Glacier National Park of Canada

Film and Photography Guidelines

Printable Version (PDF, 153 Kb)

The Mountain National Parks include Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks. These parks span some of the most spectacular, ecologically significant areas of the Canadian Rockies and offer a vast range of unparalleled film and photographic opportunities. In the interest of protecting the park's resources while ensuring visitor experiences are not impacted, these activities are subjected to certain restrictions and special considerations.

To film or photograph in the national parks, an application must be submitted to Parks Canada ten days prior to activities. If approved, a Film/Photography Permit will be issued which outlines conditions and supplementary requirements associated with the production. The following information will assist in the preparation of a film/photography application.

Through the application process, Parks Canada can provide you with:

• Details on park regulations, conditions and requirements
  All film / photography activities must comply with National Park Regulations, policies and conditions
  
• Consultation and advice on film/photography opportunities and locations
  Locations must be determined prior to a permit be issued
  
• Liaison with other Mountain National Parks
  One application and Film/Photography Permit can cover multiple national parks
  
• Assistance with interviews with park staff and specialists
  Interviews may be available depending on scope of project and availability of staff 

Step 1 - Setting the Stage

Is your film/photography activity appropriate in a National Park?

What works well . . .

• Simplicity: Small productions involving minimal equipment and crew size
• Little impact on the environment and the visitors
• Productions requiring minimal shooting time and assistance
• Hiring the services of local location managers and scouts
• Educational productions contributing to park objectives, messages and themes
• Productions requesting off-season and/or weekday shooting dates. Weekend shoots at highly visited areas will be discouraged
• Flexibility: Productions requiring images of the natural landscape

What won't work . . .

• Using equipment, chemicals, or engaging in any activity that may damage the environment
• Accessing trails or remote or closed areas with any motorized vehicle
• Landing of aircraft or low-level flying
• Constructing and employing large sets
• Disrupting, harassing, or manipulating wildlife and/or using trained wildlife
• Exclusive use of an area, limiting public access or disrupting public enjoyment
• Portraying activities that are illegal, damaging to Parks Canada's image or conflict with Parks Canada's messages
• Use of commercial vehicles in excess of 4550 kg GVW on the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93N)

Step 2 - Getting Ready to Roll

Will your application meet the following conditions and requirements?

Conditions

• Acceptance of an indemnification clause and full responsibility for any incidents, and/or cost of clean-up or site rehabilitation
• Compliance with National Park Regulations
• Maintenance and clean-up of the site including provision of cigarette receptacles, garbage and human waste disposal
• Respectful and professional contact with the visiting public
• Inclusion of a statement on the daily call sheet indicating respect for the national park
• Provide additional insurance naming "Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada as represented by Parks Canada Agency." See " for details.

Possible Supplementary Requirements

• A pre-production site visit with a representative from the production company
• Cooperation with the Parks Canada on-site supervisor for large or complex productions
• Supply the park with a complimentary copy of the completed project for internal educational purposes
• Provide Parks Canada with factual review of the final product when the park has participated in the project
• Provide an on screen credit to Parks Canada and the specific name of the park
• Provide a security deposit to ensure site restoration and clean up
• Depending on activities, additional permits under the National Park Regulations may be required. (ie: environmental assessment)

Step 3 - Juggling the Paper Work

The Application Process

• An application must be submitted to Parks Canada a minimum of 10 days prior to intended film/photography activities.
• The application will be assessed against the following; potential impacts on the park's resources, contribution to park objectives, themes and messages, required level of assistance, consistency with National Park Regulations and level of disturbance to other park users.
• If the application is approved, a Film/Photography Permit will be issued which must be carried while conducting activities in the national park.
• The permit becomes valid once signed by the producer and Parks Canada, fees are paid in full, and supplementary requirements and conditions are agreed to.
• Parks Canada reserves the right to refuse any application that is not in the best interest of the Agency or revoke permission without notice if terms and conditions of the permit are violated.

The following information must be provided in any application to film/photograph in the National Parks or National Historic Sites.

1. Applicant Information
   Production Company Name
   Production Company Address
   Project Name
   Phone/Fax
   Name of Producer
   Designated Representative on Site
2. Describe the scope of the production, intended audience and use of footage
3. How does the production enhance the national park mission?
4. List specific parks, locations, dates and time requirements
5. Define the size of crew on location including all cast, crew and drivers
6. List other National Parks in which this project will film
7. Provide a description of all vehicles, including licence plates and GVW
8. Outline type of equipment, sets, props and extent of use
9. Make available location maps, scale drawings and camera positions where appropriate
10. Indicate whether on-site production facilities are required (i.e. catering)
11. Provide a script or storyboard for large productions
12. Product description and full name of company selling product
13. Written permission from the lessee for activities occurring on any leasehold land
14. Provide proof of comprehensive liability insurance policy indicating a minimum of $2,000,000, naming "Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada as represented by Parks Canada Agency" as an additional insured, to be carried for the duration of the production in the park

Step 4 - Time to Shoot

Applying Fees and Payment

• Fees are applied to productions according to the Parks Canada fee structure.
• Additional surveillance requirements and/or overtime costs will be charged to the production and are in excess of the fees indicated below.
• Discounts are available depending on content and client.
• GST is included in the fees below.
• Payments can be made by quoting a Visa, MasterCard or American Express number or by a cheque or money order payable to Receiver General for Canada.
• Payments must be received prior to film/photography activities commencing in the National Parks or National Historic Sites.

Applications to film/photograph in a National Park or National Historic Site can be made through the following contacts:

Banff National Park of Canada
Lorena Dmytriev
Tel: 403.762.1544
Fax: 403.762.1584
E-mail: filming.banff@pc.gc.ca

Jasper National Park of Canada
Grant Potter
Tel: 780.852.6151
Fax: 780.852.1873
E-mail: grant.potter@pc.gc.ca

Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks of Canada
Joe Jazvac
Tel: 250.343.6112
Fax: 250.343.6330
E-mail: omar.mcdadi@pc.gc.ca

Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks of Canada
Doreen McGillis
Tel: 250.837.7502
Fax: 250.837.7536
E-mail: doreen.mcgillis@pc.gc.ca

Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada
C. Locke Marshall
Tel: 403.859.5121
Fax: 403.859.5152
E-mail: locke.marshall@pc.gc.ca

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