High mountain peaks in the Canadian Rockies
Health Guide

Altitude Sickness Guide

Elevation data, risk screening, and prevention tips for every Banff destination — from town to the highest trail passes.

Understanding Altitude in Banff

Banff sits in the Canadian Rockies at elevations ranging from 1,383m in town to over 2,600m at popular trail passes. While the town itself rarely causes altitude issues, visitors from low elevations who push hard on their first day can experience symptoms. Understanding your personal risk and taking simple precautions makes all the difference.

📍 Elevation of Key Banff Destinations

Sentinel Pass 2,611m / 8,566 ft
Parker Ridge 2,250m / 7,382 ft
Sunshine Village 2,160m / 7,087 ft
Moraine Lake 1,885m / 6,184 ft
Lake Louise 1,731m / 5,679 ft
Banff Town 1,383m / 4,537 ft

🩺 Altitude Risk Screener

Select where you're coming from to get a personalized risk assessment.

🚨 Recognize Altitude Sickness Symptoms

Mild (AMS)

  • Headache
  • Nausea or loss of appetite
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Difficulty sleeping

Action: Stop ascending. Rest, hydrate, take ibuprofen for headache. Symptoms usually resolve in 12-24 hours. If they worsen, descend.

Moderate

  • Severe headache not relieved by medication
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Increasing fatigue and weakness
  • Shortness of breath during light activity
  • Decreased coordination

Action: Descend immediately to lower elevation. Do not continue hiking. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist after descending.

Severe (HACE/HAPE)

  • Confusion or altered mental state
  • Inability to walk straight
  • Gurgling or rattling breath sounds
  • Blue lips or fingernails
  • Persistent cough with frothy sputum

Action: MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Descend immediately and call 911 or Parks Canada dispatch at 403-762-4506. These conditions can be fatal without treatment.

💧 Prevention Tips

Hydrate aggressively

Drink 2-3 litres of water daily, starting before you arrive. Mountain air is very dry and you lose moisture faster than at sea level.

Avoid alcohol on Day 1

Alcohol worsens dehydration and masks altitude symptoms. Save the craft beer for Day 2 after you've acclimatized.

Ascend gradually

Spend your first day at lower elevations. Don't fly in from sea level and hike to Sentinel Pass the same day.

Get good sleep

Sleep quality often decreases at altitude. Arrive a day early if possible. Avoid caffeine after 2 PM.

Eat carbohydrates

Your body processes carbs more efficiently at altitude than fats or proteins. Eat pasta, bread, rice, and fruit.

Listen to your body

If you feel a headache or nausea coming on, stop ascending. Rest, hydrate, and reassess before continuing.