Banff National Park of Canada
Buying a Park Pass
Welcome to Banff National Park, Canada's first National Park.
The Trans Canada Highway winds west through the majestic Rockies, and approaches the historic Banff East Gate about 7 kilometres west of the Town of Canmore. This entry point allows visitors to purchase Park Passes, as well as obtain information and maps of the Mountain National Parks from friendly park staff.
Annual National Park Pass and Discovery Pass The Park Pass is a permit that allows you to visit a national park. Annual park passes that are purchased in one national park can be used in other national parks during the year for which they are valid. Day park passes are valid for that park or the surrounding Mountain Parks for the period which they are valid. Park pass fees remain in the park or site where they are collected, and contribute towards the maintenance of scenic parkways, day use areas, trails, public safety, information and interpretation services.
There are a variety of choices for purchasing park passes: annual, daily, individual or family/group.
For a full price list see FEES .
Banff National Park
Jasper National Park
Kootenay National Park
Yoho National Park
Entry - Day
Adult Individual Day - $9.80
Senior Individual Day - $8.30
Youth Individual Day - $4.90
Family/Group Day - $19.60
Annual - Discovery Pass*
Adult - $67.70
Senior - $57.90
Youth - $33.30
Family/Group - $136.40
* Includes Entry to 27 participating National Parks and 77 participating National Historic Sites .
Everyone stopping to visit the national parks needs a Park Pass. This includes stops at picnic sites and viewpoints, and visits to the villages of Lake Louise and Field and the towns of Banff and Jasper - whether attending a conference, going on a backpacking trip or visiting with an organized tour.
Commercial tours operators and large groups should contact:
Group and Commercial Tours Officer
Banff National Park
P.O. Box 900
Banff, AB T1L 1K2
403.762.1504
A Park Pass is also required for anyone travelling the Icefields Parkway (#93) between Lake Louise and Jasper.
For vehicles travelling directly through the park from the east, travellers may use the through lane, on the right side of the Trans Canada Highway when approaching the East Gate.
Campers have the option of stopping at the Banff East Gate or proceeding to their desired campground where a Park Pass can also be purchased during the campground registration process.
Banff Information Centre © Parks Canada For visitors who find themselves in the towns of Banff and Jasper or the villages of Lake Louise and Field, it is possible to purchase a Park Pass from the local Visitor or Information Center.
Any visitors entering Banff National Park from the west planning on stopping in the park, and who do not hold a valid pass, may purchase a Park Pass from any Information Center or Campground in the Park.
Annual National Park Pass and Discovery Pass NEW!
ORDER YOUR ANNUAL DISCOVERY PASS BY PHONE
Call 1.403.760.1343
Your Annual Discovery Pass provides you with quick and easy entry into Banff National Park, 27 participating National Parks and 77 participating National Historic Sites for the period of 1 year from when your pass is purchased. You can also use the thru lane at the Banff East Gate, avoiding gate line-ups.
In Canada, please allow 5-10 business days for delivery of your pass.
Outside of Canada, please allow for 10-14 business days for delivery of your pass.
Passes will be mailed out the following business day.
NATIONAL PARK GATES :
Banff National Park
- East Park Gate - for visitors traveling west from Calgary and Canmore along the Trans-Canada Highway (#1)
- David Thompson Gat e (open in summer) - for visitors traveling west from Rocky Mountain House and Red Deer along the David Thompson Highway (#11)
- Niblock Gate (open in summer) - for visitors traveling north from Lake Louise up the Icefields Parkway (#93 North)
Jasper National Park
- East Park Gate - for visitors traveling west from Edmonton along the Yellowhead Highway (#16)
- West Park Gate - for visitors traveling east from Kamloops along the Yellowhead Highway (#16)
- Icefields Parkway Gate - for visitors traveling south along the Icefields Parkway (#93) towards Lake Louise
Kootenay National Park
- Kootenay West Gate - for visitors traveling north from Radium Hot Springs along the Banff-Windermere Highway (#93)
Yoho National Park
- Yoho West Gate (open in summer) - for visitors traveling from the direction of Kamloops along the Trans-Canada Highway (#1)
NATIONAL PARK INFORMATION CENTRES:
Banff National Park
Jasper National Park
Yoho National Park
Kootenay National Park
More information on fees