Many people will be flocking to the mountains today (August 4) for some long weekend camping.

Unfortuntely, if you were planning on heading to Banff and you haven't already booked a site, chances are slim that you'll be able to find a place to pitch your tent or park your trailer. Greg Danchuk, Visitor Experience Manager with the Banff Field Unit at Banff National Park, says most of their campgrounds are fully booked.

"There are a few first come, first served camp sites  in Banff National Park such as Castle Mountain campground and Protection Mountain, which is just opening for the first time after a long period of being closed. They're fairly small and they will fill very quickly."

There are also some sites available up in the Icefield Parkway at Mosquito and Rampart, but Danchuk expected that all the first come, first served campsites will fill up quickly. Danchuk recommended coming early, being prepared and having a backup plan.

He also said that there is currently not much risk to campers from the Verdant Creek wildfire.

"The fire is not affecting front country facilities. All the campgrounds, although they're fully booked, they're all open. All our facilities are open in the front country. There are some closures of back country camp sites and some back country trails."

There is currently a fire ban in the national park, and no open flames or campfires are allowed. Campers can still use certified propane fire pits and propane stoves.

Danchuk also said long weekend campers should make sure that they are ensuring their own safety and the safety of native wildlife. If you are doing some long weekend camping, you need to keep your site clean, and not leave out anything that you aren't using. Food, coolers and toiletries should not be stored in tents, and ideally they should be kept in a car or a hard side trailer.

"One last reminder. It is a long weekend, and there is a complete alcohol ban in all the campgrounds in the national park. So again, plan ahead for that."

Danchuk said campers can expect it to be busy in the park this weekend. Banff has seen an increase in visitors due to free Discover Passes issued earlier this year, but thanks to advance planning they have been able to accomodate the increased traffic.

 

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