Summer Activities

Canada’s Mountain National Parks are among the world’s best mountain playgrounds in the summertime. Whether you’re a sport climber, trad junkie, scrambler, standard route mountaineer or hangin’ it out there alpinist, the Mountain National Parks are home to more mountains and routes than can be explored in one lifetime. The Canadian Rockies and Selkirk Mountains however, consist of serious mountain terrain where a number of natural hazards exist. In the summertime, rockfall is one of the biggest hazards you’ll encounter, particularly in the Rockies. But, even in summertime, avalanche hazard can threaten your chosen outing. The most important piece of equipment you’ll ever take into the mountains with you is your brain. The following information will give you the information you need to PLAY SAFE and live to plan your next trip.

How’s the Rock?

The Canadian Rockies are made up almost entirely of sedimentary rock including limestones and dolomites, shales and silicas (including quartzite). The characteristics vary widely from the very worst (we’re not joking) to some fine rock, depending on the formations (the layers) encountered. By comparison, the predominately quartzite rock in Glacier National Park is blocky, solid and fun to climb on.

Climbing Season

In the Selkirks of Glacier National Park, the deep winter snowpack usually lingers until June, and the snow slopes and glaciers above 2000 metres (6560 feet) are not usually firm enough to facilitate easy travel until early July. In the Rockies, rock climbing season can begin as early as May, while alpine peaks of 2750 metres (9000 feet) and higher only begin to come into reasonable summer condition in late June and early July.

Summer Weather

There’s a saying in the mountains – if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes. In the Mountain National Parks, even during the summer months, you could be slathering on sunscreen and hiding under a sun cap one minute and waiting out a snow squall with your rain jacket hood tightened around your wind-burned cheeks the next. Generally, temperatures drop as you climb higher into the mountains. Always check the local weather forecast before you venture into the backcountry, and make sure you are prepared for both – and everything in between. The Parks Canada weather data-loggers are weather stations that collect air temperature, wind speed/direction, precipitation, and snow-pack depths at representative sites. The sites are typically in the alpine or near tree-line, which gives the user an idea of what might be developing in avalanche start zones. The Avalanche Forecaster will utilize this data to predict when avalanches may occur, and also to get a better understanding of what is happening with the weather and its trends. To access the raw data of these sites, please click on the link provided: Weather Data Loggers.

Savvy backcountry travellers dress in layers, which allow you to adjust your body temperature as the weather changes. Try to think of your clothing as a system, with one piece complementing the other. Always pack an extra warm layer just in case, including a hat and gloves. A mishap as seemingly innocuous as a sprained knee or ankle will very quickly bring your day to a grinding halt – and your ability to escape intense sunlight or generate body heat by moving. Always pack clothing that will protect you from wind, rain, cold and snow, and also sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays that are extra damaging when reflected off the snow at higher elevations.

You Are Your Own Safety Monitor!

Before heading into the backcountry, research your trip to be sure you have the skills and experience it will demand of you. Tell someone where you plan to go and when you plan to return. 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 the Visitor Information Centre of the Mountain National Park you will be visiting. If you register out, by law, you must register your return to prevent a costly and unnecessary search.

Always take a map, food, water (or a bottle to fill en route), and extra clothing. While water in the Mountain National Parks is generally clean, there is always a chance that harmful bacteria or parasites may exist in untreated surface water. Never drink pink “watermelon snow”. Boil and filter untreated water before using, carry purification drops or bring water from a treated source. To learn more visit Drinking Water in the Great Canadian Outdoors

Beware of all natural hazards; mountain lakes and streams present two dangers, drowning and hypothermia in the extremely cold waters. Take precautions when crossing streams, or walking along the edge of streams and lakes. Be aware of snow bridges that might collapse. Do not venture on glaciated terrain unless everyone in your group is properly equipped and familiar with safe glacier travel and crevasse rescue techniques. Spend some time with your equipment before leaving on your trip - learn how it works, make sure it fits and run through the checklist one more time before leaving home. Don’t go anywhere without your group gear – first aid kit, bivouac sac or small tarp, map and compass and repair kit. Bring your GPS, cell or satellite phone (record emergency numbers), but never expect to count on them 100 per cent of the time.

Camping and Bivuoacs

Climbers are permitted to bivouac on long routes or otherwise where necessary to safely complete a climb. Some restrictions apply. A backcountry use permit is required and camping regulations and specific guidelines are explained at the Visitor Information Centre of the Mountain National Park you are visiting.

Rescue Services

Comprehensive rescue services are provided by Mountain Safety Program Specialists for visitors to the Mountain National Parks. Climbers, however, should plan on being self-reliant and remember that rescue assistance may not always be immediately available, especially during stormy weather. Rescue costs are normally recovered from the park user fees paid by visitors upon entry to the park. Mountain Safety Program Specialists can answer many mountaineering inquires and provide information on current conditions, when they are available.

Critters

Before heading into the backcountry, please read the brochure Keep the Wild in Wildlife. You can get a copy at any national park facility. For additional information about bears, check out the brochure Bears and People : A Guide to Safety and Conservation on the Trail. Pets are permitted on hiking trails but must be on a leash at all times. Know that dogs and other pets may jeopardize your safety and theirs by provoking and attracting wildlife. Bears, cougars, porcupines, coyotes, wolverines and small predators such as martens and fishers are all capable of injuring or even killing your pet.