Plan Your Trip

What to Pack

Mountain weather can change quickly in the Canadian Rockies, even during the summer months. At Moraine Lake Lodge, you may experience sunshine, rain or cooler temperatures—all in the same day. If you plan to hike or spend time outdoors, come prepared with layers and appropriate footwear so you can stay comfortable as you explore Banff National Park.

• Good hiking boots
• An effective layering system
• Base layers: The layers right next to your skin. Wool is the ideal fabric for this as it’s fast drying, light and will stay warm even when you get wet. It’s advisable that you avoid cotton.
• Mid layers: To be worn on top of your base layer, a thicker sweater of sorts.
• Waterproof and windproof shell jacket
• Gloves and toque (a woolly hat)
• Bear spray (available to borrow from Front Desk)
• Water and snacks

Trail Etiquette

Remember to be respectful of fellow hikers and the surrounding area by following a few simple guidelines:

• Please stay on the trail! Walking off the trail results in the trampling of fragile vegetation and can create erosion problems.
• Do not remove, deface or disturb any natural or historical objects such as flowers, trees, rocks, fossils or dropped antlers. It’s an illegal offense to do so in a National Park.
• Leave no trace! Take all garbage back to the trailhead with you. Pick up any garbage left by people less considerate than yourself.
• Report trail problems to staff at park information centres.
• Do not enter a trail or area marked with a closed sign.

Wildlife Watching Etiquette

Seeing wildlife is a very exciting experience, and our National Parks provide a setting for encountering the various species within their natural habitat. Certain areas around the Canadian Rocky Mountains are known to be frequented by particular animals; however, it comes down to luck and being in the right place at the right time.

Whether you are on a hike, a scenic drive or within a township, it’s important to remember that these are wild animals that can be dangerous and basic guidelines need to be followed when viewing and photographing.

• Never approach, touch or follow wild animals. Keep a safe distance from large animals.
• Do not feed the wildlife (this includes birds and rodents).
• Do not leave your vehicle when watching bears or other large wildlife.
• Avoid activities that cause stress to animals such as chasing, yelling or throwing objects.
• Be sure to move slowly, avoid making eye contact and remain quiet.
• Avoid surprising wildlife; do not try to sneak up on or startle an animal.
• Limit the time of your stay.

Bear Spray

Carry bear spray with you at all times on the trail and know how to use it. Bear spray can be purchased from any outdoor store. The Front Desk also has some that you can borrow for your hikes. If you’re unsure on how to properly use bear spray, a Front Desk Agent would be more than happy to assist in explaining.

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are home to two kinds of bears: the grizzly bear and the black bear. Bears generally prefer to avoid people; however, you can run into a bear anywhere, be it in town, on a busy trail or deep in the backcountry. Should you stop to observe the bear, remain a respectful distance, stay inside your vehicle for safety and never feed a bear.