When Kiran Shrestha and his friends set out for a serene paddle around Kapuche Glacier Lake in the Annapurna region of central Nepal, it’s safe to say that they didn’t anticipate the hair-raising events that would soon unfold.
After paddling out to a prime position on the lake, Shrestha pulled out his camera to film some selfie-style footage of himself kayaking in its crystal-clear, sapphire waters. In the first few frames, we do witness that serenity that Shrestha was striving to capture. But what followed was, uh, less than calming.
After some selfie moments on the lake, we watch him running up and down the foot of the glacier—which, in itself, was a little concerning. After sussing out the area, he returns to his camp by the lake (on flat ground) and that’s when we see… it.
A colossal white cloud appears at the top of a rocky outcrop. As the cloud quickly grows in size and shape, it becomes evident that we are witnessing a giant avalanche starting from the top of the glacier.
The thundering debris rips down the canyon in a path that uncannily retraces Shrestha’s footsteps from earlier that day. Luckily for Shrestha and his friends, they were now positioned at the opposite side of the lake, back at their camp.
His friends begin hooting and hollering in excitement as the wind picks up and mercilessly launches their tents and belongings into the air as it passes through. The group remained unharmed, as the dangerous debris seemed to halt further up the slope, not quite reaching the lake.
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The Kapuche Glacier Lake, only recently opened to the public in the last 3 years, is located about 90 miles northwest of Kathmandu and is located over 8,350 feet above sea level. It is known as the lowest-altitude glacier lake in the world. The area is prone to small-scale, frequent avalanches.
Although no one was hurt during this incident, it still serves as a solid reminder to always do your research when embarking on backcountry trips. Look at weather patterns, recent incidents in the area, and remember that even if you’re not traversing on snow, you could still be traveling past, or recreating within, its runoff path.
Sea kayaker and conservationist, Naude Dreyer, is no stranger to dealing with wild, uncooperative seals and sea lions. Through the work of the Ocean Conservation Namibia (OCN) non-profit organization, he and his team have rescued hundreds—if not thousands—of seals from human-caused ocean debris.
After viewing so many successful seal and sea lion rescues, one could assume that the art of capturing these semiaquatic creatures (in order to free them from their respective ailments) would be second nature to Dreyer. But even with a skill set as close to “expert” as it gets (on dry land), when you add in a kayak and ocean current, well, that’s a whole other beast.
“It’s seldom that we can actually get close enough to the entangled animals in the water to grab them,” said Dreyer. He explained that this was actually the fifth attempt to save this one Cape Fur Seal (eared seal). The seal “gave up a good fight,” Dryer explained, but in the end, the intervention was a success.
[ Paddling Trip Guide: plan your next kayaking adventure ]
Michigan 8th Graders to Stand-Up-Paddleboard 50 Miles of the St. Mary’s River to Raise Funds for Great Lakes Preservation
On May 1, 2021, three 8th grade students from Cherryland Middle School in Elk Rapids plan to standup paddleboard the treacherous St. Mary’s River.
Owen Werner, Max Ward and Jamie Peters will begin at the Soo Locks and end on their 50-mile journey on Drummond Island. Along the way, the students will encounter 600-foot freighters which create dangerously large wakes. The water will be bone-chilling cold at about 36 degrees and there may even be ice floating down the river.[
The trio plans on paddling this with Kwin Morris, their science teacher and co-founder of Stand Up for Great Lakes. Kwin has paddled four of the five Great Lakes with fellow co-founders Joe Lorenz and Jeff Guy. They will be accompanied by a safety boat with an EMT on board. Each paddler will be outfitted in drysuits and PFDs.
The group is paddling to raise funds and to raise awareness of the increasing levels of plastic pollution in the Great Lakes. All funds will be donated to Stand Up For Great Lakes, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Great Lakes Basin.
“I fish these waters with my buddies, swim, boat, ski in them and much more,” said Jamie Peters. “They are a big part of my life and the lives of thousands and thousands more.”
[ Discover the best PFDs of the year in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]
“My goal is to inspire people around the Great Lakes to stand up for them,” added Max Ward. “The Great Lakes are crucial to the lives of every living thing in and around the lakes.”
“The lakes represent 84 percent of North America’s fresh water supply,” says Owen Werner. “My concern is that plastic particles as small as a pin head are getting into fish and damaging the habitat as well. Over 20 million pounds of plastic ends up in the lakes each year, and those numbers will only continue to grow.”
Michigan 8th Graders to Stand-Up-Paddleboard 50 Miles of the St. Mary’s River to Raise Funds for Great Lakes Preservation
About Stand Up for Great Lakes
It began with a love of water. The group has crossed four of the five great lakes by stand-up paddleboard and has raised more than $80,000 to help raise awareness of the issues facing the Great Lakes. The lakes are under threat. Oil pipelines of questionable integrity, invasive species, sewage leakage, pharmaceutical pollution, agricultural runoff, and those who choose to throw beer cans and cigarette butts wherever they please, the list of threats to these majestic and vital bodies of water is endless. We’re asking others to Stand Up for Great Lakes and provide support and encourage us on this important mission.
On April 13, 2021, American Rivers named the Snake River America’s #1 Most Endangered River of 2021, pointing to perilously low returns of Snake River salmon and the urgent need for lawmakers and communities to come together to develop a comprehensive economic revitalization plan that not only invests in salmon recovery and honors national obligaions to Native American tribes but also invests in clean energy, agriculture, technology and tourism.
“The America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a call to save rivers in need of urgent action,” said Tom Kiernan, President of American Rivers. “We’re facing a critical choice on the Snake River. We can either stay with the status quo, which means failing salmon runs, more costly ligitation, increasing energy insecurity and broken promises to tribes. Or we can choose to invest in salmon recovery and infrastructure solutions that create a future of abundance and prosperity for the region. We think the choice is clear and we’re calling on the Northwest congressional delegation to take action now.”
[ See the best gear of the year in the online Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]
Once the largest salmon producer in the Columbia River Basin, today Snake River salmon runs are at the brink of extinction. The loss of salmon is a crisis for the entire web of life, from black bears to Southern Resident killer whales. It is also an existential threat to Northwest tribes who depend on the fish for their cultures and identities.
“Salmon are critical to the cultural lifeways of Columbia-Snake River Basin tribes, like my own people of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon, and are integral to regional identity, economies, and even the orcas and the Puget Sound,” said Alyssa Macy, CEO of Washington Environmental Council / Washington Conservation Voters. “Removal of the four dams is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for salmon restoration that will benefit Tribal Nations, local economies, environmental ecosystems, and the Southern Resident Orca population for generations to come.”
Scientists say that removing four dams on the lower Snake River in eastern Washington must be part of a Snake basin salmon recovery plan. It is estimated that by 2080 the Snake River Basin will provide two-thirds of the coldest, most climate resilient stream habitats for salmon and steelheadon the West Coast. Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID) has proposed a $33.5 billion framework to remove the dams, recover salmon, and revitalize the region’s infrastructure and economy.
American Rivers and Washington Environmental Council called on the Northwest congressional delegation to build on Congressman Simpson’s proposal and advance a comprehensive salmon recovery solution that includes lower Snake River dam removal, as well as robust job-creating
investments to replace the dams’ energy, transportation and irrigation services. This critically important legislation must be included in President Biden’s national infrastructure package.
“A well-crafted, comprehensive solution would benefit the nation as a whole by saving iconic salmon and Souther Resident orcas, bolstering clean energy and strengthening the economy of one of the most dynamic regions in the country,” Kiernan said.
The Snake River is the largest tributary of the Columbia River, flowing more than 1,000 miles from its headwaters in Wyoming to the confluence with the Columbia at the Tri-Cities in Washington. The Snake Basin is home to 50 percent of the current cold water habitat for Pacific salmon in all of the lower 48, and once produced 40 percent of the prized Chinook salmon and over half steelhead in the Columbia River Basin.
Salmon are at the heart of the cultures of Northwest Native American tribes, integral to religion, identity and physical sustenance. Abundant returns of salmon are also critical to local economies, driving lucrative fishing, recreation and tourism.
Wild salmon returns plummeted by over 90 percent following construction of the four federal dams on lower the Snake River. In recent years, fewer than 10,000 wild Chinook salmon have returned to spawn. Today, 13 Columbia-Snake salmon and steelhead populations are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Scientists believe that all four salmon and steelhead populations in the Snake River Basin will go extinct without urgent action.
The threat posed by the dams is exacerbated by climate change, which is warming up the Snake River and making conditions even more dire for salmon. In 2015, for example, 96 percent of the Snake River sockeye died trying to navigate through lethally warm waters to cooler tributaries and spawning grounds upstream. While the dams are heating up the major river thoroughfares for salmon, scientists estimate that the essential habitat above the dams will continue to provide clean, cold water.
The annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a list of rivers at a crossroads, where key decisions in the coming months will determine the rivers’ fates. Over the years, the report has helped spur many successes including the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with Wild and Scenic designations, and the prevention of harmful development and pollution.
Other rivers in the region listed as most endangered in recent years include the Puyallup River (2019), Green-Dwiamish and Willamette rivers (2018) and the South Fork Skykomish and Green-Toutle rivers (2017).
AMERICA’S MOST ENDANGERED RIVERS OF 2021
#1: Snake River (ID, WA, OR)
Threat: Four federal dams on the lower Snake River
#2: Lower Missouri River (MO, IA, NE, KS)
Threat: Outdated river management
As much as we love watching our whitewater heroes send the tallest waterfalls and throw down the most impressive tricks, there is something infinitely more satisfying about watching them execute an impressive rescue.
In this video, we see pro kayaker Dane Jackson step in to assist with a nail-biting cave rescue on the Green Truss section of the White Salmon River.
The video starts with Dane feeling “fired up” and enjoying laps on this classic PNW run. But less than 1 minute into the action, things take an ugly turn for the worse. A fellow kayaker has swum from his boat and has become trapped in a dangerous cave, bound by the strong recirculating current.
Dane approaches the waterfall—ready to paddle it—until he realizes something is wrong. He pulls over into a safe spot to access a better vantage point. “There’s someone in the cave!” he yells, as he quickly hops out of his boat and into action.
There is little time to waste. He discusses a plan with his paddle partner and, after setting themselves up in a good spot, they toss a throw rope directly at the swimmer. A perfect throw meant that the swimmer was able to grab onto the line with less difficulty. Both athletes clearly struggle as they heave on the line and attempt to pull the swimmer out of the cave and into the main flow, fighting the current.
Moments later, we breathe a sigh of relief as we see the swimmer—and the kayak—pop out of the cave. Both the boat and the paddler seem to have come out of the incident physically unharmed.
This kayak rescue highlights the importance of having whitewater rescue training. A slower reaction time and/or inadequate equipment could have changed the outcome of this event entirely. While our paddling skills may not be on par with Dane’s, we can certainly make sure our rescue skill set is just as impressive.
As much as we acknowledge and appreciate the wealth of life that lives beneath the ocean’s surface, we generally like to experience it on our own terms. When Scottish kayaker Ewan Campbell set out on a day mission to surf the waves of Lora Falls in Scotland, a meet-up with a slippery semi-aquatic friend was certainly not on his agenda.
The heart-stopping video shows the moment a seal suddenly flips out of the water and over top of his kayak. Campbell, clearly rattled, exclaims and struggles to stay upright. The seal, weighing in the region of 60-80 lbs, casually re-enters the water–unharmed–and resumes business as usual.
Campbell was on a solo mission that day and was the only witness of this wild, unusual event. For us as viewers, we are equally grateful that Campbell and the seal were both unharmed, as we are that he was wearing a GoPro to film the encounter.
[ Plan your next paddling adventure with the Paddling Trip Guide ]
Warning: This video contains language that some viewers may find offensive.
Engineering student Konrad Van Varseveld has never shied away from a good ol’ DIY challenge. After recently building a hydrospeed (a whitewater riverboard) out of an old whitewater creek boat shell, he decided to upcycle the kayak outfitting too. “I figured I could probably build a new kayak to put the outfitting in,” he said.
Determined to not let the idea fall into the draw of winter-projects-I’ll-never-get-to, the 20-something boater let these leftover, odd bits serve as kindling for his next upcycled creation.
Paying close attention to edge and rocker design, he assembled multiple paper prototypes until the pieces fit together seamlessly. Once he had found the winning combination, he traced the outlines onto high density polyethylene (HDPE) sheets before cutting them out and beginning the welding process. He then transplanted the cockpit rim from the dismantled creeker.
Van Varseveld took the new kayak for a test ride down his local class III run. He bumped a few rocks, hit a few boofs, and yet the homemade kayak endured. “My first kayak project went well, but after hiking five laps of the pink mountain wave without catching it, I decided to build a faster boat.
Everything is made more magical in Banff. | Photo courtesy of: Jake Dyson
Sitting on the western edges of Alberta, Banff National Park is all the superlatives of Canada crammed into one place. It’s aquamarine glacial lakes, backed by snow-capped rocky mountain peaks, set against a bluebird sky. And that’s not even making mention of the bears, elk, marmots, mountain goats and other incredible wildlife you’re likely to see on a trip here.
You could visit Banff in a day, but this is a park that deserves more than a few hours. Unfortunately, hotels in Banff tend to have prices that reflect their demand (this is the most popular park in Canada, after all), which is only part of the reason a Banff camping trip is one of the best ways to explore the region.
Whether you’re a first-time camper looking for a glampsite, a family researching the best camping around Banff, or an experienced outdoors person who is looking for a paddle-in backcountry site, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our comprehensive Banff camping guide.
You’ll be even more immersed in Banff’s beauty when you camp. | Photo courtesy of: Travel Alberta
Banff campgrounds
Banff National Park‘s campgrounds are managed by Parks Canada, which operates 13 frontcountry camping areas with a total of nearly 2,500 sites available for tents and motorhomes.
The seven main campgrounds are within a short drive of the Banff townsite, but additional campgrounds exist closer to Lake Louise and along the Icefields Parkway. Most Parks Canada campgrounds in Banff are only open from May until the beginning of October, although some are open year-round.
Here are some of the most popular places to camp near Banff.
Tunnel Mountain campgrounds
If you want to be close to Banff’s townsite, then make a reservation at one of the Tunnel Mountain campgrounds. These three campgrounds are the biggest in the national park and offer some of the best camping in Banff, with a total of 1,149 sites. You won’t get much privacy, but you will have every amenity you could possibly need.
Tunnel Mountain Village II (209 sites for $33.01 CAD per night) hosts evening programs with park interpreters, while Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court (322 sites for $39.04 CAD per night) can accommodate RV’s up to 50 feet in length.
Meanwhile, Tunnel Mountain Village I ($28 CAD per night) is the largest campground in the national park, with 618 sites and an evening theater program six nights a week during the summer months. All three must be reserved online in advance.
Johnston Canyon campground
Centrally located along the Bow Valley Parkway, the Johnston Canyon campground provides the best access to the waterfalls and walkways of Johnston Canyon. It has 132 sites for small RV’s (up to 27 feet) and tents, and much like the other Banff campgrounds on this list, can even be accessed via public transportation from Banff. Make a reservation in advance to secure your spot for $28 CAD per night.
Castle Mountain campground
With just 43 sites, this is one of Banff’s smallest and most intimate frontcountry campgrounds. On the more rustic side of things, it’s in a fully wooded area about 30 minutes from town, and has limited amenities (there are flush toilets, but no showers and there’s no electrical hook-up available). As such, it’s most suitable for those in tents or camper vans. The campground fills up on a first-come, first-serve basis and payment ($21.97 CAD per night) can be made by self-registration.
The best memories are made around a campfire. | Photo courtesy of: Parks Canada
Two Jack campgrounds
Two Jack Lake has two campgrounds, with a total of 454 sites. The Two Jack Lakeside campground is one of your best options for lakeside camping in Banff, as it offers direct water access to tenters and small RVs. It’s also where you’ll find 10 oTENTiks—Parks Canada’s walled shelters. This makes it arguably the best camping in the Banff area. Regular sites cost $28 CAD per night.
The Two Jack Main campground is a bit more secluded, and just minutes from Lake Minnewanka. Sites at both campgrounds must be reserved online in advance, but be prepared for just the basics when it comes to amenities—there is no electrical service at either campground (although there is a sanitation dump at Two Jack Main), and Two Jack Main doesn’t have showers. Sites at Two Jack Main cost $21.97 CAD per night.
Protection Mountain campground
Located a little farther down the Bow Valley Parkway toward Lake Louise, Protection Mountain has 72 sites that are available on a first-come, first serve basis. Once a treed area, it’s recently been opened up for safety reasons, providing even better views of the surrounding mountains. Note that there are no showers available, cell phone reception is limited, and there are some campsites where no fires are permitted. It costs $21.97 CAD per night.
Lake Louise campground
The Lake Louise campground is split into a hard-sided and soft-sided section, containing 189 and 206 sites respectively. As the name suggests, the hard-sided campground is reserved for hard-sided camping units. It contains double sites with electrical service, only some of which have fire rings. There is a sanitation dump on-site, as well as flush toilets and showers. Campsites cost $33.01 CAD per night.
The soft-sided campground is reserved for tents, soft-sided trailers and camping equipment with soft-sided pop-outs. It’s completely surrounded by an electric fence for the safety of campers due to seasonal bear activity in the area. There are flush toilets, showers and a sanitation dump on-site, but there is no electrical hook-up. Campsites cost $28 CAD per night.
Reservations for both sections of the Lake Louise campground can be made in advance.
Mosquito Creek campground
Don’t let the name alarm you—the skeeters are no worse here than they are elsewhere in the park. Located about an hour north of Banff on the Icefields Parkway, Mosquito Creek is a first-come, first-serve campground and is among the park’s most basic. There is no cell phone coverage, nor are there flush toilets or showers, although there are an outhouses. The campground contains 32 sites, which costs $17.99 CAD per night.
Waterfowl Lakes campground
The Waterfowl Lakes campround is nearly at the border of Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, about 90 minutes northwest of the Banff township. Located on the edge of a series of small lakes along the Icefields Parkway, it contains 116 first-come, first-serve sites, flush toilets, firepits and a sanitation dump—but no has cell phone service or showers. Sites cost $21.97 CAD per night.
Rampart Creek campground
One of the most northerly campgrounds within Banff National Park, Rampart Creek is a short drive away from Saskatchewan River Crossing, where the North Saskatchewan, Howse and Mistaya rivers meet. Campsites must be reserved in advance for $17.99 CAD per night. The campground is best suited for tent campers and smaller trailers, as amenities such as flush toilets, showers, electrical hook-up and sanitation dump are not available. There’s also no cell phone service here and fire permits must be purchased at the campground.
Silverhorn Creek campground
Located 50 km north of Lake Louise, Silverhorn Creek campground has the most limited amenities of any in national park. While other campgrounds at least have running water and picnic shelters, neither are available here, no are there flush toilets, showers or options for electrical hook-up. Instead you’ll find fire rings and outhouses.
Sites are big enough to accommodate large trailers and motorhomes, however, and tenters of course are also welcome. The 45 campsites here are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and cost $16.05 CAD per night.
Banff backcountry camping
As Canada’s most popular national park, Banff receives millions of visitors per year. The result is that frontcountry camping in Banff can be incredibly busy during the summer months, making it hard to be at one with nature.
The good news is that there’s 6,641 km² of wilderness to explore. Banff’s extensive backcountry hiking system makes it easy to immerse yourself in remote natural environments.
So, are you ready to go wild camping in Banff? If so, there are over 50 backcountry campgrounds spread across the park, all of which have pit toilets and food lockers. Many have fire rings—fires are not permitted at campgrounds where fire rings are not present. Almost all the backcountry campgrounds have hike-in access, but paddlers will love the six canoe-in campgrounds in the Lake Minnewanka Area and the one canoe-in campground in the Cascades/Sawback Area (this one is located on the Bow River and is the only backcountry campground that can only be accessed from the water).
[ Paddling Trip Guide: View all paddling adventures in Alberta ]
Most of the backcountry campgrounds have five to 10 sites available, so reservations are highly recommended for the summer months. Likewise, rustic shelters at Bryant Creek and Egypt Lake ($6.95 CAD per night) can be booked online in advance.
Random camping is only permitted in designated areas. Pick a place to pitch your tent somewhere that’s 5 km or more from either the trailhead or any designated campground, 50 m from the trail and 70 m from the nearest water source.
Regardless of whether you choose to camp at a designated backcountry campground or designated random camping area, you’ll need to purchase a backcountry camping permit ($10.02 CAD per night). These are mandatory and can be obtained in-person at the Parks Canada Visitor Centres in Banff and Lake Louise, or by calling (403) 762-1556 in Banff or (403) 522-1264 in Lake Louise.
Campers are only permitted to stay on backcountry campsites for a maximum of three consecutive days and group sizes are a maximum of 10 people and five tents.
For trips itineraries and more information on the best backcountry camping in Banff, visit pc.gc.ca/banff-backcountry or download the brochure “Backcountry Trails in Banff National Park,” which has a Banff backcountry camping map and full list of sites.
Camping in Banff is amazing no matter the time of year. | Photo courtesy of: Paddy Pallin
Winter camping Banff
Banff National Park may be a ski and snowboard mecca during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean camping comes to a halt.
For frontcountry wintertime camping, the Tunnel Mountain Village II campground is open year-round. Recreational vehicles and tents are both welcome and there’s no need to worry about getting cold—you’ll be able to keep warm with all the activities on offer at the neighboring Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court campground, including cross-country skiing, fat biking and snowshoeing. Down the road, the hard-sided section of the Lake Louise campground is also open year-round.
Banff’s backcountry system of campgrounds is also open year-round, but be aware there is an avalanche risk and no cell phone coverage, so you must be well-prepared for these excursions.
Luxury camping Banff
Two Jack Lake oTENTiks
A cross between an A-frame cabin and a canvas tent, the oTENTiks at the Two Jack Lakeside campground are Parks Canada’s answer to glamping. The structures have two queen-sized beds and one double bed. Reservations are recommended for these glampsites, which cost $122.64 CAD per night and book out months in advance.
Located in nearby Kananaskis Country, Sundance Lodges offers trapper’s tents and tipis, complete with wood bed frames and mattresses. You’ll be comfortable and warm inside these upgraded tents, while still being able to enjoy the sound of rain on canvas and fresh air. Tipis and tents start at $79.50 CAD per night and can be booked at online, although two-night minimums may apply during the high season.
Glamp in comfort at Sundance Lodges. | Photo courtesy of: Travel Alberta // Karl Lee
Elevated Escapes
One of the most luxurious glamping options in the Banff area, Elevated Escapes in Canmore has four themed belle tents with all the bells (get it?) and whistles. Upon request, they’ll even decorate the tent with rose petals and throw in a bottle of champagne. The tents start at $150 CAD per night.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the popularity of camping on crown land exploded in Alberta. Although there is no crown land camping directly in the national park, you’re permitted to camp in “random” backcountry spots—provided they’re designated and you have a permit in-hand. (See above for more information on backcountry camping in Banff.)
There are, however, some crown land areas just outside the national park boundaries, particularly in Kananaskis. For a full rundown of free camping in Alberta and Public Land Use Zones (PLUZ), Road Trip Alberta has produced a comprehensive guide, which includes recommendations for sites near the Rockies.
If you do decide to crown land camp, please practice Leave No Trace principles and be respectful of the area you are choosing to pitch your tent or park your trailer for the night.
Banff camping opening dates
Most Parks Canada campgrounds in Banff are open from May until the beginning of October, with the busiest months being July and August. If you plan on visiting during the summer months, you’ll want to reserve your site well in advance. However, a handful of sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, with turnover happening around 11 a.m.
See the section above for information about year-round campgrounds in the park.
Banff camping reservations
While some of Banff’s frontcountry campgrounds are first-come, first-serve, many allow you to book sites in advance of your visit. Reserving campsites at these campgrounds is recommended, as they tend to be busy particularly during the summer months. You can do so online or by phone (1-877-737-3783).
You must make a reservation for all of Banff’s backcountry campgrounds. Purchase your permit online or by calling 1-877-737-3783.
For random camping, you must purchase a permit in-person at the Parks Canada Visitor Centres in Banff or Lake Louise, or by calling (403) 762-1556 in Banff or (403) 522-1264 in Lake Louise.
If you’ve arrived in Banff without a reservation during the months of July and August, you’re likely going to be out of luck. Your best option is to drive to nearby Canmore or Kananaskis to see if any campsites have availability in those areas, or camp near Calgary and plan a day trip into Banff.
Parks Canada campsites in Banff are affordably priced, ranging from $16.05 CAD for a basic site to $39.04 CAD for sites with power hook-ups.
Backcountry campground and free camping permits cost $10.02 CAD per person. There’s also a non-refundable reservation fee of $11.50 CAD when you book online and $13.50 CAD when you book over the phone.
Regardless of what type of site you choose, you’ll need to pay your national park entry fee ($10 CAD per day for adults, $8.40 CAD for seniors, $20 CAD for families and groups). This fee is not included in your camping fees.
If you’d like to have a campfire in one of the designated fire rings, fire permits ($8.80 CAD per day) are also available when you reserve your site or at camping kiosks. This also gives you access to firewood supplies at frontcountry campgrounds.
Finally, if you want to fish, you’ll need to apply for an additional permit ($9.80 CAD per day).
Take a stroll down Banff Ave in downtown Banff, and you’ll see store after store with all of your camping and outdoor supply needs. From big outfitters like Atmosphere to high-end brands like Smartwool, Patagonia and Fjällräven, they’re all here. However, the stores are heavy on apparel and ski gear.
To avoid steep tourist prices and get better selection, it’s best to arrive fully equipped. Calgary has a wide range of big box camping stores, including Mountain Equipment Co-op.
Find backcountry lakes—and have them all to yourself. | Photo courtesy of: Paul Zizka
Camping rentals in Banff
Bactrax
This is arguably the best place to go in Banff for camping equipment rentals. Located at 225 Bear Street, Backtrax offers individual camping items for rent, along with its car camping packages, which set you up with everything you might need.
Located in nearby Canmore, Rent-a-Tent has far more than just tents. This outfitter specializes in total camping packages, which include sleeping bags, tents and all your cooking gear. One-off gear rentals and add-ons are also available.
Looking for Banff camping tips? Here’s what else you need to know about how to camp in Banff.
Each Parks Canada campsite can accommodate six people (including children).
You must check out of your campsite or re-register by 11 a.m. The maximum stay per campsite is 14 nights for frontcountry camping.
Practice the Leave No Trace principles at your campsite. Tents and vehicles should only be on gravel pads (not vegetation) and you shouldn’t tie anything to the surrounding trees.
Ready to crack open a beer? Not so fast. During long weekends, visitors to Parks Canada campsites are not permitted to possess or consume alcohol or cannabis products.
In the Rocky Mountains, the focus tends to be on bear-proofing your campsite, but they’re not the only animals to be wary of. From squirrels to deer to elk, the name of the game when camping in Banff is ensuring you’re not only protecting yourself from wildlife, but also protecting wildlife from humans. Don’t feed the animals, keep your campsite clean, store food and scented products in your car, put garbage in wildlife-proof bins, keep your dog on a leash, report bear sightings, and give wild animals the space they need.
When hiking in Banff, always carry bear spray, make lots of noise and travel in groups. For the latest trail conditions, check with Parks Canada before you set out.
Everything is made more magical in Banff. | Photo courtesy of: Jake Dyson
Spanish pro kayaker, Aniol Serrasolses, is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in a whitewater kayak, and his latest feat is no different. In this Red Bull stunt, we see Aniol descend more than 25 kilometers through Chile’s snow-capped mountains in the Araucanía region, into gladed forests and—finally—landing in some pretty spectacular whitewater rapids below.
Just as we struggle to watch one of our favorite athletes being thrown 10-15 feet in the air at a time, it seems Aniol himself also needed a moment or two to compose himself before getting back in the saddle. At 1:05, he takes a few deep breaths before the epic ride recommences.
While we mere mortals practice dialing in our water-based kickflip, we watch in awe as Aniol effortlessly kickflips through the air… without water. If that wasn’t enough, we then see him land the world’s first double kickflip off a waterfall. Again, we’re going to need a minute.
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This past year and the ongoing pandemic has posed some unique challenges for whitewater athletes around the world—from the inability to travel, to the postponement of major competitions. Despite the circumstances, we are thrilled to see that Aniol is still finding new, innovative ways to elevate the sport and inspire us.
Situated at the convergence of two mighty rivers—the Ottawa and the St. Lawrence—outstanding Montreal rafting opportunities are just as plentiful as smoked meat and 17th-century architecture. You can enjoy thrilling whitewater rafting minutes from downtown, or drive just an hour away to discover amazing canyons and beautiful rivers tumbling out of the Laurentian Mountains.
The best reasons to put rafting near Montreal on your summer bucket list are the incredible scenery, warm water, adrenaline-pumping waves and rapids—and the fact that it’s so accessible! Anyone can enjoy a rafting trip on Montreal’s Lachine Rapids or the pristine Rouge River. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced paddler, acclaimed rafting outfitters offer trips for all ages and adventure appetites. No whitewater experience is necessary; you’ll learn everything you need to know before hitting the first set of rapids.
[This article is part of our 24 Adventurous Things To Do In Montreal series. Learn more about where to hike, bike, paddle and sightsee around Quebec’s largest city.]
Where to go Family Rafting in Montreal
Montreal Lachine Rapids Rafting
Get a taste for St Lawrence River rafting on the world-famous Lachine Rapids at LaSalle, Montreal. Located just steps from downtown Montreal, LaSalle rafting experiences on the Lachine Rapids range from gentle family rafting to high-adrenaline adventure. Easily accessible by car, metro and bike, Rafting Montréal offers Lachine Rapids rafting excursions for all types of paddlers. Beginners and families can enjoy a calmer introduction to whitewater while splashing down class I-II rapids and marvelling at the clear green water and urban skyline. Bilingual, professional guides will make sure you have an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city. Family rafting tours are just over 2 hours long and include time for an optional swim in the rapids.
Get your feet wet on Quebec’s most popular whitewater rafting river, just an hour’s drive west of Montreal. Known variously as the Riviere Rouge, Rouge River or Red River, this rafting hotspot offers introductory family trips in a pristine river valley at Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, Quebec. This is an unforgettable family summer activity and a perfect way to introduce kids to whitewater activities. Children must be at least 6 years old and weigh a minimum of 23 kilograms (50 pounds). Accompanied by expert river guides, families will raft rapids up to class III, with stops for swimming, body surfing, cliff jumping and a picnic lunch on a beautiful beach. Propulsion Rafting and New World Rafting (Rafting Nouveau Monde) offer family rafting trips on the Rouge River.
Gatineau River Family Rafting
Rushing out of the Laurentian Mountains 3.5 hours northwest of Montreal, it’s well worth making the road trip to raft the wild and majestic Gatineau River. While parts of the river offer rapids up to class V (more on that below), the section used for family rafting is a beautiful and gentle float with easy class I-II rapids. Join the skilled and friendly guides at Bonnet Rouge Rafting Gatineau River for an unforgettable half-day of Gatineau River rafting. Camping packages at Bonnet Rouge Rafting’s family-friendly riverside basecamp are also available.
Mattawin River Family Rafting
Located just over 2 hours north of Montreal, the Riviere Mattawin is a road trip-worthy rafting destination for adventurous families. Set in a wild and beautiful river valley, the Mattawin River’s calmer stretches offer easy rapids and exceptional scenery for family rafting float trips. Four-season adventure resort Centre D’Aventure Mattawin offers half- and full-day family rafting tours complete with swimming and playing in the current. It’s easy to plan a longer family getaway, thanks to the Mattawin Adventure Centre’s incredible variety of adventure activities, which include canoeing in nearby Parc National de la Mauricie, canyoning and whitewater kayaking. Accommodation packages can include camping, spacious Ready-to-Camp prospector tents and comfortable eco-cabins.
Adventure Rafting experiences in the Lachine Rapids are Montreal’s most popular St Lawrence River rafting tours. Get ready for an adrenaline rush as you face down class III-IV rapids and raft-swallowing whirlpools on this half-day tour. Some of the most intense waves on the Saint Lawrence River, such as Big John, Outétoucos, Louis Leap and the Devils Drop, will leave thrill-seekers wanting another run. Rafting Montréal and Club Raft offer Lachine Rapids adventure rafting. Both are located minutes from downtown in Montreal’s LaSalle district.
Rouge River Rafting
Experience the thrill of heart-pounding drops and continuous class III-IV rapids on the Rouge River, just an hour’s drive from Montreal. In its final 10 kilometers, the Riviere Rouge enters a canyon and drops precipitously toward its confluence with the Ottawa—a cathartic spill of rapids and falls that have made it Quebec’s most popular river for high-adrenaline whitewater rafting. You will descend the best stretch of river based on water levels—early in the season that means braving the high water of Harrington Canyon, while summer offers challenging trips down the rambunctious Seven Sisters. Beautiful scenery, sandy beaches between rapids and places for surfing, swimming and floating in the current make this an unforgettable half-day or full day trip.
Two acclaimed rafting resorts offer guided Rouge River trips:
New World Rafting (Rafting Nouveau Monde)
With nearly 40 years experience rafting the Rouge River, New World Rafting (Rafting Nouveau Monde) are experts at curating memorable Riviere Rouge rafting experiences. Choose from a half-day of rafting (8 km) or a full day featuring two runs of the best rapids on the Rouge (16 km). New World also offers high adventure sportyaking, easy-going family rafting, a whitewater kayak school and weekend packages, which include a full day of rafting, camping, meals and access to the spa, pool, beach and bar at their riverfront location.
Launched in 1982, Propulsion Rafting boasts decades of experience and a gorgeous base camp location nestled in the forest beside the Rouge River, just above the Seven Sisters rapids. Choose from half-day or full day rafting in 6- to 8-person rafts, or get even closer to the wet and wild action in a 2-person cataraft or sportyak. These inflatable kayaks offer an experience in between rafting and kayaking and can accommodate one or two paddlers. Under the supervision of an experienced kayaker, you will guide your own sportyak or cataraft down the best rapids on the Rouge River. For a full weekend experience, opt for Propulsion Rafting’s riverside camping or cozy cabin stay with access to the on-site spa, pool, beach volleyball and bar.
Gatineau River Rafting
Make the 3.5-hour road trip from Montreal to the legendary Gatineau River and you won’t be disappointed. The volume and intensity of the Gatineau’s rapids draw rafting enthusiasts from across Ontario, Quebec and the northeastern United States, and from as far away as Europe. You will encounter seven major rapids all rated class III-IV or higher during your 12-kilometer descent, including four rapids rated class V—the highest class available for commercial whitewater rafting! The experienced guides at Bonnet Rouge Rafting make it possible for anyone from beginners to experts to enjoy a half-day of high-adrenaline Gatineau River rafting. Camping packages at Bonnet Rouge Rafting’s rustic riverside basecamp are also available.
Gatineau River Expedition Rafting
Get your friends and family together for a unique, custom expedition rafting experience on the Upper Gatineau River. Available for groups of 12–25, Boreal River Adventures will work with you to create an unforgettable 3- to 5-day whitewater rafting trip complete with beautiful wild camping on the river. On this leadership and educational expedition you can expect to learn whitewater navigation and safety and develop wilderness camping skills while experiencing the magic of a river journey.
Mattawin River Rafting
Bordering the edge of a huge wilderness area including Parc National de la Mauricie, the Riviere Mattawin is a road trip-worthy rafting destination located just over 2 hours north of Montreal. Set in a wild and beautiful river valley, the Mattawin River’s heart-pounding Rapides des Cinq section boasts 9 kilometers of non-stop class III and IV rapids, the longest stretch of continuous rapids of this class in Quebec. Four-season adventure resort Centre D’Aventure Mattawin offers full-day rafting and inflatable kayaking tours, as well as half-day whitewater river boarding and introductory whitewater kayaking instruction.
Looking for the ultimate rafting experience? Join Centre D’Aventure Mattawin for a multi-day downriver rafting adventure of a lifetime. If you are short on time, the 2-day Mattawin River rafting expedition features 30 kilometers of the Mattawin’s biggest and best rapids, complete with one night of riverside camping. For those who prefer to go big or go home, the 6-day rafting expedition is a bucket list-worthy 90-km descent that kicks off with a seaplane flight to your put-in. This all-inclusive guided rafting trip includes 5 nights of wild camping along one of the most beautiful rivers in Quebec.
Safety is always a concern when participating in any outdoor adventure activity, and that is one reason it’s recommended to go with a reputable rafting company that has years of experience.
To be safe on the water, it’s important to follow the guide’s instructions. They’ve been doing this for a long time and are there to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Injuries while whitewater rafting are few and far between. The most common injuries are bumps, bruises and scrapes. Each raft carries a first aid kit, and all guides are certified in First Aid and CPR.
Gentle rafting trips rated low-intensity are suitable for children as young as 6 (must weigh at least 50 pounds/23 kilograms). Higher intensity rafting trips are suitable for children ages 13 and up (minimum weight is 90 pounds/40 kilograms).
Rafting outfitters provide all mandatory safety equipment—including helmet, life jacket and optional wetsuit for early/late season trips. Aside from the basics, including a bathing suit and/or swim shorts, you should bring a rashguard or sun-protection shirt, waterproof sunscreen and dry change of clothing. You’re also going to need shoes that will stay securely on your feet (this means leave your flip flops and Crocs in the car). Wear water shoes or sport sandals with a secure adjustable back strap. Also make sure eyeglasses/sunglasses are secured. Check with your outfitter about keeping your cellphone on you, or whether it should be in a waterproof gear case.
The rafting season in Montreal opens in early May and runs through late September or early October, depending on the outfitter. Summer (late June through August) is the busiest and most popular rafting season in Montreal. This is when the water is warmest and the days are hottest, so it’s a perfect time if you want to swim, body surf or cliff jump and don’t mind waiting a bit longer for that next surf wave. Some family rafting options are also not available until the lower water levels of late May or even mid-June.
If you want maximum volume rapids and are warm-blooded enough to brave the cold water and air temperatures, go in the spring (May–June).
Fall (September–October) brings cooler days, but the water is still warmer than spring and the water levels are often higher than summer (but not as high as spring)—so it can be a good time if you are looking for a bit more excitement with reasonable temperatures and fewer crowds.
All whitewater rafting outfitters will have insulating neoprene wetsuits available for rent and can let you know based on the weather, time of year and your personal preference if you would be more comfortable wearing one.
Owen Werner, Max Ward and Jamie Peters will begin at the Soo Locks and end on their 50-mile journey on Drummond Island. Along the way, the students will encounter 600-foot freighters which create dangerously large wakes. The water will be bone-chilling cold at about 36 degrees and there may even be ice floating down the river.[
