Safety and Responsibility

Natural hazards are a part of the travel experience in the mountains. Plan ahead and be prepared - Safety is everyone’s responsibility. This page will help you identify what facilities and emergency services are available as you Tour the Triangle.

TRIP PLANNING

Important - cell phone service is not available everywhere in the mountain parks. 

Make sure you are fully prepared for whatever activities you choose to participate in so you can have a safe, enjoyable and memorable trip. Do your part by:

  • Making informed, smart decisions when visiting
  • Arriving prepared with the right knowledge, equipment, and experience to complete your objective
  • Understanding and adhering to all applicable rules and regulations
  • Consulting visitor center staff for current weather forecast, trail conditions, warnings and closures

For general information on how to stay safe when enjoying the outdoors, visit AdventureSmart.ca, and ParksMountainSafety.ca

Follow these links to review important safety information specific to Kootenay National Park and Yoho National Park before your trip.

If travelling in winter:

  • Follow this guidance on driving safely in winter from Transport Canada
  • Check weather and trail conditions before you go and leave a detailed trip plan with reliable contact
  • Dress appropriately. The weather can change quickly in the mountains
  • Be avalanche aware. You don’t need to walk far from your car to be in avalanche terrain. Ensure your group has appropriate training and equipment. Visit Avalanche.ca for current conditions
  • Obey the no stopping avalanche zones

RECREATE RESPONSIBLY

To help protect this special place, we are asking visitors to be mindful of their impact and adopt leave no trace principles while visiting.

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel And Camp On Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose Of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Others

Did you know? All waterbodies in Yoho and Kootenay national parks are closed to watercraft and angling until March 31, 2026 to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), including whirling disease. Learn how you can help protect park waters, and visit Shuswap Invasive Species Society.

Interested in learning more about responsible travel? Read the Outdoor recreation etiquette from Outdoor Recreation Council of BC.

  • Show respect for Indigenous peoples
  • Plan ahead and Prepare
  • Respect Trail and Road Closures
  • Practice fire safety
  • Pack out your trash
  • Beware of invasive hitchhikers
  • Respect wildlife
  • Stay on the trail
  • Control your pets
  • Camp responsibly
  • Share the trail
  • Make the outdoors more inclusive

WILDLIFE AND YOU

Wildlife may be present anywhere in the national park and surrounding townsites.

Do not feed, touch or approach wildlife. It is illegal to feed, entice or disturb any wildlife in a national park. Violators will be charged, be required to appear in court, and could pay fines up to $25,000. Give all wildlife space. Stay at least 30 to 50 meters away from most animals and 100 meters away from bears.

Pets must be on a leash at all times in the national parks. Please check with each town about pet on leash regulations and clean up after your pet. Obey speed limits. Always obey the posted speed limits and be aware of the road conditions. Dispose of garbage and securely store food.

BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL

FOREST SERVICE ROADS

Sometimes the road less travelled can take you to some pretty spectacular spots. Forest Service Roads provide access to remote places beyond our highways. For information and advice on travelling forest service roads visit: BC Forest Safety.

BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

Follow these links for trip planning resources and booking information for Yoho National Park and Kootenay National Park.

Remember: A backcountry permit is mandatory for anyone planning an overnight trip into the backcountry in the national parks. Campers must have a copy of their permit (paper or a screen shot) and present it to Parks Canada staff when requested.

Random camping is only permitted in designated locations as specific times of the year within the national park. Permits are required and obtained at a Parks Canada visitor center.

SAFETY CHECKLIST

  • Get advice from a visitor centre
  • Study trail descriptions and maps before starting
  • Check the weather forecast and current trail conditions
  • Choose a trail suitable for the least experienced member of your group
  • Pack adequate food, water, clothing, maps and gear
  • Carry a first aid kit
  • Carry bear spray and know how to use it
  • Tell somebody where you're going, when you'll be back and who to call if you don't return
  • Travel with a friend or group
  • Be prepared for emergencies and changes in weather
  • To prevent trail damage, stay on the trail and avoid shortcuts
  • Travel in groups and make noise to avoid surprise encounters with wildlife
  • Do not feed, touch or approach wildlife. Stay at least 30 to 50 meters away from most animals and 100 meters away from bears
  • Pets must be on a leash at all times in the national parks. Please check with each town about pet on leash regulations and clean up after your pet.
  • Consider bringing a satellite phone or device such as “SPOT” or “inREACH” when traveling in the backcountry as cell phone coverage is generally not available

CYCLING

Cyclists are more likely to experience sudden, dangerous bear encounters - slow down, stay alert and make noise.

Trail etiquette:

  • Mountain biking is allowed only on trails designated for cycling. Stay on trails to avoid skidding.
  • Cyclists yield to hikers.
  • Cyclists and hikers yield to horses.

Visit cycling in Yoho National Park for information on routes and trails within the park. Note that trail bicycling is prohibited in Kootenay National Park, except on paved roads.

FISHING

Water activity restrictions in effect: All waterbodies in Yoho and Kootenay national parks are closed to watercraft and angling until March 31, 2026 to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), including whirling disease. Please visit the Water activity rules and regulations for more information.

To prevent the spread of aquatic diseases, remember to Clean. Drain. Dry. and leave felt-soled waders at home. Stop for all mandatory watercraft inspection stations.

For fishing outside the national park, a BC Freshwater Fishing Permit is required and can be purchased online.

RESOURCES

Safety and essential tips:

Visitor Information Centers

  • Yoho National Park

Visitor Centre: 250-343-6783

Trail Report: parkscanada.gc.ca/YohoTrails

Website: parkscanada.gc.ca/Yoho

  • Kootenay National Park and Radium Hot Springs

Visitor Centre: 250-347-9505

Trail Report: parkscanada.gc.ca/KootenayTrails

Website: parkscanada.gc.ca/Kootenay

  • Tourism Golden

Weather conditions

In case of emergency 

  • Call 911 on your cell phone. Remember, cell phones are not always reliable in the national park or backcountry locations.
  • For satellite phones, in Yoho, Kootenay and Banff call Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch at 403-762-4506.