Banff National Park of Canada
Snowshoeing
Whether you're interested in taking a short, leisurely stroll around the town of Banff or accessing remote locations in the backcountry, there are many opportunities to enjoy snowshoeing in Banff National Park. Most commonly used snowshoeing routes follow popular summer hiking trails, however these trails are not groomed in winter specifically for snowshoeing.
The season for snowshoeing varies greatly depending on elevation, slope, aspect, and weather but typically ranges from December to March in valley bottoms.
Snowshoeing
© Parks Canada / Heather Dempsey
For Safety, Plan Ahead
Safety is your responsibility. There are always hazards involved in backcountry travel, especially in winter.
Even short trips from the townsite can have serious consequences if you are unprepared. The following information
will help you to organize a safe snowshoe trip in the park and minimize your impact on the landscape.
Planning Tips
Study trail descriptions and maps; choose a trail suitable for the least experienced member in your party.
- Check the weather forecast, current trail conditions and daily avalanche report
- Travel with a friend or group
- Tell a reliable person where you are going and your expected return time
- Be prepared for changes in weather and for emergencies
If you are planning a long or hazardous trip and have no friends or family with whom you can leave details, you may choose to complete a Voluntary Safety Registration at an Information Centre. If you register out, you must by law, register your return to prevent a costly and unnecessary search.
Current Conditions
Winter Backcountry Trip Planning Checklist
Check Your Gear
- Extra clothes, including extra hat and gloves. (Use the layering system! Peel off or add layers of synthetic material, silk or wool as needed to stay dry and warm.)
- Snowshoes, cleats, poles
- Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel
- Map, compass and guidebook
- Full water bottle and/or thermos
- High energy food, carry extra
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Pocket knife
- Repair kit
- Lightweight emergency blanket, candle, and lighter or waterproof matches
- Headlamp or flashlight
It is not enough to have proper equipment; you should experience with and know how to use it.
Avoid Groomed Cross-Country Ski Trails
A number of trails in the park are groomed specifically for cross-country skiing. Please show courtesy to fellow recreationists do not walk or snowshoe on groomed cross-country ski tracks.
Respect Wildlife
Human disturbance, especially in winter, can cause wildlife to waste energy critical for survival or reproductive success. Please help protect wildlife:
- If you see tracks, do not follow them toward the animal.
- If you see wildlife, do not approach; observe from a distance with binoculars or a telephoto lens.
- Valley bottoms are critical areas to wildlife for winter forage. Using designated trails provides a sense of predictability for wildlife and helps maintain habitat.
Dogs
If you are planning to take your dog out on a trail, please consider the following:
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Unrestrained dogs can upset other trail users and, because of their physical similarity to predators such as wolves and coyotes, dogs are a real stress for wildlife. Please consider that just the sight of a dog can raise an animal's heart rate or displace it farther off the trail than you alone would.
- Dog are not allowed on the following groomed cross-country ski trails: Cascade, Spray River, Goat Creek, Redearth Creek, Moraine Lake Road, Great Divide, Tramline, Fairview Loop, and Telemark Loops.
Backcountry Travel
Before you head into the backcountry, you need to know how to assess if you're in AVALANCHE TERRAIN, whether hazards exist, and how to minimize your risk.
Backcountry skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and hikers should be well informed about the type of terrain they will encounter when embarking on a backcountry trip in the winter.
Travel in avalanche prone terrain also requires the use of specialized equipment: avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel. Effective use of this equipment requires practice, and instruction from a skilled user.
Backcountry avalanche information
The national park's backcountry is managed as a natural area, and as such many natural hazards exist. Backcountry travellers are responsible for their own decisions and safety - becoming well-informed is a good start.
Need some help planning your trip? Winter Backcountry Trip Planning Checklist
Topographic maps and guidebooks can be purchased from the Friends of Banff National Park.
Avalanches
Anywhere in the park, a snowy slope bare of trees or any slope above timberline has the potential to avalanche. Know how to recognize avalanche terrain and take the time to learn about safe travel in this terrain. If you plan to cross avalanche areas, each member of your party should carry a shovel, transceiver and a probe, and know how to use them.
Backcountry travel always involves risk. Before setting out, obtain up-to-date avalanche and weather information. These are available at:
Park Information Centres
Canadian Avalanche Association
Current Conditions
Avalanche Bulletins
(403) 762-1460 OR 1-800-667-1105
In Case of Emergency
For all emergencies (24 hours) call 911 immediately.
If you are in the backcountry, let the dispatcher know that you need park warden assistance. 911 is valid in Banff, Yoho, and Jasper National Parks. (* Please note that if you are using a satellite phone in the backcountry, you must call (403) 762-4506 in the event of an emergency. )
If you are the reporting person for a friend or family member who has not returned at the designated time, contact (403) 762-4506. Have trip details ready including descriptions of route, equipment and vehicle.
Note: cell phones do not work everywhere in the park. When seeking help, make sure you can report the location of the emergency as accurately as possible. Remember in wilderness emergencies, help may be delayed by weather and available daylight hours. For this reason all backcountry users should be prepared to survive at least one extra night out in the event of an emergency.