Chilkoot Trail Gear List
On the Canadian side of the Chilkoot Trail there is no cell service and no supplies, so Parks Canada lists a backpacking stove and fuel, a water treatment method, toilet paper, a garbage container and a satellite phone or GPS messenger.
What Parks Canada says to bring
Stove and fuel
Open fires are prohibited and barbecues are not allowed. Cook only at the day use shelter or adjacent picnic tables.
Water treatment
Surface water is the only source. Bring a purification kit, a filter or enough fuel to boil it.
Communication device
There is no cellular service anywhere in the park. Parks Canada prefers satellite phones or GPS messengers such as inReach or Spot.
Bear spray
Recommended by Parks Canada.
Toilet paper and a garbage container
Not provided. Garbage bins are not provided.
Food storage
Bear secure lockers
Store food and other attractants in them. Each locker measures 53 cm high by 61 cm wide by 61 cm long, so pack to suit.
No food at tent sites
Food is not permitted at tent sites.
Not allowed or not available
Generators
Prohibited.
Rescue on Bennett Lake
Parks Canada says it does not provide water-rescue services on Bennett Lake.
Gear questions for the Chilkoot Trail
Do you need a stove on the Chilkoot Trail?
Yes. Parks Canada says to bring a backpacking stove and fuel, because open fires are prohibited.
Is there cell service on the Chilkoot Trail?
No. Parks Canada says there is no cellular service anywhere in the park and prefers satellite phones or GPS messengers.
Sources
Checked against the agency page above on October 30, 2026. This page names no products, and it lists what the agency says, in our words. Check the agency page for rules that changed since.
In an emergency in Canada, call 911.