Comprehensive Guide to Barbecuing in Banff (Soak, Stir, Soak)

If you like camping in the Rockies, barbecuing is a sure thing. Although it can be done in many places, you’re bound by rules. What exactly are your options in the park and what restrictions apply?

The good news: Yes you can bbq in Banff. The bad news: You can’t do it anywhere. Parks Canada doesn’t allow it.

Fortunately, there are some places where you ARE allowed to barbecue. Not only will these places provide you with ready-to-use grills, they will also provide you with great scenery and views. 

Where in Banff Can You Barbecue?

You can find most fire pits in Banff National Park at the so-called front-country campgrounds. The park has thirteen of them and twelve have fire pits. Only Tunnel Mountain Trailer Campground near the town of Banff has none.

There are also two Banff picnic areas with fire pits. They are:

• Cascade Ponds, via Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive
• Bow River Barbecue Pit, Birch Avenue Banff

The fact that there are only two has to do with the strict fire restrictions in the park.

Where in Banff Can You Find Barbecue Pits?

1. You’ll find the fire pits at Cascade Ponds, not far from Banff town. From Banff Avenue, drive north and once you’ve passed under the overpass, the road turns into Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive. At the first exit, turn right. Follow the road and you will automatically arrive at the picnic area.

2. The fire pits at the Bow River Barbecue Pit are located on Birch Avenue in Banff. Cross the bridge at the south end of Banff Avenue and then turn right. Then, at the Indian Trading Post, immediately turn right again. Follow the road and you’ll find the picnic area with fire pits on your right. 

Do You Need a Permit for a Banff BBQ?

Yes, at campgrounds you do. Anyone wishing to build a campfire must have a fire permit. Permits are available at the campgrounds or at the self-registration kiosks. If you’re looking to barbecue at Cascade Ponds or the Bow River Barbecue Pit you don’t need one.

Where in Banff Can You Buy Barbecue Products?

OK, you’ve decided to go for a barbecue. Now you need meat, drinks, snacks and other food to make your lunch or dinner in the park a success. Below are some suggestions of where you can do your shopping. There are more possibilities, but the stores below are your best options.

BANFF

• Banff Asian Market, 229 Bear Street
• Banff Convenience Store, 210 Buffalo Street 
• IGA Banff, 318 Marten Street
• Nesters Market, 122 Bear Street

LAKE LOUISE

• The Village Market, Samson Mall, 101 Village Road

Your Barbecue Shopping List

I’m sure you can list a bunch of barbecue products from the top of your head, but to make sure you don’t forget anything, I compiled a handy list. It allows you to quickly check if you have everything.

What Else Is Helpful to Bring when You Go Barbecuing?

You don’t just need food and drinks to make your barbecue a success. Here’s a list of useful items for your barbecue.

• Barbecue grid
• Skewers
• Firewood
• Large picnic blanket
• Anti-bacterial wipes and/or napkins
• Towels
• Bucket (to put out the fire)

Where to Get Firewood?

Firewood is almost always available at campgrounds. Usually there’s wood at the fire pits at Cascade Ponds and the Bow River Barbecue Pit as well. Of course you can gather your own wood, but with firewood you know for sure it’ll work well on a barbecue.

Buying firewood yourself is also possible, but it is not easy to get. There are strict regulations about the delivery because of the potential import of unwanted insects and diseases. In Banff, though, you can go to Standish Home Hardware.  

• Standish Home Hardware, 223 Bear Street, +1 403 – 762 2080

What Are the Rules Around Barbecuing (Campfires)?

Because there is always a lurking fire hazard during peak season, Parks Canada has established strict rules regarding fires: 

• Making a campfire (barbecue) is allowed between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• It is not permitted to randomly start a fire
• Fire is only allowed in metal fire rings or on cooking stoves
• Do not feed wildlife
• Use firewood but not dead wood, bark or branches
• Never leave your fire unattended
• Extinguish the fire completely before leaving the site (bring your own water bucket)
• Extinguish the fire with the soak, stir, soak method

What Is the Soak, Stir, Soak Method?

You are expected to completely extinguish the fire when you have finished barbecuing. To do this, you are asked to use the ‘soak, stir, soak method’.

It works as follows:
Let the fire burn out first. Then spread the embers (glowing wood) in the fire pit, add water or loose dirt, and stir. Expose all the still-burning material. Add more water or dirt and stir again until you no longer see smoke or steam. Repeat until it has thoroughly cooled and you can touch it.

NOTE: Throwing sand on the fire is out of the question, as the embers may continue to smolder and later pop up like a wildfire.

What Barbecuing Equipment Is Allowed?

As part of safety, Parks Canada has also set rules for the materials you can use to make a barbecue or campfire. 

• Portable propane fires, if placed in predesignated fire pits
• Lanterns fired with liquid or gas (closed flame)
• Liquid or gas-fired stoves and barbecues intended for cooking
• Patio heaters (propane, catalytic or infrared) if deemed safe by a Conservation Officer

Barbecuing and Bears

Those who go barbecuing in the Rockies should be mindful of bears. After all, they may be drawn to the smell of your food. Basically, bears are afraid of people and fire, so the chances of a bear getting close are very low.

Nevertheless, when you are done barbecuing, you must clean the grill or fire pit properly. Also, don’t leave any food behind. If you do, bears and other wildlife may lose their fear of people and become a problem for the environment. In that case, the animal has to be put down.

Furthermore, you are expected to take all your belongings with you. So do not leave coolers, used pans, garbage and empty containers behind. The same goes for bottles and cans.