By J.C. Lewis
Banff National Park in
Canada is a vast wilderness of mountains, valleys, forests and rivers that attract campers, hikers, backpackers and skiers. Natural hazards range from bears to avalanches, and rules are enforced by the National Park to protect the safety of visitors. Other rules are designed to protect the flora and fauna of the park from human visitors.
Camping Rules
All food must be stored well away from wildlife at all times. Feeding of any wild animals is strictly prohibited in Banff National Park.
All waste has to be disposed of in special bear-proof trash cans and strictly not buried or burned. If bear-proof cans are not available, you must pack everything out, i.e. take everything out of the wilderness that you took in with you and dispose of it securely elsewhere.
All food and cosmetics must be stored securely in your vehicle or special bear-proof lockers, or hung between trees downwind from your sleeping area and high above the ground. Bears have extremely sensitive senses of smell.
Tents and sleeping bags must be free of any traces of food, drink or cosmetics. The smell can linger and attract bears even after the items are consumed or removed.
If a storm occurs, you need to beware of lightning strikes. Do not stand in open areas, take shelter among low trees and move away from open water.
Hiking and Backpacking Rules
You may not remove anything from Banff National Park. Do not pick flowers, take rocks or any natural or manmade artifacts you find.
When hiking, always have a map and compass, and stay on marked trails.
Hike in groups if possible and do not allow individuals to separate from the group. Never let children wander away from the group.
Before a hiking or backpacking trip, inform a friend or relative of your travel plans, or complete a registration form at any Banff National Park Information Center.
Banff can have snowy and icy terrain until late summer. Avalanches can occur almost year-round and are most likely during late spring and summer. Do not walk over snowy slopes, especially during the middle of the day. Never walk under ice shelves or icy cliff edges.
Wildlife Rules
Do not approach any wildlife in Banff National Park. It is illegal to disturb, touch or harass wild creatures of any size. Give all wild animals a wide berth for your safety and theirs.
If you witness any aggressive behavior in wild animals or see any bears, mountain lions or wolves, you are obliged to report it to a park warden or staff member at any Banff National Park Information Center.
You must keep dogs on a leash at all times. If you encounter a bear, your dog's presence can trigger defensive behavior and make an attack more likely.
About the Author:
J.C. Lewis is the editor and co-owner of a weekly newspaper, as well as a staffer and regular contributor to a group of three newspapers in Los Angeles, Calif. Her writing has appeared on USAToday.com, Hotels.com and various other websites. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in politics from the University of Bristol, England.
