Random Bugaboos Questions

We have a trip to the Bugaboos planned for August and had a few random questions on the logistics side.  Any help/feedback would be greatly appreciated!

-Do we need bear spray? My partner saw that some Canadian parks require you to carry bear spray.

-Do we need a bear box, or even robust Tupperware, to keep our food from rodents?

-Is the water source close enough to Applebee that we can refill daily or should we bring a bigger container to fill every couple of days?

-Do we need to hike out poop or just bury it (away from the campground)?  

-Is the bathroom at the Kain hut open to all or just those staying in the hut?

-Is there plenty of chicken wire and posts at the trail head during peak season?  Do they ever run out?

-Should we bring some extra paracord or similar to tie our tents down w/ rocks or can you get in a reasonable about of tent spikes?

I've only been once, about a year and a half ago but...

-Do we need bear spray? My partner saw that some Canadian parks require you to carry bear spray.
We didn't have any and I haven't heard of this before

-Do we need a bear box, or even robust Tupperware, to keep our food from rodents?
There are poles/racks for hanging sacks and metal boxes. We kept our food in the boxes and hung our clothes/extra gear without issue

-Is the water source close enough to Applebee that we can refill daily or should we bring a bigger container to fill every couple of days?
Very close and convenient. FWIW, there are signs suggesting treating the water, and a number of folks do, but we didn't treat/filter the water and didn't have a problem

-Do we need to hike out poop or just bury it (away from the campground)?  
We did our best to schedule our bowel movements so we could use the toilets at camp

-Is the bathroom at the Kain hut open to all or just those staying in the hut?
Pretty sure it's open to all

-Is there plenty of chicken wire and posts at the trail head during peak season?  Do they ever run out?
It sure looked like it. There were many rolls of it in a big-ass bin of sorts. The lot was quite full of cars and there was still a lot of material available

-Should we bring some extra paracord or similar to tie our tents down w/ rocks or can you get in a reasonable about of tent spikes?
That would be a good idea. Many camps are on rocks

Thanks!  Great Answers!

Don't worry about the Johns. There are two and one pee only at the hut, one at Applebee's with a view you would kill for, one at the top of Bugaboo - Snow Patch Col and one at the base of West Ridge of Pigion Spire, both use barrels that are flown out by choppers when full. Do your best to keep the place pristine!

I was in the Bugs in July 2016 and there were so many cars parked at the trailhead that the cage of chicken wire was empty. 

I woud recommend bringing a wag bag or two just in case you can't use one of the barrel toilets. Please don't bury it.

A large dry bag is nice for hanging from the rodent proof racks.

On bad weather days it's pretty common for people camped at Applebee or the lower campsite to hang out or cook in the Kain Hut. Not sure if this is an official policy but the hosts are generally very chill even for Canadians. 

Rocks and cord are always a better option than stakes for securing tents in the alpine where the soil can be shallow and loose at best. Most of the flat tent spots in Applebee are on straight up granite slab so you could probably just leave the stakes at home and plan on using rocks. 

Have fun. The Bugs is one of the most special places in the Galaxy!

Any issues with camping at or near the trail head parking lot?  Would the rodents that eat the rubber on the cars eat our tents and packs with us right there?

With our flight time we'll be able to hit the supply store then drive to the parking lot just before dark.  I have a room reserved in Radium Springs but its quite expensive.

My partner and I are also planning on camping at the parking lot. I don't imagine/sure hope  there won't be an issue with rodents 

Has anyone dealt with the issue of all the camping areas (both Applebee and the boulder camping) being full when you arrive?  I know that it's possible to pay ahead online for a permit, but the parks site is very clear that this is NOT the same as a reservation, and that the camping is first-come-first-served.  It would be a real bummer to hike up there only to be turned away.  Thoughts?  Experiences? Solutions?  

Also, I've heard that the critter wire is no longer available at the trailhead as of 2024.  Is this an ugly rumor?  If not, what are people doing to protect their cars?  Is the only alternative to bring your own chicken wire and weigh it down with a bunch of rocks?  

Thanks in advance! 

Mike Slavens wrote:

Any issues with camping at or near the trail head parking lot?  Would the rodents that eat the rubber on the cars eat our tents and packs with us right there?

With our flight time we'll be able to hit the supply store then drive to the parking lot just before dark.  I have a room reserved in Radium Springs but its quite expensive.

I know some guys rolled into the lot after midnight and thought they’d sleep in the truck until daylight. They spent most of the night trying to get rid of the porcupines and rodents who established residence under their truck almost immediately! Whatever time you get there make sure you protect amd wrap your vehicle.

Can‘t speak for tents and such but I’d spend the money on a room, get a good nights sleep and know all your gear is OK! 

Dustin Clelen wrote:

…. I've heard that the critter wire is no longer available at the trailhead as of 2024.  Is this an ugly rumor?  If not, what are people doing to protect their cars?  Is the only alternative to bring your own chicken wire and weigh it down with a bunch of rocks?  

Thanks in advance! 

I emailed the Canadian Alpine Club yesterday, asking them about the chicken wire and here’s the reply I received this morning: 

It has always been bring your own chicken wire and hikers have left it on site. However, Parks have been removing the excess wire, and it is not guaranteed there will be any. If you are concerned about it, I recommend you bring chicken wire for yourself.

I also spoke with Parks Canada who said there’s a hardware store near the highway that stocks chicken wire and is the usual source for buying it.

Re. porcupines eating tents and packs, I’ve literally been camped and had a porcupine crawl up under my engine and I had to stack wood all around the base of my car for protection. I didn’t have any chicken wire at the time. It was not attracted to my tent and other belongings and ignored them. It seemed well experienced with cars. They also love to eat plywood. 

There is a small campground not far from the trailhead on the creek. It’s much better camping than the trailhead and is free as I remember. Never had an issue with Porkies there. Never been anyone else there either. Take wire with you for sure. The others advice is all solid.

Dustin Clelen wrote:

Has anyone dealt with the issue of all the camping areas (both Applebee and the boulder camping) being full when you arrive?  I know that it's possible to pay ahead online for a permit, but the parks site is very clear that this is NOT the same as a reservation, and that the camping is first-come-first-served.  It would be a real bummer to hike up there only to be turned away.  Thoughts?  Experiences? Solutions?  

Also, I've heard that the critter wire is no longer available at the trailhead as of 2024.  Is this an ugly rumor?  If not, what are people doing to protect their cars?  Is the only alternative to bring your own chicken wire and weigh it down with a bunch of rocks?  

Thanks in advance! 

I have a hard time imaging Applebee being "full" to the point that you couldn't find a comfy spot to pitch a tent.  Its not an immense area, but it's pretty large and when I was there in 2023 (in peak season) it felt sparsely populated.  The cabin on the other hand was buzzing.  Good buzzing, but buzzing none the less.

Don't expect to find wire when you get to the TH, stop in Invermere or otherwise to get your own.  25' lineal feet is not enough to do most vehicles, 50' is the way to go.