Kananaskis Conservation Pass: You Will Have to Pay $15 Vehicle Pass Per Day For Visiting Kananaskis Country

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Credit: Friends of Kananaskis Country

Alberta is introducing Kananaskis Conservation Pass for users who want to visit Kananaskis Country located about 100 km west of Calgary.

The government says $11.5 million in funding for new projects and more Alberta Parks officers to enhance the visitor experience will be made possible in part by a new Kananaskis Conservation Pass.

Kananaskis Country, which is about 100 kilometres west of Calgary, has been flooded with visitors — particularly in the past year due to restrictions designed to limit the spread of the virus.

 

Alberta Environment Minister Jason Nixon says more than five million people visited Kananaskis last year, which is almost a million higher than nearby Banff National Park.

He says that has led to overflowing garbage cans, more search and rescue calls, and the need for more officers.

Kananaskis Conservation Pass, a vehicle entry pass will go into effect June 1 and will cost $15 per day or $90 per year. The conservation pass area includes provincial parks, public land in Kananaskis, provincial campgrounds and day-use areas in the Bow Valley corridor pending Bill 64, the Public Lands Amendment Act, passing in the legislature.

Nixon says the area has exceeded its operational expense budget for the year and the $15 million the user fee generates will go back into supporting the area. The government says the new Kananaskis Conservation Pass will eliminate the cross-country trail grooming parking pass program.

The fee will also be used to facilitate the expansion of protected area within Bow Valley Provincial Park.

Included Areas:

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Credit: Alberta Parks

Kananaskis Conservation Pass

What: Vehicle entry pass for parks and public land within Kananaskis Country. The conservation pass area includes provincial parks, public land in Kananaskis, provincial campgrounds and day-use areas in the Bow Valley corridor. First Nation individuals with status will be exempt from the pass as will others who need to stop in the area for business purposes, such as facility operators and disposition, permit and contract holders. Recipients of AISH will also be exempt.

Pass is not required

  • Ghost area
  • McLean Creek Public Land Use Zone
  • McLean Creek Provincial Recreation Area
  • Fisher Creek Provincial Recreation Area
  • Canmore townsite or other municipal land within the boundary

Pass does not apply to:

  • Vehicles travelling through the area without stopping
  • People arriving without a vehicle (on foot, horseback, bicycle)

Free Days: Free Days will occur on Wilderness Wednesdays, on the first Wednesday of every month starting July 7.

2021 free days:

June 21 – Indigenous People’s Day
July 17 – Parks Day
September 22 – Kananaskis Country’s birthday
November 11 – Remembrance Day
December 21 – First day of winter

When: Kananaskis Conservation Pass will go on sale June 1, 2021, at 9:00 a.m.

How Much: $15 per day or $90 per year (per vehicle).

  • Only one pass per vehicle is required. The pass qualifies the vehicle, not the passengers.
  • Day passes expire at 11:59 p.m. on the day for which the pass is valid.
  • Annual passes are valid for a full calendar year (365 days) from date of purchase.
  • Camping fees in parks, and user fees for specialized facilities like the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, still apply.

How to Buy: The pass will be available online and at the following Kananaskis visitor information centres during operating hours.

  • Canmore Nordic Centre Day Lodge
  • Elbow Valley Visitor Information Centre
  • Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre at Barrier Lake
  • Peter Lougheed Park Discovery and Information Centre

Posts Information

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  • 4 Comments

    Page 1 of 1
    1. Don McAreavy

      I can’t remember what day I bought my year pass last year. Could you look up my license plate CBC1113 and inform me when my pass is expired.
      Thank you kindly

      May 19, 2022 at 5:32 PM
    2. inquirer

      Hi i make two or three delivery’s a year to a business in the park, do i need to have a pass ?

      May 3, 2022 at 11:18 AM
    3. Paula

      If you have 2 mortorcycles and we have a car can it be on the same pass like the Banff one for motorcycles

      July 10, 2021 at 10:16 AM
    4. Susan McKenzie

      I am curious if this pass is also necessary to have if you live or have property in Canmore or will this be covered in our property taxes?

      April 27, 2021 at 6:10 PM

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