Healy Creek (E5) on the way to Egypt Lake: how Banff backcountry permits book on launch day at 8am MT, the 3-day refund rule, and how to catch a cancelled night.
Last checked: October 2026, against Parks Canada's Banff backcountry camping page, reservation launch dates and reservation policies.
About
Healy Creek (campground code E5) is a backcountry campground on the trail from the Sunshine Village ski area parking lot over Healy Pass towards Egypt Lake. Parks Canada suggests reaching Egypt Lake that way, and recommends two nights if you can to explore the lakes. That makes Healy Creek a natural first or last night: it splits the walk in, and it's an option when Egypt Lake (E13) itself is full.
Note that Parks Canada says the Egypt Lake and Bryant Creek backcountry shelters are closed until further notice for repairs, so plan on a tent.
Backcountry rules that apply
From Parks Canada's Banff backcountry page:
- A backcountry permit is mandatory for every overnight trip, and advance reservations are required. Carry a copy (paper or a screenshot).
- You also need a national park pass to enter the park.
- No more than three consecutive nights per campground.
- Group size: up to 10 people and 5 tents per reservation; 4 people and 1 tent per tent pad, on the designated pads.
- Fires only in shared metal fire rings, and not every campground allows them. Bring a stove.
- Anyone 16 or older who fishes needs a national park fishing permit; provincial licences aren't valid.
How booking works
Banff, Kootenay and Yoho backcountry campgrounds open together on one launch day on the Parks Canada reservation site. In 2026 that was Monday, January 26 at 8 am MT, with a virtual queue, and it opened the whole summer season at once.
The 2027 date hasn't been announced. Expect late January at 8 am MT, based on 2026. A non-refundable reservation fee ($11.50 online, $13.50 by phone) applies to every booking.
How fast it sells out
Egypt Lake is one of Banff's best-known backpacking trips, so the campgrounds on the route, Healy Creek included, are in demand on launch day. July and August weekends are usually the first to go.
When cancellations appear
Parks Canada's backcountry rule:
- cancel at least 3 days before arrival: refund of camping fees, minus the reservation fee and the cancellation fee ($11.50 online, $13.50 by phone)
- cancel less than 3 days before but before 2 pm on the arrival day: you also lose the first night
- backcountry reservations can be made, changed or cancelled until 2 pm on the arrival day
So nights come back in the days before the 3-day mark, and again in the last 72 hours as weather forecasts firm up. Trail closures (bear activity or other warnings on the Banff bulletins page) can also lead to cancellations across a route.
Watching it with Canada Camp Alerts
Watch Healy Creek for your nights and we'll alert you when one turns open, meaning at least one spot at the campground can be booked that night. Each night is checked separately: if your trip is Healy Creek one night and Egypt Lake the next, check every night of the itinerary on the booking site before you pay. We don't match party size or hold anything; you book it on the Parks Canada site.
Free: one watch, email, alerts sent 15 minutes after season-pass holders. Season pass: C$25 once for 12 months (no auto-renew), up to 10 watches, instant alerts, Telegram and web push. With several campgrounds on one route, the extra watches help.
Tips
- Build your itinerary in reverse. If Egypt Lake is full, book the nights you can get at Healy Creek and watch for the rest.
- Watch the whole region. Our Banff, Kootenay and Yoho backcountry watch fires when any campground in the system opens, which suits a flexible trip.
- Bring bear-safe habits. Parks Canada requires a bear-resistant food container for random camping from April 1 to November 15. At designated campgrounds, store food the way the campground is set up for.
Nearby alternatives
More on the park: Banff National Park.
Yes. Parks Canada requires a backcountry permit for every overnight trip in Banff, and advance reservations are required. Book on reservation.pc.gc.ca or call 1-877-737-3783.
Not announced yet. In 2026 Banff, Kootenay and Yoho backcountry opened on Monday, January 26 at 8 am MT, with a queue. Expect late January 2027, based on 2026.
Parks Canada allows no more than three consecutive nights per backcountry campground in Banff, with up to 10 people and 5 tents per reservation and 4 people and 1 tent per tent pad.