Banff/Canmore Dirtbagging

Hey folks, a buddy and I are headed up to Canmore area for a week of climbing and mountain biking. It looks like there aren't as many options for dispersed camping as I've typically found in the PNW, but I thought I'd see if any fellow climbers had some ideas for cheap/free camping, or were willing to let a couple stoked climbers park in a driveway for overnights during the week we are there (June 30-July 7).

Cheers!

We resorted to the Lake Louise Overflow a lot while we were in the area. It's basically just a humongous parking lot right off the highway. $10 a night with bathrooms and water source. Very convenient if you're doing stuff in Banff.

https://freecampsites.net/#!81892&query=sitedetails

Sarah Meiser wrote: We resorted to the Lake Louise Overflow a lot while we were in the area. It's basically just a humongous parking lot right off the highway. $10 a night with bathrooms and water source. Very convenient if you're doing stuff in Banff.

https://freecampsites.net/#!81892&query=sitedetails

The overflow lot costs money now?

Matt Wetmore wrote:

The overflow lot costs money now?

i was there 2 weeks ago and there was no fee.This was going to be my suggestion as well. The campgrounds along the icefields parkway are only 15.70 a night anyhow

Edit: He is probably referring to the 9.80 a day they charge you to be in the national parks

Matt Wetmore wrote:

The overflow lot costs money now?

It did when I was there in August 2017. There was a self pay station near the entrance.

Sarah Meiser wrote:

It did when I was there in August 2017. There was a self pay station near the entrance.

Oh that's when I was there too. I never heard about it and must have passed by it without noticing.

Sounds like the overflow lot will be the safe bet - thanks for the suggestions!

There’s a free Vanlife parking lot behind the grocery store. You just have to move between 7-9 am (to the climbing gym parking lot.

Ps. I’m in Canmore and I’d love to find someone to climb with. :)