Guided conservation hikes

Banff National Park

Guided hike bookings:

  • Reservation launch: Tuesday, January 23 2024 at 8:00 am MT
  • Online 24/7
  • By calling: 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783)

From lakeside views to mountain vistas, Parks Canada guided conservation hikes show how species and their habitats are connected. Get an insider’s look at the cutting-edge work being done by Parks Canada conservation experts to protect species at risk and restore balance in critical habitats in the mountain national parks.

New to hiking?
Conservation hikes are a great way to explore with a trained Parks Canada guide and learn more about the beautiful Canadian Rockies! Small group sizes allow plenty of opportunities to gain hiking tips and tricks or ask questions about the local plants and animals.

Go behind the scenes with Parks Canada

Hidden Lake: A mosaic unveiled
Banff National Park

Discover the smaller pieces that make up the grand mosaic of this distinct landscape and its ecosystem and why every piece matters. Learn what unique methods Park’s Canada scientists are using towards protection and recovery of westslope cutthroat trout, a species at risk.

Learn more Reserve now!
Burgess Shale Fossil Hikes
Yoho National Park and Kootenay National Park

The Burgess Shale fossils provide the link between modern day species and those from over 500 million years ago. The amazingly detailed preservation shows us a complete marine ecosystem that existed long before the dinosaurs. These fossils are so important that they have been recognized as a key part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Parks Canada protects these internationally significant treasures and offers guided hikes to three unique Burgess Shale fossil sites in Yoho and Kootenay National Park.

Learn more Reserve now!
What to bring

A day of hiking in the Rockies requires preparation. Conditions can change rapidly in the mountains and higher elevations increase your exposure to the sun and stormy weather.  To have a safe and fun time outdoors you will need to bring:

Hikers on a trip to the Burgess Shale
  • Warm layers of clothes (no cotton), rain jacket and rain pants, winter gloves, and a winter toque / hat
  • Hearty lunch and multiple snacks
  • Drinking water, at least 2 litres or ½ gallon per person
  • Sturdy and worn in hiking boots and extra wool socks 
  • Hiking poles (required for the Mount Stephen hike)
  • Sturdy and supportive backpack with a waist belt
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, insect repellent
  • Toilet paper in a plastic bag for disposal, hand sanitizer
  • Reading glasses, if you wear them
  • Blister kit and personal medical supplies (just in case)
  • Sorry, no pets please.
  • Camera!

Learn more

Learn more about how we are protecting species, habitats and ecosystems in Banff National Park.

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