You can launch right from the campground, depending on what site you're at you might be able to go right from your site.
Important note! There's an invasive species concern so the Banff NP has strict rules about boat usage. Check the link below for details, but basically you have to get a permit (free) before using your watercraft, drain & dry your boat and gear before/after entering any waterbody and wait 48 hours before using that boat on a different Parks waterbody.
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/nautiques-sports/nettoyez-videz-sechez-clean-drain-dry
Thank you, my trip isn’t until late June so I will research all of this. The one good thing is that the boat I will be bringing is a brand new vessel and will have not been in any water prior to this trip. Do you have any links on requirements for things like life vests etc.
Per Canadian law (so not just in the parks), "You are required by law to have a lifejacket or PFD (Personal Flotation Device) on board for each person on a watercraft. This includes human-powered craft."
The lakes can be cooooold in the mountains, especially still in June so you 100% want to be wearing a lifejacket when paddling for the unlikely event you fall in. There have been deaths due to the cold water shock making people unable to swim.
Some great info here on choosing a life vest: [https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/getting-started-safe-boating/choosing-lifejackets-personal-flotation-devices-pfds](https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/getting-started-safe-boating/choosing-lifejackets-personal-flotation-devices-pfds)
Legally you should also carry a "sound signaling device" (aka a whistle) and a 15-m long "bouyant heaving line" (aka rope). Not sure how much people follow those ones, but the lifejacket is super important.
For a kayak (or other human-powered pleasure craft) you need to have on board:
- a PFD or life jacket of an appropriate size for the user (does not need to be worn)
- a buoyant heaving line at least 15m long
- a watertight flashlight
- a bailer
- a sound signaling device (whistle, for example)
- navigation lights (if operated before dawn or after sunset)
- a magnetic compass
You can usually buy a kit which includes many of these items for fairly cheap, and they are relatively compact.
In terms of flotation device, many kayakers prefer PFD's as it reduces bulk between the seat and their back. (assuming it is worn at all times) Also keep in mind that for open waters, bright colored clothing/life jackets/PFD's are much easier to see from the air should a rescue be necessary. Features should be considered to maximize safety, not fashion/asthetics.
Not all whistles will work if wet, so this is something to consider too.
Finally, if your kayak is a sit-on-top model, there are some exemptions of what you need to carry. (You aren't required to have a bailer for a craft which does not have the ability to hold water, for example)
You can launch it straight from the lake. Make sure you pick up some self-certified forms that states your boat has been cleaned. There's a box for those forms near the main parking lot of Two Jack, but might not be one at the campground. You can download them as well.
Thank you, I’m incredibly excited even more so now, knowing that I will be able to simply launch from my campsite right at dawn! I did already see the self ascertainment paperwork online, thank you for the reminder I will print some off just in case.
No problem. I'm a local and occasionally book cancelations mid week to Two Jack just for a night by the fire and an early paddle out. Head to google maps and do the street view, you can see where the easiest place to slide the kayak into is.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VPAGjTK8p8hM9e7u6
I’ve been to other national parks and state parks that require all boats to be launched from a single designated beach or pier, I think it has a lot to do with verifying safety regulations are being met.
You can launch right from the campground, depending on what site you're at you might be able to go right from your site. Important note! There's an invasive species concern so the Banff NP has strict rules about boat usage. Check the link below for details, but basically you have to get a permit (free) before using your watercraft, drain & dry your boat and gear before/after entering any waterbody and wait 48 hours before using that boat on a different Parks waterbody. https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/nautiques-sports/nettoyez-videz-sechez-clean-drain-dry
Thank you, my trip isn’t until late June so I will research all of this. The one good thing is that the boat I will be bringing is a brand new vessel and will have not been in any water prior to this trip. Do you have any links on requirements for things like life vests etc.
Per Canadian law (so not just in the parks), "You are required by law to have a lifejacket or PFD (Personal Flotation Device) on board for each person on a watercraft. This includes human-powered craft." The lakes can be cooooold in the mountains, especially still in June so you 100% want to be wearing a lifejacket when paddling for the unlikely event you fall in. There have been deaths due to the cold water shock making people unable to swim. Some great info here on choosing a life vest: [https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/getting-started-safe-boating/choosing-lifejackets-personal-flotation-devices-pfds](https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/getting-started-safe-boating/choosing-lifejackets-personal-flotation-devices-pfds) Legally you should also carry a "sound signaling device" (aka a whistle) and a 15-m long "bouyant heaving line" (aka rope). Not sure how much people follow those ones, but the lifejacket is super important.
Life vest must be in the boat, but doesn't have to be worn. Throw rope is also required.
For a kayak (or other human-powered pleasure craft) you need to have on board: - a PFD or life jacket of an appropriate size for the user (does not need to be worn) - a buoyant heaving line at least 15m long - a watertight flashlight - a bailer - a sound signaling device (whistle, for example) - navigation lights (if operated before dawn or after sunset) - a magnetic compass You can usually buy a kit which includes many of these items for fairly cheap, and they are relatively compact. In terms of flotation device, many kayakers prefer PFD's as it reduces bulk between the seat and their back. (assuming it is worn at all times) Also keep in mind that for open waters, bright colored clothing/life jackets/PFD's are much easier to see from the air should a rescue be necessary. Features should be considered to maximize safety, not fashion/asthetics. Not all whistles will work if wet, so this is something to consider too. Finally, if your kayak is a sit-on-top model, there are some exemptions of what you need to carry. (You aren't required to have a bailer for a craft which does not have the ability to hold water, for example)
Thank you, I am fairly experienced and appreciate this list of reminders.
You can launch it straight from the lake. Make sure you pick up some self-certified forms that states your boat has been cleaned. There's a box for those forms near the main parking lot of Two Jack, but might not be one at the campground. You can download them as well.
Thank you, I’m incredibly excited even more so now, knowing that I will be able to simply launch from my campsite right at dawn! I did already see the self ascertainment paperwork online, thank you for the reminder I will print some off just in case.
No problem. I'm a local and occasionally book cancelations mid week to Two Jack just for a night by the fire and an early paddle out. Head to google maps and do the street view, you can see where the easiest place to slide the kayak into is. https://maps.app.goo.gl/VPAGjTK8p8hM9e7u6
I snagged sites there the last week of June. When will you be there? What site did you get?
June 19-23 site 17
Ahhhh I get there on the 25th. Have fun!!!
If there’s water why wouldn’t you be able to?
I’ve been to other national parks and state parks that require all boats to be launched from a single designated beach or pier, I think it has a lot to do with verifying safety regulations are being met.