For many people, an evening campfire is the best part of camping.
Most Parks Canada campsites have fire pits or metal fireboxes for your campfire. You may only build a campfire in a designated fire pit when camping in a Parks Canada location.
Always check if there’s a fire ban
Keep your fire small and under control. Never leave a fire unattended.
Only use firewood provided by the park. In most national parks, it is illegal to collect and burn wood from the forest.
A tended fire is a safe fire! Make sure your fire is completely out before you go to bed at night or leave your campsite. Pour water over the fire to put it out. Alert park staff if you see any suspicious smoke or fire.
How to light a fire
Build a “teepee” shape with paper and kindling. Carefully add bigger piece of wood as the fire starts.
Crumple paper into balls and place it in the firepit.
Pile kindling around the balls to make a teepee shape
Light the paper and wait for the kindling to catch fire.
Add bigger pieces of wood. Don’t add too fast! A fire needs oxygen to burn.
Once your fire is going, sit back and relax.
Add wood to the fire as needed.
Always keep a water bucket nearby in case of emergencies, or to douse the fire when you are done. Make sure it is completely extinguished before you leave your campsite.
Never started a campfire before?
Watch the following video and you’ll be roasting marshmallows in no time!
Learn to Start a Campfire
This video is also available in the following languages: