Camping in the

Banff Area
2023
Two Jack Main Campground

S. Martin

Également offert en français

 Planning Your Camping Experience

S. Martin
Banff area Two Jack Lakeside Lake
Minnewanka
Campground
N

Two Jack Main

Castle Mountain Campground
Campground

P. Zizka

P. Zizka
Two Jack Lake
Equipped Campsite oTENTik Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court Johnson Lake
Lake Tunnel Mountain


Louise Village I, Village II
Castle Johnston and Trailer Court
Junction Canyon Campgrounds Canmore


1A Bow Calgary
Valle
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) Town of
While in the park ... Hot Springs
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Trans-Ca
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Banff
 Hi ghw
For information on things to do during ay Bow Valley Parkway
Private motor vehicle access may be restricted on
your visit, view these guides online at Johnston Canyon portions of the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) to
protectwildlife and offer visitors a cycling experience.
parks.canada.ca/banff-brochures Campground Visit parks.canada.ca/banff-bow-valley-parkway
for current information.
or pick up copies at a Parks Canada
visitor centre.
Campsite reservations
Reservations are highly recommended for Banff area campgrounds. During the summer months, campgrounds are often
fully booked. Reserve your site at reservation.pc.gc.ca or dial toll free 1-877-737-3783 (1-877-RESERVE).

Dates of operation
Dates of operation vary from campground to campground and are available at parks.canada.ca/banffcamping and on
page 4 of this guide. Summer camping begins in early May, with all campgrounds open by late June. Demand is heaviest
from June through September.

Your pass to camping

Winter camping Campers must acquire the following permits to camp in Banff National Park:
Looking for a new experience? Tunnel • National park entry pass – available at the Banff East Gate, a Parks Canada visitor centre, or at campground kiosks.
Mountain Village II is open year-round for Also available online at banfflakelouise.com
camping. Bring an RV, or pack a tent, and • Camping permit – available online (reservation.pc.gc.ca), over the phone (1-877-RESERVE) or at the
enjoy the park under a layer of fresh snow. The campground kiosk. Upon arrival, check-in at the campground kiosk.
neighbouring campground, Tunnel Mountain • Fire permit – if you would like to have a fire, permits are available for a fee at the time of reservation or at the
Trailer Court, is a winter activity hub for cross- campground kiosk. Visit parks.canada.ca/banff-fire for wildfire and fire ban information.
country skiing, fat-biking, snowshoeing and
winter walking. Throughout the park, favourite More camping opportunities
summer trails become a wonderland of snow- Parks Canada operates 14 frontcountry campgrounds in Banff National Park, with 2 462 sites available
during the summer season. In addition to the seven campgrounds in this guide, the Lake Louise area offers additional
covered pines and white-capped mountains
options for camping, including campgrounds in close proximity to the community of Lake Louise and along the scenic
waiting to be explored. Icefields Parkway. Visit parks.canada.ca/banff-camping for more information.
Visit parks.canada.ca/banff-winter or the
AV Wakefield

Banff Visitor Centre for more information on Backcountry camping

winter activities. For backcountry camping, visit parks.canada.ca/banff-backcountry for more information and to book a site. Numerous
hike-in campgrounds are available throughout Banff National Park. All require a backcountry permit and a national park
entry pass.

2 3
Where to Camp Johnston Canyon Campground

Interpretive programs
Equipped campsites
Cooking shelter
132 sites

Drinking water
Full hook-up

Flush toilets

Reservable
Sani dump

Accessible
reservation.pc.gc.ca

Electrical

Showers

oTENTik
Firepit
Campgrounds Open dates Sites Only 25 km from the town of Banff, this campground is a good option for a more rustic and authentic camping experience.
Sites are available for tents and small RVs up to 27 feet (8.2 metres). Its central location, along the Bow Valley Parkway
618
Tunnel Mtn. Village I May 11 - Oct. 2  (Hwy 1A), provides access to the popular Johnston Canyon Trail. Roam Public Transit is available to the town of Banff
Open year-round during summer.
Tunnel Mtn. Village II
oTENTiks May 11 - Oct. 9  209

322
Tunnel Mtn. Trailer Court May 11 - Oct. 2  Evening theatre programs
380 Join park interpreters as they share stories and interesting facts about Banff National Park’s natural and cultural heritage.
Two Jack Main June 22 - Sep. 5  All programs are for adults and kids alike! These programs are included in your national park entry fee.
May 11 - Oct. 2 74
Two Jack Lakeside
oTENTiks May 11 - Oct. 2  Where: Bear’s Den Theatre at Johnston Canyon Campground (indoor theatre)
Visit the campground kiosk or parks.canada.ca/banff-interpretation for more information.
Johnston Canyon May 25 - Sep. 25  132

Castle Mountain To be determined 43

Take public transit
Campground closed for construction. All sites have N
a firepit.
Public transit is available to many top destinations and is free from most
campgrounds. Leave your car or RV at your site and come explore! Lake
Visit parks.canada.ca/banffcamping for the latest information and opening dates. Transit/shuttle info: Town of Banff parking: Louise
parks.canada.ca/banff-transit banffparking.ca
or explorethepark.ca
Maps:
Real-time Parks Canada info: Parks Canada visitor centre

43 sites parks.canada.ca/banffnow

Castle Mountain Campground Johnston Cr

eek
s to
67 66 65 Acces Canyon
68 s to n
39 37 John Trail
41 36
69
43
35 All sites have This campground is small and intimate. It offers 70
132
38 131
40 a firepit. rustic, no-service camping in a beautiful wooded 27 1
34 130
42 33 71
area along the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A). Just 72 2 Johnston
128 28 3
Lake
32
32 km from the town of Banff, the campground is 73 Canyon
1 2 31
129
Louise 64
suitable for tents or small RVs up to 24 feet 4
5
29

Bow Valley Parkway (

30
3
29
(7.3 metres). It is close to nearby attractions, such 74
63
4
5 28
as Silverton Falls and Johnston Canyon. Sites 75 30 62 6
7
31
7 6 are available on a first-come, first-served basis 76 127 61 8
27 32
9 only. Self-register as you enter Castle Mountain 77 126 33 60
9 26
8 78
Bow

Campground. Pay by leaving your credit card 125 34 59

24
25
11 10 79 80 35 58 11 10
information or bring exact cash.
Vall

124 36
81 82
37 57 56 12 23
ey P

13 12 26 84 13
Kiosk 83 123 55 54
a

Food locker 14 22

Hwy 1A)
rkw

14 25 86 53 52 15 21
85 122 17
88 50
ay

15
Self registration Recycling/Waste disposal 87 38 51
24 39 49
(Hw

121 16
16 89 90 18
40 47 20
y 1A

17 23 Notice board Firewood 120 48 19

91 92 41
18
Johnston
118
)

19 93 94 42 44 Canyon
Tents Trailer dumping 46
N

1A 119 116
95 114 112 45
20
RVs Accessible 96 117 43 1A
21 98 115
See page 4 for legend.
97 113
Trailers Theatre 100
99 102
Parking Accommodation 101 104 111
22 106 108
Toilet Snack Bar 103
110
105
107 109
Banff Showers Roam Public Transit stop

Cooking shelter No RVs Bow Valley Parkway:

Private motor vehicle access may be restricted on portions of the Bow Valley Parkway
Drinking water Trail (Hwy 1A) to protect wildlife and offer visitors a cycling experience. The campground can be Banff
accessed from the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) and 93 South (Hwy 93S) intersection.
Dish washing station
Visit parks.canada.ca/banff-bow-valley-parkway for current information.
Jason Leo Bantle/All In The Wild

Human food kills wildlife. Do not litter.

4 5
Two Jack Lakeside Campground Two Jack Main Campground
74 sites 380 sites
This is one of Banff’s most popular campgrounds. Located 10 km from the town This campground offers a more secluded and authentic camping
of Banff and close to Lake Minnewanka, this rustic, no-service campground is experience. Located just minutes from Lake Minnewanka and nearby
beautifully situated on the shore of Two Jack Lake. It is perfect for tents or small attractions, and 10 km from the town of Banff, this rustic, no-service
RVs up to 27 feet (8.2 metres) and offers some lakefront sites, 10 oTENTik sites, campground has scenic sites available for tents or RVs up to 24 feet
mountain views and access to the lake for non-motorized recreation. reservation.pc.gc.ca reservation.pc.gc.ca (7.3 metres), as well as Equipped Campsites.

All sites have Equipped camping Campground loops with red

a firepit. Lake Minnewanka Do you want to avoid the hassle of organizing and packing everything for your
numbers have firepits.

55 camping trip? No problem! Parks Canada offers Equipped Campsites at Two

54
Jack Main Campground where tent and camping essentials are provided on
52
56 site. All you need to bring is a sense of adventure and your personal items
53 Two Jack Lake including sleeping bag, cookware, dishes and food.
17

58 50
51 Visit parks.canada.ca/banff-equipped for more information.
57 N 15
48
60
59 49 46 16
61 47 44 14
62 45 32
63 43 42 20
64
40 Walk-in sites 28
65 41 30 29
67 39 26 27
10 Equipped
38 31
25 19 Campsites
66 21
70 35
33
68 71 24
37 34 30 18
23
69 9 4
22 20 34
72 36
Take public transit 73
21
19
29 24
3
28 22
Public transit is available to many top 11 7
destinations and is free from most 74 18 32
33
La

campgrounds. Leave your car or RV at your 16 2

site and come explore! 8
ke

17 23
Transit/shuttle info: 15
12
31
M

parks.canada.ca/banff-transit 27 25 13
14
inn

or explorethepark.ca
Real-time Parks Canada info: 36 1
ew

parks.canada.ca/banffnow 26 5
35
an

Town of Banff parking: 40

banffparking.ca N
ka

6 d
oa
Maps: 43
Ro

Parks Canada visitor centre 2 44 R

ka
ad

37
1 39
wan
4 ne
Lake Minnewanka

in
3

eM
You can prevent the spread of 38 41
42 Two Jack Lake

Lak
5 6
aquatic invasive species
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are non-native plants, 7 8
animals, and diseases that threaten Two Jack Lake and Banff
other freshwater ecosystems. Banff National Park is taking 9
10
extra steps to protect park waters from harmful AIS,
including invasive mussels and whirling disease. 11 Take public transit
It is mandatory that you CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your 12
Public transit is available to many top
watercraft and water-related gear before entering lakes and Kiosk oTENTik Cooking shelter Recycling destinations and is free from most
13 campgrounds. Leave your car or RV at your
rivers. Visit parks.canada.ca/Banff-Clean-Drain-Dry for site and come explore!
Tents Equipped campsites Food locker Firewood
more information on permits and AIS. Transit/shuttle info:
parks.canada.ca/banff-transit
RVs Toilet Waste disposal Trailer dumping or explorethepark.ca

See page 7 for legend. Banff Trailers Dish washing station Recycling/Waste Roam Public Real-time Parks Canada info:
parks.canada.ca/banffnow
disposal Transit stop
Town of Banff parking:
Trail Drinking water banffparking.ca
Maps:
Parks Canada visitor centre
J. Kearney

Do not leave food unattended. Put garbage in its proper place.

6 7
Tunnel Mountain Village II Campground Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court Campground
Located just 2.5 km from the town of Banff, this campground is perfect for
209 sites 322 sites This campground, located 2.5 km from the town of Banff, is for trailers
people wanting power without full hook-ups, and/or needing space for larger and larger units. Some sites can accommodate RVs that are 50+ feet (15+
units. Some sites can accommodate RVs that are 40+ feet (12+ metres). It is metres). The sites have full three-way hook-ups and are either single or
close to local attractions, offers three-season camping in 21 oTENTiks and shared sites. Enjoy mountain views, access to biking and hiking trails and a
year-round camping for tents and RVs. From the campground, you can enjoy reservation.pc.gc.ca reservation.pc.gc.ca bus service to town.
mountain views, a year-round bus service to town and access to hiking and
biking trails.
Kiosk Showers Trailer dumping Looking for something fun to do during
Evening theatre programs Tents Cooking shelter Parking the evenings?
Join park interpreters as they share stories and interesting facts about Banff National Park’s natural Come to an evening theatre program at the
RVs Dish washing station Theatre
and cultural heritage. All programs are for adults and kids alike! These programs are included in your Wolf’s Den Theatre in Tunnel Mountain
national park entry fee. Trailers Recycling/ Accessible Village II Campground.
Waste disposal
See page 8 for details.
Where: Wolf’s Den Theatre at Tunnel Mountain Village II Campground (indoor theatre) oTENTik Drinking water Roam Public Transit stop
Visit the campground kiosk or parks.canada.ca/banff-interpretation for more information. Toilet Firewood Trail

Campsites with red numbers

have firepits.

Take public transit

12
D 8
oTENTiks
A B C
Public transit is available to many top 13
destinations and is free from most 5
campgrounds. Leave your car or RV at your 10
14 11 846 848 850
site and come explore! 9 7 814 828 836 842 844
21 804 806 808 810 812 816 818 820 822 824 830 832 834
Transit/shuttle info: 16 6 4 802
parks.canada.ca/banff-transit
or explorethepark.ca
18 19
20 1 3
N 801 803 805 809 811 813 815 817 819
827
823 724 728
829 831 833 835
736 841 845 746
748
847 849
750
15 714 718 730 732 734
Real-time Parks Canada info: 17 702 704 710 712 716
2 733 747 749
parks.canada.ca/banffnow 727 729 731 735 741 743 745
715 717 719 721 723 646 648
Town of Banff parking: 701 703 705 707 709 711 713 618 620 622 624 628 630 632 634 636 642 644 650
606 608 610 612 614 616
banffparking.ca 602 604
7 631 645 647 649
Maps: 5 3 1 615 617 633 635 641 643
611 613 619 621 623 627 629 542 544 546 550
Parks Canada visitor centre 601 605 607 609 524 528 534 536 548
8 502 603 508 510 512 514 516 518 520 522 530 532
6 4 2 504 506
547 549
545

B
523 527 529 531 533 535 541
501 503 509 511 513 515 517 418 519 436 446 448
505 424 428 434 450
430 432

A
402 404 410 412 414 416
427 429 431 433 447 449
9 413 415 417 419 421 322 423 324 435 441 443 445
17 15 13 11 401 403 405 407 409 411 328 336 342 344 346 348 350
1 308 310 320 332 334
21
19 3 302 304 306 312 314 316 318 330
5 7
23 18 16 14 12 10 2 9 321 323 327 329 331 333 335 341 343 345 347 349
20 35 33 31 29 27 25 4 611
301 303 305 307 309 311 313 315 317 319
236 242 244 246 248 250
24 22 15 8 10 214 216 218 220 222 224 228 232 234
17 19 202 204 206 208 210 212 230
37 21 12
30 28 26

C
39 16 23 14 28 229
18 20 25 241 245 247 249
5
3 1 38
36
47 45 43 41 27 201 205
209
211 213
215 217 219 223 227 128 231 233 235
136 138 146 148
7 40 51 49 31 33 203 110 112 114 116 118 124 126 130 132 134 150
11 9 53 35 24 102 104
2 50 48 46 44 42 37
4 39 41 26 43 29
13
8 6 54 52 32
119 123 141 143 145 147 149
65 63 61 59 57 55 34 36 38 107 109 111 113 115 117 121
12 10 17
15 67 45 47 49 51 40 42 101 103 105
14 21 19 53 44
25 23 66 64 62 60 58 56 55
27 68 30
29 18 16 79 77 75 69 46 48
20 81 73 71 50 52 54
22
28
26
41
24
39 37
35 33
31
80 78 76 74 72 70
56 58
Village I
43 30
d
ntain Roa
82
36 34 32 45 Loop
42 40 38 47
round Tunnel Mou
55 53
51
50
49
48 46 Tunnel Campg Hike or ride around
52
Tunnel Campground Loop
6.4 km one way; elevation gain 70 m;
1.5 hour round trip Hoodoos
This is the perfect place for an easy stroll. This lightly
forested trail can be joined from a number of points within
Downtown Banff the campground. Look on the map above to find the closest
entry point from your campsite.
Visit a Parks Canada visitor centre or parks.canada.ca/banff
for more ideas on what to do in Banff National Park.

Give us space. Do not approach wildlife.

A. Athwal

8 9
Tunnel Mountain Village I Campground
618 sites
Located 4.5 km from the town of Banff, this campground offers a more
traditional camping experience with mountain views, firepits for cooking, and
access to hiking and biking trails. This campground has options to suit many
camping preferences and has a limited number of large campsites.
reservation.pc.gc.ca
Evening theatre programs Wildlife and You
Take public transit
Where: Raven’s Nest Theatre at Tunnel Mountain Village I Campground

W. Lambert
Public transit is available to many top
(outdoor theatre) destinations and is free from most Your actions matter!
Visit the campground kiosk or parks.canada.ca/banff-interpretation for campgrounds. Leave your car or RV at your
site and come explore! When you leave Banff National Park… leave it wild.
more information. Transit/shuttle info:
parks.canada.ca/banff-transit
or explorethepark.ca The chance to view wildlife in their natural environment is one of the most exciting things about visiting the
Real-time Parks Canada info:
Kiosk Trailers Food locker Firewood Theatre
parks.canada.ca/banffnow mountain national parks. Help protect this special place by learning the #WildlifeRules.
Tents Toilet Dish washing station Trailer dumping Accessible Town of Banff parking:
banffparking.ca
Recycling/Waste
RVs Showers
Roam Public
disposal Parking Drinking water Maps:
Parks Canada visitor centre
Safely view wildlife
Trail
Transit stop
Whether you are exploring by foot, bike or vehicle, when you see wildlife, give them space:

Campsites with red numbers 100 m/330’

have firepits. Cougars

H 47 45 43 41 39 37
G Coyotes

43 41 39 37 35 33
31 49
53 50 49 47 51 Moose Wolves
48 46 44 42 40 38 55 45
35
42 40 38 36 34 32 30 29 51 50 56 52 48 46 44 43
44 33 31 29 27 25 23 36 57
58 41 39
54
37 35 33 31 42 Deer Bears
45 27 25 23 21 19 17
24 22
34 32 30 28 26 24
40 38 36 34 32 30 28 Trans-Canada
26 20 18 21 29

J
28 52
46 16
53
19
22
9 60
Highway Sheep
15 17 15 13 11
47
13 11 9 7 5 3
55 20 18 16 14 12 10
59 27 25 23 21 19 17
30 m/100’ Elk
54 56 8 7 22 20 18 16
14 12 10 8 6 4 1 58 60 2 4 6 26 24
49 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
48 50 52 61 57 61 62 2 15

51 53
54 58 60 59 61 1 3 5
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 Remember small animals like rodents and birds need space too! If you make them move, you are too close.
55 56 57 59 62 53 51 49 47 45
57
55
52 50 48 46 44 43
Please report bear, cougar, wolf and coyote to Banff Dispatch: 403-762-1470.
42 40 38 37 36 34 32 54
11 9 7 5 3 1 33 31 42
59 56 41 39 37 35

E
13 43 41 39 35 33 31
6 2
12 10 8 4 30 36 34 32 30
Obey speed limits
62 45 28 26 24 22 20 18 29 40 38
14 16 18 20 22 24 26 44 58
15 63
27 25 23 21 19 17 61 28
17 19 21 23 25 27 29

K
47 16
28 60 15 27 25 23 21 19 17
29 61 46
14
30 32 34 36 38
40
12 10 8 6 4
2 62 26 24 22 20 18 16 15 While highway fencing and wildlife crossings have reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions in Banff National Park,
13 11 9 7 5 3 1 8
60 2 4 6 12 14
43 42
31 33 35
37 39 41 58
52 54 56
59
48
49
51 53 55 57 59 61
10
wildlife deaths on the road still occur. If you see wildlife while driving, STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE.
46 48 50 1 3 5 7 9 11 13
57 58 60 62
44 55 50 52 54 56

F
45 47 49 51 53

Tu nnel Mountain Road

55 53 51 • Slow down.
D
63 61 59 57
56 54 52 50 49
Power line
1 62
2 4
60
6
58
8 10 12 14 • Use your hazard lights to alert others.
11 13
3 5 7 9
47 • Only pull over where it is safe to do so.
C
16 48
28
39 37
35 33 31 15 18 20 22 24
26
• Observe, take photographs, and move on.
41 25 27 45
34 32 21 23
43 30 29 17 19
42 40 38
36
20
19 17
29
30
46
• If a traffic jam develops, move on. It is unsafe for people
23 32
45 44
27 25
22
18
15
34 36 38 40 42 44 and wildlife.
26 24 16 33
35 37 39
28 41 43
N
47 46 3
9 7 5
11 1
13 4
8 6 2

Respect area closures

12 10 61
49 14 57 59
48 53 55
51
60 62
50 58
54 56
52

11 9 7
5 3 1 63 61 59 57 55 53 51 Together, we can make space for wildlife when they need it most.
1 62 60 58 56

A
6 4 2 54 52
Obeying area closures and restrictions is the law. Area closures and
B
10 8 2
12 61 4 6 8 49
14 25
62 10 12 14 50
Banff 15
17 19 21 23 27
3 5 7 9 restrictions in Banff National Park protect ecologically sensitive areas,
22 11 13
16 18 20 24 26 15
29
41
59 60
16
18 20
22 24 26 48 47 important habitat for sensitive species or species at risk, and are at
28 28
31 33 35 37 39 29 30 17 19 21 23 25
32 34
locations where the potential for conflict between humans and wildlife
38 40 57 58 36 27
42 43
30
47
32
49
34 51 36 53 55 31
33 35
38
40
46
45 is high. If you come upon a closure, change your plans.
37 42
56 44
44 46 48 50 52 54 39
41 43 Visit parks.canada.ca/banff-bulletins for a list of closures, warnings
and restrictions.
10 11
Never feed wildlife Dispose of all garbage

Ensure all garbage, recycling, and food waste (even organic waste,
Wildlife can quickly find any food, scented items, or garbage like banana peels and apple cores) are disposed of in a wildlife-proof
that is left unattended. When they eat these unnatural foods, garbage bin, never on the ground, in a fire pit or in the bed of
wildlife learn to approach people for an easy meal. This can your truck.
result in aggressive behaviour that puts both people and
wildlife at risk of being hurt or killed. If you see garbage left outside in the town of Banff, call
403-762-1218 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week). For garbage left
outside at other locations in Banff National Park, call Banff Dispatch,
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 403-762-1470.
Always keep your campsite and picnic area clean.

When you are done cooking or eating at your picnic table, all food, scented items and garbage MUST be
properly stored. A clean campsite or picnic area does not have anything that will attract wildlife. Never leave Keep dogs on leash
these items unattended or in a tent or tent trailer for any amount of time:

• Coolers – full or empty Dogs cause stress for wildlife as they may be seen as a threat.
• Food – wrapped, unwrapped or Off-leash dogs can trigger aggressive behaviour from wildlife such
in containers as grizzly bears and elk. Be a responsible dog owner. In Banff
• Garbage/wrappers National Park, it is your responsibility to:
ALL food-related and scented
• Dishes/pots/cutlery – clean or dirty items MUST be stored away in a • Ensure your dog is on a leash and under physical control at all
• Beverage containers – full or empty hard-sided vehicle, times. It is the law.
• Pet food/bowls – full or empty
• Bottles/cans – open or unopened • Pick up and dispose of your pet’s waste in a wildlife-proof
• Scented products – such as garbage bin.
shampoo, toothpaste, candles, Do not leave pet
citronella, dish soap, sunscreen,
food out even at • Know which trails allow dogs:
lip balm, dish towels parks.canada.ca/banfftrails
night. Store food
• Barbecues, stoves – clean or dirty a hard-sided trailer or RV, dishes – empty
• Any other items used for food or full. • Consider leaving your dog at home if you plan to camp, hike or go
preparation or that have a smell into the backcountry.
or scent

Dump dish water down outdoor

sinks or at the sani-dump in
or in a campground food
campgrounds. storage locker.
Keep your children safe
Parks Canada staff may enter open and plainly visible areas of an unattended campsite to Bears, cougars, wolves and coyotes may be curious about children and can attack them:
remove and secure plainly visible wildlife attractants. Keep your campsite clean to reduce
the risks to your personal safety and to wildlife. • Keep children in immediate sight and within close reach at all times.
• Children should avoid playing in or near areas with tall grass or dense bushes.
• Never allow children to pet, feed or pose with wildlife.

It is illegal to feed, entice or disturb any wildlife in a national park.

Violators will be charged, be required to appear in court, and could pay fines up to $25 000.

All food, food-related and scented items Cooler, stove and dishes (dirty or clean) Non-scented items may be left outside.
MUST be stored away. MUST be stored away.

12 13
Rules and Regulations
General
In addition to keeping a clean campsite, a number of
regulations are in effect to ensure campers have a safe
and enjoyable experience.
Campgrounds and campsite sizes have been designed
to reduce our impact on the ecosystem. Exceeding the
maximum occupancy of a campsite places stress on
campgrounds and the natural environment.
• A maximum of six people (including children) are
permitted on each site.
• Check out or re-register by 11 a.m.
• Maximum stay – 14 nights.
• Camping is only permitted in a designated campground
and site.
• Vehicles and tents must be within your designated site Do not burn food or garbage or collect deadfall from the
and on the gravel pad, not on vegetation.
• Tarps should be secured using poles and not cause any
damage to trees.
Respect your neighbours
People love to camp because of the opportunity it
provides to escape the noise of the city and enter the
peace and quiet of nature. Even quiet conversations
can carry through a forested area. Excessive noise is
not permitted at any time. Any disturbance should be
reported immediately to campground staff.
Quiet hours – In effect from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.
During quiet hours, music, campfires, alcohol and
cannabis are prohibited.
Alcohol and cannabis – Open alcohol and cannabis are
not permitted between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. daily. During
summer long weekends, a complete ban on the
possession of alcohol and cannabis is in effect at
all campgrounds. See page 15.
Generator use – Only permitted between the hours of
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. daily.
Visitors – Only site occupants are permitted on a
campsite after 11 p.m.
© John E. Marriott
Slow down, my cubs live here.
14
Campfires
Having a campfire is one of the most enjoyable things to do
when camping. In order to keep your campfire safe for you
and for the environment, adhere to the following regulations:
Permit – Each registered party wanting to have a campfire
must purchase a fire permit. Permits are available when
reserving your site, at the campground or at self-registration
kiosks.
Fire size – Fires must be contained within the metal fire ring
provided. It is illegal to have a fire outside of a
designated ring. Rock rings are prohibited but portable
gas burning firepits are allowed. To reduce the negative
impact of campfires on the environment, keep your fires to a
reasonable size—stack the firewood no higher than the top
of the ring.
Wood – Only burn wood obtained from the campground
woodlot. Take what you need, leave what you don’t burn.
surrounding forest for burning. Use an axe to make your
own kindling from the firewood provided.
Times – Campfires are permitted from 7 a.m. to
11 p.m. daily. Fires must be attended at all times, and
completely extinguished before leaving the area. Refer to
the Alcohol, Cannabis and Fire Bans section on page 15 for
more information.
Visit parks.canada.ca/banff-fire for wildfire and fire ban
information.
Fishing
A national park fishing permit is required. Permits are
available at Parks Canada visitor centres, the Lake
Minnewanka boat dock or various retail outlets in the area.
Pick up a copy of the Fishing Regulations Summary or visit
parks.canada.ca/banff-fishing to learn about special
rules related to fishing in a national park.
Failure to comply
Parks Canada staff are here to help and may enter your site
to remind you of these regulations. Campers who
fail to comply with keeping a clean site and other regulations
may have their camping permit revoked without a refund.
Campers may be charged under the Canada National Parks
Act and/or other national parks of Canada regulations, be
required to appear in court, and could pay fines up to
$25 000. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring their
campsite is maintained in a satisfactory condition.
Campground Etiquette
You can ensure you are a good neighbour and contribute to a good camping experience for all, by respecting and adhering
to the following guidelines:
Washing dishes – Use outdoor sinks or a personal basin for washing dishes. Do not use the sinks inside the bathrooms.
Dump dish water down outdoor sinks or at the sani-dump in campgrounds. Leave sinks in a better state than you found
them. Do not dump in bushes or on the ground.
Washing laundry – Please use your own tub and dump water down the outdoor sink or sani-dump. Do not use the sinks
inside the bathrooms. Laundry facilities are available in the town of Banff.
Recycling – Bottles and cans (refundable containers) can be recycled in each campground.
Children – To ensure the safety of your children, please supervise them at all times. Children may become lost in the
campground or may unknowingly trespass on a neighbouring campsite.
Driving – Respect the posted speed limits and remain alert while driving in the campground. Trees may obstruct your
view and pedestrians, especially children, may suddenly dart out onto the road. Watch for stumps close to the road and
campsites that might be hidden in the grass.
Accessing facilities – Please use roadways and pathways to access campground facilities (picnic shelters, bathrooms,
etc.) and your own campsite. Cutting through a neighbouring campsite will disturb other campers and may cause damage
to the fragile vegetation.
Alcohol, cannabis and fire bans
From May to September, a number of policies are in place to ensure
visitors get a good night’s sleep. An alcohol and cannabis consumption
ban and a fire ban are in effect daily at campgrounds during quiet hours
from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. During summer long weekends, a complete
ban on the possession of alcohol and cannabis is in effect at all
campgrounds. In periods of elevated fire danger, the fire ban may be
expanded to all areas of the national park, 24 hours a day.
Please note: there is a difference between a ban on the consumption of
alcohol/cannabis and a ban on possession.
Ban on consumption: alcohol and cannabis are permitted at registered
W. Lambert
campsites but may not be open or consumed during quiet hours.
Ban on possession: alcohol and cannabis are not permitted at
any time.
Park wardens
Park wardens are the primary peace officers in national park
campgrounds. They are responsible for protecting Banff National
Park and ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Campers are legally required to comply with requests by park
wardens. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Visit parks.canada.ca/banffregulations for more information
on park regulations.
R. Bray
Obey speed limits.
15
 Respect Your Neighbours and Wildlife
Quiet hours
11 p.m.—7 a.m.

Generator use
9 a.m.—10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.—7 p.m.

No campfires
11 p.m.—7 a.m.
No alcohol and no * During summer long weekends, a
cannabis consumption* complete ban on the possession of
alcohol and cannabis is in effect at all
11 p.m.—7 a.m. campgrounds. See page 15.

Do not litter. Keep a clean campsite at all times.

Do not feed any wildlife.

Do not approach wildlife. Give them space.

Pets must be on a leash and under physical control at

all times.

Violators will be charged, be required to appear in court,

and could pay fines up to $25 000.

Parks Canada visitor centres in the Banff area

Banff Visitor Centre: 224 Banff Avenue
How to reach us

Banff Visitor Centre – Train Station: 327 Railway Avenue

403-762-1550 / parks.canada.ca/banff
Visit parks.canada.ca/banff-hours for current hours.
© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada

Report all bear, cougar, wolf and coyote sightings to Parks Canada staff immediately or call Banff
ISBN #: 978-0-660-46042-0
Catalogue: R64-420/2023E

Dispatch, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 403-762-1470.

To report campground noise after-hours complaints or other Canada National Parks Act offences, call
1-888-WARDENS (1-888-927-3367), toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In case of EMERGENCY, call 911 or satellite phone: 403-762-4506.

Cell phones are not reliable throughout the national park.