Aylmer Junction LM8 Backcountry Campground, Banff National Park.

Aylmer Junction LM8 backcountry campground is located near Banff 8.1km hike north of the Lake Minnewanka Parking lot. The trailhead is located along the west shore of the lake just north of the Lake Minnewanka picnic area. This hike is considered easy. Total elevation gain is 160m. You can also ride a mountain bike right to the LM8 campground, hikers should expect to share the trail with loads of Mountain bikers during the summer months. Follow the trail along the lakeshore until you cross the bridge over the Cascade River. Just after you cross the bridge the trail divides in three directions, avoid the trail to your far left that leads up the Cascade River to Stewart Canyon and another trail to your far right that runs along the Cascade River towards Lake Minnewanka. Stay on the main trail as it works it's way up through a spruce and lodgepole pine forest that eventually turns back east towards Lake Minnewanka. After 1km or so the trail opens up to views of Lake Minnewanka as you round the trail NE above and along the lake. In another 4.5km you'll reach the Aylmer Pass - Aylmer Junction LM8 campground intersection. You can't miss the signs here regarding Grizzly Bears and hiking in groups of 4 or more. Take these Grizzly Bear signs seriously and carry bear spray or maybe better, a signal horn. Bear spray is mandatory here and enforced by Parks Canada. Aylmer Pass and the surrounding area is prime Grizzly Bear habitat. From 1998 to 2010 seven bear attacks have occurred in this area, two were near fatal. We safely viewed a Grizzly sow with two cubs on our outing below, see pictures. From the signed Aylmer Pass junction take the right hand trail that heads down towards Lake Minnewanka. The campground offers 12 tent sites, a few of the sites are located near the lakeshore. There

are two dry outhouses, hanging truss for safe food storage and a cooking area located a south of the campsites. A backcountry camping permit is required. Lake Minnewanka has a total of 7 backcountry campsites. Aylmer Lookout is located close to here. This is bear country, food and food related items must be stored properly.

See the official web site link below for fees, opening and closing dates.