Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to go backcountry camping?

You need a backcountry permit to camp at Kaslo Lake Campground in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. Valhalla Provincial Park does not require a permit. The back-country sites in these two provincial parks are non-reservable and first-come-first-served.

Camping on crown land also does not require a permit, though some front-country areas are managed under Rec Sites & Trails BC and have a camping fee.

Can you tell me the conditions of ______ access road?

Check out the Access Roads page for where to get most recent road conditions. There is a great West Kootenay Hiking Access Facebook Group where over 1000 locals share the latest info!

Can you tell me about _____ trail which isn’t on the site?

If the trail isn’t on this site, then I haven’t been there… yet! Your best bet is to reach out to the West Kootenay Outdoors FB Group which has over 3000 locals. Someone there will know! You can also check out the Guidebooks for a listing of other resources with mountaineering or trail info!

Can I bring my dog on ______ trail?

There are no dogs allowed in Kokanee Glacier and Valhalla Provincial Parks. The other provincial parks have on-leash restrictions.
You can take dogs on any trails on crown land, but you must keep them under control at all times.

I am visiting the area! Can you help me plan my family’s trip?

Check out the local visitor centres for vacation-planning resources! As much as I love to help, this site is run by one volunteer and the visitor centres have several paid staff with even more info than just hiking trails!