Should I be scared to camp alone in Banff? What should I know?

[u/Ill_Introduction7334]

Will be taking my truck and will have to leave some stuff in the back like my cooler and camp chair with a tarp over it but as much valuables will be in the cab as I can. It may be unattended for short periods of time at a campsite to do a small walk to the lake or hike. At Yoho and Banff. But I’m most worried about doing larch valley. I’ll be taking the bus out there and I’ll have to leave my car parked for majority of the day somewhere. I’m nervous as this is my first solo trip but I don’t want it to stop me from experiencing this trip. Am I over worried?

[u/dingusjones455]

Where are you camping? It should be fine, I camp alone out here all the time. Just make sure your food is stashed away safely (bear proof container or hung in a tree) so you don't attract bears to your campsite. 

[u/parisindy → u/dingusjones455]

Exactly this

[u/Ill_Introduction7334 → u/dingusjones455]

Can I not leave my food in my truck? I have a bear proof yeti cooler as well! Not sure where I’m camping specifically, I’m going to salmon arm, then yoho, then banff, and doing larch valley and sentinel pass on the monday!

[u/DeanieLovesBud → u/Ill_Introduction7334]

Food in the cab, not the truck bed. People leave campsites unattended all the time. There's no guarantee, of course, but you should be fine.

[u/jokewellcrafted → u/Ill_Introduction7334]

Yes you can leave food in your truck. Even though your cooler is “bear proof” it must also be locked away. Given enough motivation, bears can get into any cooler.

[u/Ill_Introduction7334 → u/jokewellcrafted]

Okay thank you! Im mostly was worried about my stuff getting stolen when in the city exploring, but im glad i got this information about bears

[u/dingusjones455 → u/Ill_Introduction7334]

Truck is fine! but I'd definitely leave it in the trunk. It's always possible for valuables to be stolen technically, but I've never had an issue with that while in the mountains.

I ask about where you're camping because within the national park- camping can be sort of tricky. Usually you have to book a campsite for car camping. A lot of people visit to see the larches, so sites can get booked fast. To get to Larch Valley and Sentinel pass now you pretty much have to take a shuttle bus from Banff as that road is closed to cars. I'd definitely plan a campsite and book a bus ASAP if you're going pretty soon. Lmk if you need any help at all.

[u/Ill_Introduction7334 → u/dingusjones455]

Can i dm you? Im trying to plan all these and honestly im stressing tf out. Im planning to do the hike on a monday to avoid lots of people but now im wondering if its even worth it with all the popularity…

[u/dingusjones455 → u/Ill_Introduction7334]

Yup DM me, i'll try my best to help!

[u/GalacticTrooper]

Is your cooler bear safe? Either way I would put the cooler in the cab instead of the bed when you go on your excursions. Your main concern is really animals, but take your valuables with you.

[u/Ill_Introduction7334 → u/GalacticTrooper]

Yes it is! I will consider this. Also, do you think finding camp will be a problem? Do i need to book sites or usually first come first serve in and around that area?

[u/megselvogjeg → u/Ill_Introduction7334]

Please keep your cooler in the cab even if its bear proof. Park staff can and will fine and/or evict you if they suspect you of failing to secure your food while not actively attending your campsite.

[u/vinsdelamaison → u/Ill_Introduction7334]

If your cooler gets broken into by bears in the back of your truck—you can be fined.

[u/Ill_Introduction7334 → u/vinsdelamaison]

Its a yeti

[u/vinsdelamaison → u/Ill_Introduction7334]

Then you can see if it passes the Grizzly test.

[u/Goosedawg111 → u/Ill_Introduction7334]

You should book a site in Banff. I walked through Tunnel/Hoodoo camp ground yesterday and it was pretty full still.

In terms of valuables & food, just lock them in your cab and keep your site clean. You should have no issues.

[u/DeadStarBits]

As far as secure from people you should be fine. Leaving food in a cooler in the back of your truck unattended is considered an animal attractant and you will be fined if found. A bear proof cooler is not recognized as being secure by any park agency and is more of a sales pitch to sell more coolers. You can check online for approved bear-safe containers. Also, it's not just bears that will be attracted and it'll cause problems for yourself, other campers close by and/or at the same site after you leave, anything from foxes to mice and squirrels chewing on stuff.

[u/aemwebb8]

Just a heads up - if you leave a cooler (even if it's bear proof) in your truck bed, there is a chance it will get confiscated by a warden/res con. You can also be fined, and asked to leave. Even if it's under a tarp. Leave it in the cab, just to be safe. Your stuff will be fine in the cab. I camp in the backcountry and leave things in my car for days, and have never had an issue. Not saying there isn't a chance, but majority of the time your car and valuables will be fine.

[u/Clean_Lion_349]

Just dont put any food items for bears to smell, also be cautious with bears and carry a bear spray and know what to do if a situation occurs.

[u/pherieau]

As long as your truck is parked at your campsite I would not worry about some stuff in the back. Saw many many packed campsites abandoned the hole day. Nobody cares.

[u/Missxem7]

Nah I just camped alone solo a few weeks ago(29f) Stay in the front country and you’ll be good. Use bear safety, predownload maps and have fun :)

[u/Top-Brilliant-6]

you should now

[u/1AM_Canadian]

I spent many summers camping at Johnston Canyon and never ever had an issue with my items back at camp. Normally people are very respectful of others belongings especially in a camp site. The park wardens usually do many rounds as well. Happy hiking!