Winter camping

Location: You must understand the Winter Permit System and know where you are at all times. If travelling in a Winter Restricted Area, a Winter Permit is required. Winter Restricted Area status is updated daily. If one cannot check the status of an area on any given day, they must only travel in Unrestricted Areas.

Camping is not allowed within any Winter Restricted or Winter Prohibited areas and must be at least 5 kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway or a Parks Canada roadway; 1km from any backcountry facility (ACC hut or Parks Canada operational facility); and 50m from any water source.

Dogs: We recommend that you leave your dog at home. If you bring them, they must be on leash at all times.

Fires: Wood fires of any kind are not permitted. Gas stoves only.

Party size: Maximum group size is 6 persons.

Length of stay: Two-night maximum.

No trace camping

Pack it in / pack it out. All waste including toilet paper, hygiene products and food scraps.

Human waste: Human waste must be packed out. Do not dispose of bagged waste in outhouses.

Take only pictures: Leave all rocks, fossils, antlers, wildflowers, ice and natural or historical objects as you found them for other visitors to enjoy.

Wildlife attractants

Set up cooking/eating and food storage areas at least 50 m downwind from your tent and 50m from each other.

Evaluate your destination ahead of time to determine the appropriate method of bear-resistant food storage required. Are there suitable trees to hang food and wildlife attractants with rope and a storage bag or do you need an approved bear-resistant container? You need to safely store all wildlife attractants including your food, dishes, cooking supplies, toiletries and garbage.

Wash dishes and disperse strained water in a scatter pattern on land at least 50 m from a water source and your sleeping area. Strain food particles out of dish water and store with garbage.

Winter random camping users must understand the Winter Permit System and know where they are at all times. If travelling in a Winter Restricted Area, a Winter Permit is required. Winter Restricted Area status is updated daily. If one cannot check the status of an area on any given day, they must only travel in Unrestricted Areas

Winter random camping users must understand the risks of winter backcountry recreation, how to travel in avalanche terrain and how to practice self-rescue techniques. They must be prepared for extreme weather conditions in mountainous terrain. Cell phone coverage is unavailable in most areas, an alternate means of communication and emergency alert devices is recommended. Random camping requires route finding, first aid and backpacking skills, experience and equipment.

Plan ahead, be prepared and always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. 

For emergency: 1-877-852-3100