Due to the increased usage of Kananaskis Country, fees will be implemented to the area. There were more than 5 million visits last which is 1 milllion more than Banff National Park. 

With increased human activity comes more litter, injuries, human-wildlife conflict, overcrowding, traffic and illegal parking issues. There has also been increased strain on critical services like search and rescue operations within Kananaskis.

“Kananaskis has seen a dramatic increase in vehicle traffic and visitors over the past several years, and this is putting significant pressure on wildlife, land, facilities, services and on public safety. The conservation pass will help manage visitor demand and support investments in Kananaskis that ensure this world-class mountain destination remains beautiful, accessible and protected for generations to come,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks. 

The fees will cost $15 per day or $90 per year (per vehicle). The conservation pass area includes provincial parks, public land in Kananaskis, provincial campgrounds and day-use areas in the Bow Valley corridor. The fee will also be used to facilitate the expansion of protected area within Bow Valley Provincial Park.

They will be used to pay for trail maintenance, search and rescue operations, visitor services and the upkeep of facilities at day-use areas and campgrounds. The fee will also go toward increasing on-the-ground education and enforcement with additional conservation officers, and will allow for the reopening of visitor centres that were temporarily closed last year.

The Kananaskis Conservation Pass will go on sale on June 1, 2021 and is expected to bring in $15 million annually. 

For more information, click here.