Camping and cooking over an open fire often go hand in hand. But with increasingly dry and hot weather, what happens when a fire ban dampens your culinary plans? Well… don’t worry too much! In this guide, we'll explore creative and tasty alternatives for cooking meals during a fire ban while camping. With a little ingenuity and some essential equipment, you can still enjoy flavorful meals that will satisfy your appetite and keep your camping experience memorable.

Embrace Portable Stoves

 Portable stoves are your best friend when campfire cooking is off-limits. Invest in a reliable camping stove that suits your needs. Propane stoves, butane burners, or compact backpacking stoves are excellent options. They provide a controlled flame, making it easy to cook a variety of meals. Remember to pack extra fuel canisters to keep your cooking flame alive.

There are several options when it comes to portable cooking stoves. Consider what you are going to be eating while out in the backcountry - this should influence your stove decision. If you are planning on cooking something from scratch, the MSR dragonfly is the superior option. Having a fully precision-controlled flame, it allows you to simmer just like your stovetop. 

Alternatively, if you are opting for a fast and light set-up relating to rehydrating - there are other options. The Jetboil line of stoves is a common choice amongst staff and customers alike due to Its fast and efficient burner, compact structure and easy-to-use design.

The final option is the two-burner brief case style stove. These are essentially portable stovetops. They’re big, stable and can handle just about anything. These are perfect for griddles and cast iron pans. They aren’t light by any means and far from compact but they are a favourite among the car campers and families who are paddling.

Opt for No-Cook and Precooked Meals

When fire cooking isn't possible, embrace the simplicity of no-cook and precooked meals. Pack a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and cured meats for delicious sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Precooked options like canned beans, tuna, or rotisserie chicken can be used to create quick and satisfying campfire meals. Don't forget to bring along your favourite condiments and spices to add that extra kick of flavour. 

Note: cans and glassware aren’t allowed in provincial parks. Consider this when packing.

A fire ban may temporarily dampen your campfire cooking plans, but it doesn't mean you can't enjoy mouthwatering meals while camping. You have a plethora of alternatives to keep your camping cuisine diverse and delicious. Adapt to the circumstances, embrace the creativity, and make the most of your flameless cooking adventure in the great outdoors!