Kootenay National Park of Canada
Backcountry camping
Kootenay National Park Backcountry Guide
Many of Kootenay's trails offer overnight backcountry opportunities. If you plan to stay overnight in the backcountry, you must first purchase a Wilderness Pass. Wilderness Passes are available at park visitor centres.
The Rockwall Trail is the most popular backcountry trail in Kootenay National Park. Reservations are strongly recommended. The trail may be hiked in one 55 km loop or in a series of three shorter loops. Due to late-melting snow the trail is not open for hiking until early to mid-July.
To limit environmental impacts and maintain high quality backcountry experiences, there is a quota on the number of sites available per campground.
Reservations are recommended and may be made up to three months in advance of your trip.
To purchase Wilderness Passes and to reserve campsites, please contact the Kootenay National Park Visitor Centre (telephone 250.347.9505).
Voluntary Safety Registration
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 a Visitor Centre. If you register out, by law, you must register your return to prevent a costly and unnecessary search.