Getting there
From Banff, the access road is on the right just before the Bow Valley Parkway's east entrance arch. Seasonal vehicle restrictions affect the Parkway, so check Parks Canada's current access information before setting out.
Overview
About Fireside Day-use Area
Why stop
- Picnic tables and nearby trail access
Heads up
- Limited unlined gravel parking
Map
Where it is
Loading the Banff map
Full mapPlan your stop
Before you go
Getting there
8 active Banff alerts
- ClosureJohnston Canyon Trail and Day Use Area closedJohnston Canyon Trail and Day Use Area are closed to all traffic and travel through December 11, 2026, because construction work requires protecting public and workers’ safety.Official details
- ClosureBaker Lake and Hidden Lake campgrounds closed to campingCamping is prohibited at Baker Lake and Hidden Lake campgrounds through December 1, 2026, because a grizzly bear entered campsites and investigated tents and gear; the closures reduce risk to…Official details
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Banff Tour Guide
Your drive to Fireside Day-use Area, narrated.
Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Banff National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.
See the Banff audio tourRecorded for this place
Fireside: Picnic Tables and Cory Pass0:00 / 0:24
“Up ahead is Fireside Day-use Area, a simple picnic stop at the eastern end of the Bow Valley Parkway. Bring your own lunch for the tables; gravel parking is limited.”
Plays as you drive up to Fireside Day-use Area in the Parkwolf Banff Tour Guide.
More stories near here in the app
- Banff Before Banff Avenue
- The Branch That Takes Root
- Glass Negatives in a Pacific Canoe
- The Insect in a Portable Shelter
- 185 audio storiesacross Banff’s roads, triggered by GPS as you drive
- Wildlife heatmapsfor Grizzly Bear, Brown Bear, Gray Wolf, and 13 more
- Works offlinemaps, 162 trails, 90 places, and audio download before you lose signal
- CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive
“…Loved the commentary as you drove thru. I’m sure the app can do more than I know but the tips were very helpful. I’m gonna use it when we go to Banff next month.”
Guide
More about Fireside Day-use Area
A handy stop just west of BanffFireside Day-use Area is a roadside picnic area at the eastern end of the Bow Valley Parkway,…
Fireside Day-use Area is a roadside picnic area at the eastern end of the Bow Valley Parkway, about 8.3 km west of Banff. Stop for a meal at one of the tables or use the day-use area as an access point for nearby hikes; it makes a practical pause on a Parkway drive rather than a major detour.
The picnic setupPicnic tables and gender-neutral outhouses serve the site.
Picnic tables and gender-neutral outhouses serve the site. Parking is limited and unlined gravel. Bring what you want to eat and enjoy a simple meal outdoors.
Wildlife
Wildlife in Banff
123 sightingsGrizzly BearMost seen around 6 AMSighting map
150 sightingsBrown BearMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
44 sightingsGray WolfMost seen around 6 AMSighting map
12 sightingsRiver OtterMost seen around 8 PMSighting map
69 sightingsMooseMost seen around 8 PMSighting map
466 sightingsBlack BearMost seen around 9 PMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Banff. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
