Banff National Park of Canada
Hiking
Healy Pass
© Parks CanadaBanff National Park protects an ecosystem unique to the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The park's trail system allows you access into the heart of this precious landscape. Careful planning will help you enjoy your trip safely and with minimum impact to this sensitive area.
Day Hikes in Banff National Park
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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.
Current 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.
Current Conditions
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 per person 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.
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.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Respect for others can go a long way toward reducing conflicts. Move off the trail to allow horse parties to pass, and avoid sudden movements. Cyclists should dismount and walk their bicycles when they encounter hikers or horse parties.
Mountain Biking
Cycling is only permitted on designated bicycle trails. All other park trails are closed to bicycles. Ask for the Mountain Biking and Cycling Guide brochures at an Information Centre.
Respect and Keep Wildlife Wild
Park animals are wild and can be dangerous. Any animal can become aggressive if it feels threatened; make sure you keep your distance. Stay at least 30 to 50 m away from most animals, and at least 100 m away from bears. Do not feed wildlife. Feeding, touching, or harassing wildlife in a national park is illegal, dangerous, harmful to the animal's health and alters natural behaviour.
Keep the Wild in Wildlife: How to Safely Enjoy and Help Protect Wildlife
You are in Bear Country!
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
- Make noise! Let bears know you're there–call out, clap hands, sing
or talk loudly especially near streams, dense vegetation and berry patches,
on windy days, and in areas of low visibility.
- Travel in groups, on established paths and trails, and during daylight hours.
- Keep food smells away from bears by properly storing food, garbage and food-related
items.
- Stay alert, don't surprise! Watch for bears in the area and for their sign–tracks,
droppings, diggings, torn-up logs, and turned-over rocks. Leave the area if
you see fresh sign.
- If you come across dead animals, leave the area immediately and report them
to Park Wardens.
- Dispose of fish offal in fast-moving streams or the deep part of a lake,
never along streamsides or lakeshores.
- Never approach or feed a bear. Keep a distance of at least 100 metres.
- Report all sightings of bears to park staff.
Bears and People - A Guide to Safety and Conservation on the Trail
Dogs must be restrained on a leash at all times
Dogs may be an intrusion to other hikers, a threat to wildlife, and may provoke confrontations with bears. Please consider leaving your dog at home.
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