Custodial Rules

Photo by Todd Davis

Rules For Backcountry Trips With Young People

Group leaders planning backcountry trips in the mountain national parks have certain obligations when they are responsible for a custodial group. A "Custodial Group" means an institutional group where at least one person is below the age of majority and that minor is not in the company of his/her parent. Institutional groups include but are not limited to School Groups, Scout/Guide Groups, Church Groups, Cadet Groups and Community Youth Groups.

Policies are in place for custodial groups planning backcountry travel in the Mountain National Parks (Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, Jasper, Mt. Revelstoke, Glacier, and Waterton Lakes). These policies are in effect from Nov 15 - Apr 30 each year, and have evolved significantly since they were first introduced in April 2004. Parks Canada has established a standard of care, and custodial group leaders have obligations and pre-trip planning considerations they must understand.

Parks Canada has developed a classification system for avalanche terrain, and has applied ratings to approximately 250 trips in the Mountain National Parks. The policies for custodial group travel in the backcountry are based on this rating system.

Parks Canada has also built a comprehensive, online resource for custodial groups to assist them with planning backcountry travel.

Parks Canada’s goal is to encourage our youth to travel in their mountain parks, while at the same time receiving appropriate leadership in suitable locations.

For more information about custodial groups in the backcountry, visit:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/visit7a5_E.asp