Bulletins

Effective date

January 1 to December 31

Activities restricted

Pursuant to Subsection 7(1) of the General Regulations of Canada National Parks Act, roadside wildlife viewing is designated as restricted, and subject to the following conditions:

1. No person shall willfully approach, remain, view, or engage in any activity within
   1. 100 metres of any bear, cougar, or wolf, except when completely inside a legally positioned motor vehicle,
   2. 30 metres of any elk, moose, caribou, sheep, or goat except when completely inside a legally positioned motor vehicle,
   3. Any distance that displaces or interferes with the free, unimpeded movement of wildlife,
   4. Any distance that creates or contributes to a potentially hazardous condition or situation
2. No person shall remain within prescribed distances during inadvertent, accidental, or surprise encounters with wildlife

These restrictions do not apply to a superintendent, park warden, peace officer, or any other person authorized by the superintendent to carry out functions related to the management of a park while any of those persons is engaged in carrying out such functions.

Where

All areas within 400 metres of any road, highway, or place within a park intended for use by the public for the passage or parking of vehicles.

Why

The Superintendent has established these restrictions to:

1. Reduce the likelihood of motor vehicle collisions
2. Ensure visitor safety during wildlife viewing
3. Protect wildlife from disturbance and stress
4. Provide Parks Canada staff with the tools needed to safely manage dynamic wildlife viewing opportunities
5. Reduce or prevent habituation of wildlife
6. Reduce the formation of large groups that could increase the spread of COVID-19 to staff and the public

Penalty

Violators may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act: maximum penalty $25 000.