BANFF NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 94

of the grounds are several older cabins offered in summer ($190 s or d). Part of the com-
plex is a grocery store, barbecue area, and the only gas between Banff and Lake Louise.
The nearest restaurants are at Baker Creek Mountain Resort and Johnston Canyon Resort.
BACKCOUNTRY ACCOMMODATIONS
Brewster's Shadow Lake Lodge (403/762-0116 or 866/762-0114,
www.shadowlakelodge.com , mid-June-Sept.) is 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) from the nearest
road. Access is on foot or, in winter, on skis. The lodge is near picturesque Shadow Lake,
and many hiking trails are nearby. Dating to 1928, the oldest structure has been restored as
a rustic yet welcoming dining area, with a woodstove in the kitchen. Guests overnight in
12 newer, comfortable cabins, while in a separate building are washrooms with showers.
The daily rate, including three meals served buffet-style and afternoon tea, is $192 per per-
son per day. The trailhead is along the TransCanada Highway, 19 kilometers (12 miles)
from Banff, at the Redearth Creek parking area. In February and March, when access is on
cross-country skis, the lodge is open Thursday-Sunday and rates are $140 per person.
Campgrounds
Within Banff National Park, 13 campgrounds hold more than 2,000 sites. Although the
town of Banff has five of these facilities with more than 1,500 sites in its immediate vi-
cinity, most fill by early afternoon. The three largest campgrounds are strung out over 1.5
kilometers (0.9 mile) along Tunnel Mountain Road, with the nearest sites 2.5 kilomet-
ers (1.6 miles) from town. A percentage of sites at Tunnel Mountain Campground can be
reserved through the Parks Canada Campground Reservation Service (877/737-3783,
www.pccamping.ca ) , and it's strongly recommended that you do reserve if you require
electrical hookups. Although plenty of sites are available for those without reservations,
they fill fast each day (especially in July and August). The official checkout time is 11am,
so plan on arriving at your campground of choice earlier in the day than this to ensure
getting a site. At more popular locations on summer weekends, a line forms, waiting for
sites to become vacant. This is especially true at the Banff and Lake Louise campgrounds,
which offer powered sites. When the main campgrounds fill, those unable to secure a
site will be directed to an overflow area along Minnewanka Lake Road. These provide
few facilities and no hookups but cost less. Open fires are permitted in designated areas
throughout all campgrounds, but you must purchase a Firewood Permit ($6 per site per
night) to burn wood, which is provided at no cost. For general camping information, stop
at the Banff Visitor Centre (224 Banff Ave., 403/762-1550) or go to the Parks Canada web-
site, www.pc.gc.ca , and follow the links to Banff National Park.