Town of Banff

Responsible Trail Use

Minimum Impact Hiking and Cycling

Our fragile mountain landscape is visited by more than 3 million people a year. Minimize your impact: stay on trails, don't shortcut or make your own route.

Cyclists, please observe trail restrictions marked on the map and read the cyclist information. Avoid riding when the trails are wet or muddy, and try not to skid or widen trails. Ride in control, be ready to stop at any time, and make your presence known to pedestrians with a bell or friendly greeting.

Dogs
Dogs are welcome to join you, but for their safety and the safety of wildlife, please keep them leashed and carry a bag for waste pick-up. Dog bag dispensers and garbage bins are provided at various locations.

Litter
Keep Banff litter free. If you see litter on our trails, pack it out and leave the area cleaner than you found it.

Flowers
Leave flowers for others to enjoy. Picking them not only prevents the plant from reproducing, but is illegal, too.

Trail Restrictions
Some trails may be closed temporarily due to wildlife or safety hazards. Please observe posted closures.

Go Safely!

For Your Comfort
For both comfort and safety, it’s best to wear sturdy footwear, pack a water bottle, and bring along extra clothing to stay warm and dry if the weather changes suddenly.

Route Hazards
Banff’s natural beauty includes potentially hazardous landscapes. Standing too close to the edge of cliffs or rushing water, hiking on snowy or icy trails, or scrambling off-trail are risky activities that can have disastrous consequences.

Wildlife
We share these trails with wildlife, so always pay attention. Elk or deer are most commonly seen, but bears and cougars have made occasional appearances. All wildlife is unpredictable and should never be approached. Report bear or cougar sightings, or any aggressive wildlife behavior to Parks Canada, 403.762.1470.