Safety and guidelines

Yoho National Park

Important contacts

 9-1-1 for frontcountry or roadside emergencies:

  • Fire, police, or ambulance

 403-762-4506 for backcountry emergencies:

  • Parks Canada Visitor Safety (via Banff Dispatch)

 1-888-WARDENS (1-888-927-3367) to report violations to Parks Canada wardens

 403-762-4506 to report a wildfire

 403-762-1470 to report a wildlife sighting or incident

Safety is everyone's responsibility. Planning ahead and arriving prepared can mean the difference between an awesome experience and a terrible time.

We rarely head out for an adventure with the expectation that something will go wrong, and most times everything will go right. But sometimes the unexpected happens. Natural hazards are a part of the national park experience. Parks Canada works to assess risks, manage hazards, and ensure the public has access to important safety information when visiting Yoho National Park.

You can do your part by seeking out the information you need to stay safe and make well informed decisions while enjoying this special place.

Find more specific safety information or visitor guidelines below:

How to plan ahead

Make sure you are fully prepared for whatever activities you choose to participate in so you can have a safe, enjoyable and memorable visit. Do your part by:

  • Making informed, smart decisions when visiting the park and picking objectives
  • Arriving prepared with the right knowledge, equipment, and experience to complete your objective
  • Understanding and adhering to all applicable park rules and regulations
  • Consulting park staff at gates or visitor centres with any questions

AdventureSmart

For general information on how to stay safe when enjoying the outdoors, visit AdventureSmart.ca.

General inquiries

Have more questions or need help planning your trip? General inquiries can be directed to staff at the:

You can also contact us by email or on social media.

Year-round

Driving

Road conditions can change quickly. Always check your route prior to departure.

Important bulletins

All current warnings, closures, and restrictions in effect for Yoho National Park.

Weather

Mountain weather is dynamic. Check the forecast and bring the appropriate gear for your visit.

Rules and regulations

Learn more about what you can and cannot do when visiting the park.

Travel in the park

Information if you are hiking, biking, or otherwise travelling in the park.

Wildlife safety

The park is home to many animals. Respect all wildlife rules.

Seasonal

Water activity rules and regulations

Learn about rules and regulations to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) before entering waterbodies.

Avalanche safety

When snow is present, avalanche danger exists. Closures or warnings may be posted when needed.

Wildfire and fire danger

Wildfire season runs from April to November. Fire bans may be needed if fire danger is elevated.

Camping

How to coexist with wildlife while camping in the park.

Summer safety

Learn how to prepare for your summer adventures in the mountain national parks.

Winter safety

Winter visits need more layers of planning, considerations, and gear.


Backcountry beacons: Devices such as "SPOT" or "inREACH" and satellite phones are often the only devices that work in the backcountry. Your adventure is not the place to learn how to use your emergency device. Be familiar with it and understand the difference between the “SOS/Emergency” and “Messaging” functions. Pre-enter your messages and tell your contact person how to reach Parks Canada in case of an emergency.

Date modified :