learn how to protect yourself and pets.
 Check weather conditions prior to departure.
Shadow Lake Lodge Red paintbrush Dogs are considered as either predator or prey by many
North Molar Pass shadowlakelodge.com
Human Waste Share the Trail wild animals. This can provoke confrontations with Be prepared to be self-sufficient in all weather
Use the outhouses provided. If there are no outhouses, Backcountry trails are shared by hikers, trail runners, wildlife and may affect your safety, so consider leaving  conditions and emergency situations.
Skoki Lodge select a spot away from trails, campsites and at least mountain bikers and horseback riders. Please your dog at home. Dogs must be kept under control
skokilodge.com 70 m away from water sources. Dig a hole 12 to respect other users and yield the right of way to and on a leash at all times. Ensure a friend or family member knows your
16 cm deep to reach the dark-coloured biologically ensure safety. If you wish to avoid trails that are  travel plans.
active soil layer. When filling the hole with soil, do not busier due to shared use, plan ahead and check with Any wild animal can become aggressive if it feels
Sundance Lodge threatened. Keep a distance of at least 30 m from most
 Before starting your hike, check the trailhead
pack it down. Pack out toilet paper and used feminine staff at a Parks Canada Visitor Centre.
Halfway Lodge hygiene products. species and at least 100 m from bears. Carry bear spray kiosk or the Parks Canada trail report for trail
horseback.com at all times, keep it accessible and know how to use it. conditions, important updates or restrictions.
Share the trail parkscanada.gc.ca/banfftrails
Learn how to reduce the risk of bear encounters by
reading wildlife brochures available at all Parks Canada
L. Holleman

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Visitor Centres or visit


parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-bears.

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Partageons le sentier

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
What to Expect Whistling Pass

In more popular and accessible areas of Banff’s


backcountry, you will find maintained hiking trails and
designated campsites with outhouses, tent pads, Two Day Trips Three Day Trips Four Day or Longer Trips
food storage cables, picnic tables and metal fire rings Marvel Lake Sunshine – Vista Lake
where fires are allowed. More remote areas of the park Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail Egypt Lake 40 km
Assiniboine Loop
provide a greater opportunity for solitude, although 8 km one way; elevation gain: nil 12.4 km one way; elevation gain: 655 m Campsites: E13 Egypt Lake (night 1); Re14 Shadow Lake
55 km
trails may not be regularly maintained and hikers must Campsite: Lm8 Aylmer Pass Junction. Campsite: E13 Egypt Lake or Egypt Lake trail shelter. (night 2); Tw7 Twin Lakes (night 3).
Campsites: Br 14 McBride’s Camp (night 1); Lake Magog
be self-reliant. Route finding and navigation skills Topographic map: 82 O/6. Gem Trek recreational Topographic map: 82 O/4. Topographic maps: 82 O/4, 82 N/1.
Campground or the BC Parks trail shelter, Mt. Assiniboine
are required and hikers should be prepared to safely

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map: Banff and Mount Assiniboine Gem Trek recreational map: Banff and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park (nights 2 and 3) where separate BC Parks Gem Trek recreational map: Banff and Mount Assiniboine
ford streams. Pre-trip planning and preparedness is A popular early or late season hike or bike along the Hike from the Sunshine Village ski area parking lot A series of high country trails link the Sunshine Village
campground fees will be collected on-site; Br 13 Marvel Lake,
essential for travel in the backcountry. ski area (access via foot or the privately run shuttle) to

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lakeshore. The trail departs from the trailhead at the via Healy Pass to the Egypt Lake Campground or or stay at the Bryant Creek trail shelter (night 4). Mystic Pass
Lake Minnewanka Day-use Area and returns by the trail shelter. Stay two nights if possible to explore the the Vista Lake viewpoint on Highway 93S. Explore the
Topographic maps: 82 J/14, 82 J/13. Sunshine – Assiniboine – Bryant Creek
Egypt Lake area en route. After climbing over Gibbon
When to Go same route. During the summer, Lake Minnewanka is a
popular destination for motorboats. Stay an extra night
wonders of the area. Gem Trek recreational map: Banff and Mount Assiniboine
The trail begins and ends at the Mt. Shark trailhead
55.7 km
Campsites: Porcupine Campground, Mt. Assiniboine Provincial
Pass, the trail meanders past a series of scenic lakes
and explore Aylmer Pass or Aylmer Lookout. Skoki Loop before the final ascent to the highway. Sawback Trail
The main hiking season in Banff National Park is in Spray Valley Provincial Park. Travel through three Park (night 1); Lake Magog Campground, Mt. Assiniboine 74 km
from May to October. Until late June, many trails at Seasonal restrictions in area during buffaloberry 34 km; elevation gain: 1,136 m contiguous protected areas and behold the beauty of Provincial Park (night 2), where separate BC Parks Campsites: Fm 19 Mystic Junction (night 1); Jo 9 Larry’s
higher elevations remain snow-bound. Stream flows season (July 10-September 15). Campsites: Sk11 Baker Lake (night 1); Sk18 Merlin Meadows the sixth highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies campground fees will be collected on-site; Br 13 Marvel Lake camp (night 2); Jo 18 Johnston Creek or Jo 19 Luellen Lake
are highest during June and July; more remote trails (night 2). (Mt. Assiniboine). or Br 14 McBride’s Camp (night 3). Sunshine Meadows
Glacier Lake (night 3); Jo 29 Badger Pass (night 4); Ba 15 Wildflower Creek
have few bridges and require stream fording. July and Topographic maps: 82 N/8, 82 N/9, 82 O/5, 82 O/12. Seasonal trail restrictions on Allenby Pass and Topographic maps: 82 O/4, 82 J/14, 82 J/13. Gem Trek
8.9 km one way; elevation gain: 210 m (night 5); Sk 11 Baker Lake (night 6).
August are the prime backcountry hiking months, Gem Trek recreational map: Lake Louise – Yoho Assiniboine Pass during buffaloberry season. recreational map: Banff and Mount Assiniboine
Campsite: Gl 9 Glacier Lake. Topographic maps: 82 O/4, 82 O/5, 82 N/8.
although even in summer snow is not uncommon at Beginning at the Fish Creek trailhead (near the Lake This trip is best suited for parties with two vehicles. Mt.
Topographic map: 82 N/15. Gem Trek recreational map: Banff and Mount Assiniboine
higher elevations. September is generally drier than Louise ski area) this trip starts with a 4 km hike up the Assiniboine can be reached from the Sunshine Village
Gem Trek recreational map: Bow Lake This trip takes you over three spectacular mountain
July and August, although temperatures are lower and Ski Louise maintenance road (no vehicle access). Climb ski area via the alpine meadows of Citadel Pass. Either
Saskatchewan Crossing passes. The trail traverses a good portion of Banff
there is a greater chance of snowfall. over aptly named Boulder Pass and pass by Ptarmigan walk up the Sunshine Village ski area maintenance
A popular early season hike that departs from a National Park, linking the Town of Banff with the
Lake before descending to Baker Lake. The second road (no vehicle access) or ride the privately run shuttle
trailhead north of Saskatchewan Crossing on the hamlet of Lake Louise. Trailheads are located at Mt.
Regardless of the season, the weather in Banff day involves travelling around Fossil Mountain and past up the 6.5 km to the base village. The trip exits via
Icefields Parkway (93N) which brings hikers to a Norquay ski area and the Fish Creek trailhead (near
National Park is unpredictable. Being prepared Skoki Lodge National Historic Site to Merlin Meadows. Bryant Creek at the Mt. Shark trailhead in Spray Valley
campsite at one of the largest backcountry lakes in the Lake Louise ski area). Portions of this area are
for rain, snow or high winds at any time of year is After climbing Deception Pass, re-join the access trail Provincial Park.
Banff National Park. frequented by commercially guided horse trips.
especially important in the backcountry. at Ptarmigan Lake. Seasonal trail restrictions on Allenby Pass and Various routes are possible, a suggested 7-day itinerary

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Assiniboine Pass during buffaloberry season. is provided above.


Lake Magog
LEGEND
Jasper 93N
National Snow
Dome
Random Camping Area — Stream fording required
Park
Nigel
Pass
Sunwapta Hiking Trail — Horses may be present
Pass
Mount
Athabasca
Hiking Trail — Frequent11Horse Use
Parker
Ridge
Nordegg
Suggested Itineraries (see description on reverse)
Castleguard White Goat
Mountain
Wilderness Backcountry Campground — Fires permitted
93N Area Sp6
CS
Backcountry Campground — Fires not permitted
Mount Br17
Saskatchewan
Trailhead Parking Lot
Mount
Coleman
Pinto
Lake
Sunset Commercial Accommodation
No

Pass
rth

Sa
sk
atc
h ew
an R
No5 iver
Parks Canada Backcountry Shelter
Abraham
Mount Lake
Amery
Nor

Alpine Club of Canada hut


th Sa
sk
atche

Mount Ernest
Lyell Peak
wan River

Bighorn
Mount
Wilson Backcountry
Public Land
Colu

Alb

Mount
Briti bia

Erasmus
Use Zones
erta

Saskatchewan
m
sh

Crossing 11
Glacier Lake
Gl9 N
Howse River

Mount
ver

Forbes
Mount
Mista y a Ri

Sarbach Corona
Ridge
Totem
Coronation
Mountain
Tower
0 10 20
Freshfield
Lake Mount
Waterfowl
Lake Kilometres
Chephren
Chephren
Siffleur
Mount
Freshfield
Howse
Pass
Lake
Wilderness
Area
Mistaya
Lake
Mount
Noyes
Icefall
Mountain
Peyto
Lake Mount
Sf Malloch
Peyto
Hut Clearwater r
Mountain r Rive
ate
arw
Cle
Bow
Lake Katherine
Lake
Bow
Hut
Condor
Peak
Mo5
Creek
Banff
ito
squ

Balfour
Mo

Hut
National Tomahawk
Mountain
Park
Yoho Hector
Lake
Mo18
National
Park He5
Mount Ya Ha
McConnell Tinda
Mo16
Mount Ranch
Daly
er
v
Bow

Ri
eer

NOTE TO USERS
93N
River

dD

Mount
Re

Drummond
Cyclone
Mountain
r
ve
Ri Merlin Sk18 Snow Creek
ne

This publication is a summer trip planning tool. It is not Ridge Pass


Pipesto

suitable for navigation. The map features officially Skoki


Sk19
Lodge Douglas
maintained hiking trails in Banff National Park, plus Field Lake
commonly used access routes from outside of the park.
Mount
For information on trails and required permits outside of Sk5 Douglas
Hamlet Lake Louise
Banff National Park, consult with the appropriate land of Lake Ski Area
authorities. For information on winter use of Louise Heather Sk11
ay Ridge nth
er River Dormer
backcountry trails in Banff National Park, visit a Parks Pa
Mountain
w

Lake k
gh

re e
Canada Visitor Centre or parkscanada.gc.ca/banff. Louise lC
Hi

Mount
rra

Abbot
a

Victoria
ad

Co

Pass
an

Have ideas or information to improve this trail guide? Hut


s-C

95 Ba15
Email: banff.vrc@pc.gc.ca k
n
Tra

ee
Cr

Pa8
ker

Pulsatilla
Ba

Trail restrictions Pass


Mount
Contains information licensed under the in area
Temple 1A Bonnet
Open Government Licence – Alberta. Peak
Badger Bighorn
Moraine
Lake
Pass
Flints Backcountry
Mount
Jo29 Public Land
Use Zones
sh
on lea

Taylor
Cr31
bles

Lake Ta6 Cr37


ge ca
itted

Jo18
Kootenay

Casc
Rockbound
Boom Castle Lake
perm

stora

ad
Lake Mountain Jo19 Sawback Fm29
National
ilets

eR
Lake
s
Hiking

Biking

Castle
Horse

ive
Dogs

Food
Pit to

Fires

Mountain

r
Campgrounds Eastings Northings Sites Notes Park Hut
Joh
nston Cree
Bryant District − Banff
Br17 Allenby Junction 601167 5641943 5 Don Getty
k
Br9 Big Springs 607078 5637159 5 Jo9
Ghost River Wildland
Cr15
Us15 Birdwood 610597 5627882 5 Storm
Mountain
Wilderness Provincial
Bw10 Brewster Creek 594319 5660210 5 93S
Twin Tw7
Lakes
Fm19
Area Park
Mi22 Elk
Us18 Burstall (Leman Lake) 611746 5624720 5 Bo1c Lake
Cr eek
Br13 Marvel Lake 604389 5638903 10 No fishing
arth Ek13 Mount
de
Re6 R e Aylmer
Br14 McBride’s Camp 604026 5639892 10
Mount
Cr6 Trail restrictions
Sp6 Spray River (Mount Rundle) 602964 5665092 10 Ball 1A
in area
Re14 Pilot
Egypt District − Banff Shadow Mountain Fm10
Lake
Re21 Ball Pass Junction 572219 5665410 5 Re21 Lodge Lm9
Egypt Re16

ek
Egypt Lake Lm8

Cre
Lake
E13 577142 5662446 5 Shelter Mt. Norquay
Cascade Lm11
Mountain er

e
Ri v
il

La
Ski Area de
M
E5 Healey Creek 582419 5661010 5 ca

rty

ke
Fo

s
Ca

Mi
E13

nne
Su8 Howard Douglas 587919 5654809 5

wan
Healy Mount
Re6 Lost Horse Creek 578319 5671610 5 Pass Bourgeau

ka
Lm22
Lm20
Re14 Shadow Lake 573804 5669106 5 E5 Healy Creek
Hawk Sunshine Sundance
Tw7 Twin Lakes 571219 5673910 5 Ridge Village Canyon Lm31
Simpson Sulphur
Pass Ski Area
Re16 Pharao Creek 576719 5665610 5 Sundance
Mountain Town of
Twin
Lodge Banff
Lake Minnewanka District − Banff Cairns
* July 10 - Sept 15: no dogs,
Lm9 Aylmer Canyon* 611002 5682104 5 no bikes, bear spray and Quartz
Hill Sp6
groups of 4 required,
Lm8 Aylmer Pass Junction* 609719 5681710 10 Lm8 closed
Bw10
Mount
Rundle
Lm31 Ghost Lakes 620920 5679110 5 Su8 Canmore
Bow Valley

ek
Sp
Nordic
Mount Costigan* 5678510
ra
Lm20 618620 5

Brewster Cre
* July 10 - Sept 15: no dogs,
y
Centre
Wildland

Ri
no bikes, bear spray and Provincial

v er
Lm11 Mount Inglismaldie* 612419 5681710 5 groups of 4 required Citadel Park
Lm22 The Narrows* 619995 5679356 5
Peak
Provincial
Trail
Cascade District − Banff
Restrictions Park
Kootenay in Area
Jo29 Badger Pass Junction 573619 5693010 5 Crossing Canmore
Mount
Cr37 Block Lakes Junction 581419 5693710 5 Halfway
Assiniboine Lodge
Bow River 5677203
Bo1c 580127 5 95
River access only
Provincial Goat
Cascade Bridge 602119 5682910
Cr6 5 Park Pond
Tr
an La
Ek13 Elk Summit 595019 5681910 5 s -C

cd
a nad s Arcs
a Hig

e
Cr31 Flint’s Park 586053 5696064 5 Assiniboine hway
Lodge Trail restrictions
Jo18 Johnston Creek 577019 5688410 5 Mount in area
Lake
Jo9 Larry’s Camp 581990 5683278 10 No fishing Magog
Allenby
Bow Valley Wildland
Br17
Jo19 Luellen Lake 576319 5688410 5
Provincial
Mount Cockscomb 5676810
Mount
Bryant Creek
Shelter
Br14 Park Barrier

r
Fm10 592219 5

voi
Assiniboine Lake

s er
Marvel Lake
Fm19 Mystic Junction 589533 5683762 5

Re
s
ke
Mi22 Mystic Valley 588203 5682330 5

La
Br
Owl an Br9 ra

y
Sp

y
t
Fm29 Sawback Lake 586619 5690410 5 Marvel Lake Br13

Cr
Pass

ee
No bikes after the junction
Cr15 Stoney Creek 5

k
597596 5689502 before Cr15
Skoki Area − Lake Louise

Alb
Baker Lake Mount Spray Valley

Colu
Sk11 567200 5704900 10

Briti bia
40

erta
Shark
Sk5 Hidden Lake 562661 5703280 10 Trailhead Provincial

sh
m
93S
Sk18 Merlin Meadows 563298 5709414 10 Park
Sk19 Red Deer Lakes 566341 5710081 10 Radium
Ba15 Wildflower Creek 568600 5700300 5 Hot
Springs Us15
Moraine Lake − Lake Louise
Pa10 Paradise Valley 552259 5689661 10
Leman
Us18
Burstall
Peter
Ta6 Taylor Lake 563523 5683367 5 Lake
Pass
Lougheed
Icefields Parkway− Lake Louise
Provincial
Cs Castleguard N/A N/A 5 No fishing
Park
Mo18 Fish Lakes 555610 5721888 5 No fishing
Palliser Pass 66
Gl9 Glacier Lake 511415 5752781 5
He5 Hector Lake 546234 5714554 5
Mo16 Molar Creek 555500 5715400 5
Mo5 Mosquito Creek 548300 5724000 5
No5 Norman Lake 507081 5770382 5
Sf Siffleur River 544180 5735139 5

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