It costs a lot to maintain Canada’s scenic national parks, so there is a small charge for those visiting. If you are simply driving through (for example from Calgary to Vancouver, and not stopping for more than gas) you do not have to pay. If you are going hiking, shopping or day skiing, be sure to have your pass visible from inside your parked car (they have been known to tow from the ski lots).
2023 Park Fees
Here are your 2023 Parks pass options:
Discovery Annual Pass is valid for entry to 28 National Parks and 74 National Historic Sites.
The pass includes a discount coupon booklet (worth over $100), and is valid for a year from the month of purchase.
Class: | Adult | Senior | Child | Family/Group |
| Rate: | $72.25 | $61.75 | free | $1145.25 |
A
National Park Day Pass
is good until 4 pm the following day. This is perfect for staying overnight in Banff or Lake Louise. If you are staying more than one day, let the park rangers know when paying.
Park: | Adult | Senior | Child | Adult Group | Commercial Group |
| Banff, Yoho, Koontenay: | $10.50 | $9.00 | free | $21.00 | $.00 |
There are also admission charges for certain historic sites and museums in the area:
Attraction: | Adult | Seniors | Child | Adult Group | Commercial Group |
| Bar U Ranch National Historic Site | $12.50 | $10.75 | free | n/a | 10.75 |
| Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site | $8.50 | $7.00 | free | n/a | 7.00 |
| Cave and Basin National Historic Site | $8.50 | $7.00 | free | n/a | 7.00 |
| Cave and Basin Thermal Waters Pass | $22.75 | $19.25 | 14.25 | ||
| Banff Park Museum National Historic Site | $4.25 | $3.75 | free | n/a | 3.75 |