When traveling to the Canadian Rockies, you will need a Parks Canada Pass to enter all national parks and the Kananaskis Provincial parks. One pass covers all national parks – the Discovery Pass (Banff Discovery Pass). For the Kananaskis area, a separate Conservation Pass is required, sometimes called the Kananaskis parking pass.
In this article, I explain the differences between the passes, when you really need them, how much they cost, and where to buy them.
By purchasing a park pass, you help improve services and the smooth run of park facilities, including parking lot maintenance, washrooms, paths, and the maintenance of viewpoints and access areas.
Banff Discovery Pass
The pass can be purchased for one or multiple days, or as an annual pass. It is required for all visitors aged 18 and over. You can buy the pass online, at visitor centres in Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, or at park entrance gates.
If you decide to buy the pass at the park gate, it is best to arrive early in the morning, as waiting in lines later in the day could be horrible.
When purchasing an annual pass online (one week or longer pass), the pass is mailed to your address. For this reason, it is important to buy it in advance. Pass can be mail all around the world.
No matter which pass you choose, it must always be displayed visibly inside your vehicle, even if the car is parked. Ideally, place it on the rear-view mirror or on the dash.
The pass is valid for all national parks. A full list can be found on the Parks Canada website. The most well-known parks included are Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Waterton, and Glacier.
In some cases, park rangers may ask to see your pass at control checkpoints. As I know during operating hours, this almost always happens when driving along the Icefields Parkway.
Pass exemptions sometimes apply during the summer and Christmas seasons. For 2026, Parks Canada announced free entry to national parks from June 16 to September 7.
Discovery Pass Prices
You can purchase the pass for 1–7 days (day pass). More than 7 days equals the price of an annual pass. The price for 1–6 days is calculated by adding day fees. On the 7th day, a small discount applies.
If you are considering staying longer than 7 days, the annual pass is worth it.
A family/group can include a maximum of 7 people.
Day pass
-
- Adult – CAD 12.25
-
- Senior – CAD 10.75
-
- Family/Group – CAD 25.50
-
- Under 18 – Free
Annual pass
-
- Adult – CAD 83.50
-
- Senior – CAD 71.50
-
- Family/Group – CAD 167.50
-
- Under 18 – Free
Kananaskis Conservation Pass
This pass is required year-round and is valid throughout the entire Kananaskis Provincial Park area. Be aware that some areas located directly within the town of Canmore or the Bow Valley also require this pass. Common locations where people often park without a valid pass include the Nordic Centre, Grassi Lakes parking, Rundle Forebay Reservoir, Gap Lake, and surrounding areas. The exact areas can be found on the interactive map.
The pass can be purchase Online right on conservation pass website, by phone call or at Kananaskis (Barrier Lake) Visitor Information Center, Canmore Nordic Center Day Lodge,Peter Lougheed Discovery & Information Centre and Elbow Valley Visitor Information Centre
The Kananaskis Conservation Pass applies to vehicles parked within the designated zones shown on the map. If you are only driving through the area, you do not need to purchase the pass.
The pass is linked to the vehicle’s license plate and does not need to be purchased per person, unlike the Banff Discovery Pass. You do not need to display the pass in your vehicle. You do not have to print put any confirmation.
If you park in Kananaskis without a valid pass, you may receive a warning the first time. A second offense results in a fine that is higher than the cost of an annual pass.
Conservation Pass Prices
You can purchase the pass for one or multiple days, or as an annual pass. If you plan to spend 6 or more days in Kananaskis, the annual pass is worth it, as it costs the same as 6 day passes. There are no senior discounts available.
Day Pass
-
- CAD 15
Annual
- CAD 90
FAQ
Do I need a Banff Discovery Pass if I am just driving through the park?
No. If you are only driving through and not stopping, you do not need the pass.
Do I need a Banff Discovery Pass if I only park for a short time?
Yes. You must have a valid pass even for a short stop.
Do I need a Banff Discovery Pass when parking at Lake Louise?
Yes – Lake Louise is located within Banff National Park, so the pass is required.
Are passes checked in Banff and on the Icefields Parkway?
Yes. Park rangers check passes throughout Banff National Park, including within the town of Banff and along the Icefields Parkway.
Do I need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass if I am only driving through the area?
No. If you are only passing through, the pass is not required. You need it when you park.
Is the Kananaskis Conservation Pass valid in Canmore?
There are several locations in Canmore where the Conservation Pass is required, including the Nordic Centre, Grassi Lakes parking, and Rundle Forebay Reservoir.