-
Be sure to hike with someone else,
or even better, with a group.
-
Let someone know your route and
expected time of return.
-
Try to prevent a potentially
dangerous close encounter with
large animals (like bears) - make
noise! Every so often - especially
when visibility is blocked by
hills, trees, rocks, etc. - hoot
and holler or clap hands loudly. In
the presence of high winds or
streams, make your noise-making
efforts all the more intense.
-
Be prepared! Have enough food,
water, clothes, rain gear and
coverings (e.g. space blanket) for
an unexpected overnight in the
backcountry.
-
Use extreme caution around slippery
rocks, especially at waterfalls.
Learn how to cross unbridged stream
and river crossings safely.
-
Carry good drinking water with you,
or boil "wild water" in
order to kill parasites and other
germs that may inhabit the park's
water.
-
If you are camping overnight, you
must have a backcountry
camping permit
-
Become familiar with the national Leave
No Trace program. In brief,
whatever you pack in to the
backcountry, you must pack out.
The Wilderness Pass
A "Wilderness Pass" charges visitors
a nightly fee, was implemented in 1994 in Banff,
Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks. This was extended
to include Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks
and Waterton Lakes National Park in 1996. This
Pass represents an investment in wilderness protection
and helps ensure that this quality experience will be
available for years to come.
Some important things to know about the Wilderness Pass
are:
- Wilderness Pass revenue will be applied directly to
wilderness maintenance and services.
- Implementation of the Wilderness Pass helps Parks
Canada ensure Canadians will continue to
benefit from their system of National Parks. The
purchase of this Pass partially shifts the
financial burden for support and maintenance of
the wilderness from the general taxpayer to
those users who benefit directly from the
services provided.
- Starting April 1, 1996, the Wilderness Pass is $6
per night per visitor to a maximum of $30 per
person per trip. Annual Wilderness Passes are
available at a cost of $42 per
person. The Annual Pass is valid for one (1)
year from date of purchase. To relieve
the burden to families using the wilderness,
children 16 years and under will not
be charged the fee. It is anticipated that
small incremental increases to the cost
of the Wilderness Pass will continue for the
next few years as Parks strive closer
to self-sufficiency.
- The purpose of the Pass is to partially off-set the
cost of trail maintenance, and campground
maintenance. Revenue from the Pass is not
sufficient to support the cost of trail
reconstruction, Park Warden patrols, resource
studies, or the variety of other services
that are provided.
- We encourage visitors to plan their trips as many
of our popular trails and campsites are full
during the summer. A reservation system exists for
some of our busiest campgrounds. An
additional fee is required for this service but it
is a way to avoid disappointment.
- All commercial operators will contribute to the
support and maintenance of the wilderness
through separate agreements or through their
clients' purchases of the Wilderness Pass.
- Wilderness users and other stakeholders will
continue to be consulted through visitor
surveys and personal contact. We appreciate any
comments and constructive suggestions with respect
to wilderness fees. Survey results show
people agree with paying part of the
cost of wilderness opportunities.
- Refunds are available under certain circumstances.
For specific information check at park information
centers.
- While visiting you will likely see Park Wardens
patrolling. They will also be checking for
your Wilderness Pass so please make it available
upon request.
- Wilderness travel, while rewarding, can be
strenuous, know your physical
limits. Remember, your safety is your
personal responsibility.
Fee Schedule Summary
| Daily Wilderness Pass |
$6/person/night |
| Maximum Trip Cost |
$30/person/night |
| Shelter/Hut |
$10/person/night |
|
| Reservations Fee |
$10 flat fee |
For those visitors who frequent Canada's National Parks,
may we suggest:
The Annual Wilderness Pass $42/year
The Annual Wilderness Pass is good for one year from date of
purchase and is valid in Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay,
Waterton, Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks.
Youth 16 and under - free.
For further information please contact:
Waterton Lakes National Park - (403) 859-2224
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