Picnicking in Banff National Park
Banff National Park
Picnicking is a popular activity in the national park, and offers the experience to connect with nature, and gather among friends.
Are you planning to host a large group activity or gathering in Banff National Park? You may require a permit. Visit the special events page for clarification as to what is considered a special event. Gathering organizers are responsible for researching applicable permits ahead of time.
Parking lots at day-use areas in Banff National Park fill quickly. Visitors must park only in designated parking spots. Roadside and off road parking is not permitted, and is legally enforced.
While these day-use areas are not closed in the winter, some might have limited access and services due to snow. Visit the Banff or Lake Louise visitor centres for more information and more picnic areas to enjoy.
Picnicking etiquette and regulations
Keep fires small
Fires must be contained within the metal fire ring and cook stoves provided. Random fires and rock rings are not allowed. To reduce the negative impact of campfires on the environment, keep your fires to a reasonable size.
Use only firewood purchased in the area
Firewood should not be brought in from outside the park, but purchased at various providers within the park to prevent the risk of invasive insect species or disease from being brought into the park. Do not use deadwood, bark or branches for fuel or burn food or garbage.
Never leave a fire unattended
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. Bring your own bucket to fill with water and use the soak, stir, soak method to extinguish your fire.
Cook on a personal propane stove
We strongly recommend the use of personal propane stoves for cooking. You may also use the provided metal fire rings or wood stove when available on site. Charcoal barbeques and hibachis are permitted: ensure ashes are cold and discard into a garbage bin or firepit when finished.
Never leave food unattended
When you are done cooking or eating at your picnic table, all food, food-related and scented items MUST be stored in a hard-sided vehicle. Items such as coolers and cook stoves must be properly stored when unattended.
Do not litter
Ensure all garbage and recycling are disposed in wildlife-proof bins immediately or pack out any unwanted items.
Do not feed wildlife
Wildlife quickly find any food, scented items or garbage that is left unattended. Eating these unnatural foods teaches wildlife to approach people. Once wildlife develops a taste for human food, they often become aggressive in their search for more.
For other regulations related to picnicking, see the regulations page.
Where to picnic in Banff National Park
| Area | Location | Services and activities |
|---|---|---|
| Valleyview | Trans-Canada Highway |
|
| Cascade Ponds | Lake Minnewanka Loop |
|
| Johnson Lake | Lake Minnewanka Loop |
|
| Two-Jack Lake | Lake Minnewanka Loop |
|
| Lake Minnewanka | Lake Minnewanka Loop |
|
| Upper Bankhead | Lake Minnewanka Loop |
|
| Fenland | Town of Banff Area |
|
| *Sundance Canyon | Town of Banff Area |
|
| **Fireside | Bow Valley Parkway |
|
| **Muleshoe | Bow Valley Parkway |
|
| **Sawback | Bow Valley Parkway |
|
| Boom Lake Trailhead | Highway 93 South |
|
| Storm Mountain | Bow Valley Parkway |
|
| Baker Creek | Bow Valley Parkway |
|
| Corral Creek | Bow Valley Parkway |
|
| Taylor Lake | Trans-Canada Highway |
|
| Temple | Trans-Canada Highway |
|
| Bow River Canoe Launch | Trans-Canada Highway (Westbound access only) |
|
| Moraine Lake | Lake Louise |
|
| Herbert Lake | Icefields Parkway |
|
| Bow Lake Picnic Site | Icefields Parkway |
|
| Saskatchewan Crossing | Icefields Parkway |
|
| Coleman Flats | Icefields Parkway |
|
* Walk-in day-use area, 3.5 km from the trailhead at Cave and Basin National Historic Site.
** Private motor vehicle access may be restricted on portions of the Bow Valley Parkway to protect wildlife and to allow for an enhanced cycling experience.
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