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Banff National Park Tries Out Freeze-Proof, Powdered Soap

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By Jennifer Bain - April 30th, 2023
In March, I spotted this unusual soap in the Johnston Canyon washroom in Banff National Park.

In March, I spotted this unusual soap in the Johnston Canyon washroom in Banff National Park/Jennifer Bain

Parks Canada is piloting the use of powdered hand soap in Banff National Park.

The project began in January using Eco Gold Hand Soap from Worx Environmental Products in Calgary, Alberta. The product is also biodegradable and doesn't contain plastic beads, nutshells or harsh chemicals. It's dry and lightweight so it can be delivered in bulk which reduces waste in comparison to big liquid soap drums.

The soap is freeze-proof and can withstand the fluctuating temperatures in Banff. Many washroom facilities are closed over the winter and liquid products often freeze under these conditions. It's expected that this product can be left in the dispensers over the winter to save on labor and drastically reduce spoiled or wasted products.

To reduce carbon emissions associated with the transportation of goods, Parks Canada makes every effort to obtain goods that are lightweight and produced nearby. This soap is manufactured in, and distributed from, Calgary, just 90 minutes away.

"Ideally, in the near future, this product will be available in all Banff National Park campground and day-use area washrooms," said Kira Tryon, public relations and communications officer for the Banff Field Unit. Visitors can now find powdered soap in the washroom facilities at Johnston Canyon P1 trailhead and the Tunnel Mountain Village 2 campground.

Tryon said the park isn't aware of any other Parks Canada sites or places that use powdered hand soap or this particular brand.

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