Rules & regulations

Grazing Areas and Campsites | Where to Ride
Maps | Safety | Guided horse trips


Permits | Reservations | Fishing | Etiquette | Regulations

Permits

Before going on an overnight horse trip in the park, you must purchase the following:

• Grazing Permit. (Available at the Banff and Lake Louise visitor centres)
• National Park Entry Pass. (Available at all Parks Canada gates, visitor centres or online)

Fees for permits go towards the cost of park operations.
See the Banff National Park Fees page for permit costs.

Reservations

There is a fee for making a reservation. Space will be confirmed and a permit issued upon receipt of payment. 

The following information is required for your permit: 

• Number of horses and riders
• Number of days you wish to stay at each grazing site
• Vehicle license plate number
• Emergency contact 

Fishing

A Parks Canada fishing permit is required. Permits are available at all mountain parks Visitor Centres.

Trail Etiquette

Avoid grazing on wet and fragile areas such as marshes and alpine meadows

• Keep horses single file to prevent trail braiding
• Avoid skirting around puddles or obstacles which leads to trail widening, loss of plant cover and increased soil erosion.
• Remove deadfall blocking the trail with an axe or a Swede saw so that new trails aren't created.
• DO NOT nail items to trees or build structures.
• At rest stops, keep horses well off the trail away from water sources
• Hobbles are preferred to tying up horses overnight.
• If you must tie your horses up overnight, stretch a rope between two trees (high line) well away from the campground area.
• Scatter manure at rest stops and highlines
• Travel lightly. Advances in lightweight equipment make it easier on you, your horses and the environment, and fewer horses may be required to pack your gear.
• Use of feed bags ensures less spillage and less attractant for bears.
• We recommend you do not take stallions on your trip, since you will be meeting other horse parties on the trail.
• Where no bear poles exist for hanging food and feed, hang your food at least four metres above the ground and 1.3 metres from each tree trunk to reduce attractiveness to bears. Bring two 20 M lengths of rope with you. Bear-resistant food containers are mandatory between April 1 and November 15. See a current approved list.
• When camping in shared horse/hiker campgrounds, please camp in perimeter sites to prevent horses passing through the campgrounds.

Park Regulations

• The carrying and or use of chainsaws is prohibited.
• Horse drawn vehicles use is prohibited in Banff National Park's backcountry
• The carrying or transport of firearms is prohibited in Banff National Park's backcountry
• Dogs must be kept on leash and under physical control at all times. We recommend leaving your dog at home.
• Use of park facilities such as backcountry cabins, corrals and pastures is not permitted.