Banff National Park Issues Stern Warning Over Ban As Canada Strong Pass Relaunches

Earlier in the year, the Canadian government soared in popularity after announcing the new “Canada Strong Pass,” allowing visitors free access to Canadian national parks throughout the summer.

Now, the Canada Strong Pass has returned, offering free access to parks throughout the holiday season.

Although the pass has generated praise, it is also leading to an increase in traffic at beloved national parks. Earlier in the year, it was a task just to get into Banff National Park on weekends. With more Canadians avoiding the United States and opting for domestic travel, park attendance is only set to increase throughout the holidays.

That said, Banff National Park has just reminded visitors of the rules they must follow. Not following these rules can lead to steep fines and complications, even putting visitors in danger.

Here’s a look at the warnings along with the Canada Strong Pass return.

The Canada Strong Pass Has Relaunched From December 12, 2025, To January 15, 2026

The Canada Strong Pass has returned, offering Canadians free admission along with discounted rates for camping and overnight stays.

The pass has returned between December 12, 2025, and January 15, 2026. It will be relaunched once again just in time for the summer, from June 19, 2026, to September 7, 2026.

The Canada Strong Pass includes “no fees apply for admission for all visitors to all national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada.”

As for discounts at Banff and the other national parks across Canada, they include a 25% rebate on winter camping, backcountry overnight stays, Tent and RV camping / frontcountry camping, equipped camping, oTENTiks, MicrOcubes, Cabins, Yurts, Tipis, Ôasis, and Historic stays.

With this pass and the increased traffic at Banff during the holidays, the beloved national park has just reminded visitors of some of its key rules ahead of the holidays.

Banff National Park Just Reminded Visitors Of Park Regulations To Follow During The Holidays

On December 14, Banff National Park issued reminders for guests as park traffic increases during the holidays.

Visitors are expected to respect these rules not only throughout the holidays, but during all visits to Banff National Park.

Banf National Park wrote, “As visitation increases over the holidays, we kindly remind all visitors to follow park regulations: Respect closures and advisories, keep pets on leash, no drones, properly store attractants, and give wildlife space.”

Banf added, “Your cooperation helps protect Banff National Park during this busy time of year.”

Regarding its “respect closures and advisories warning,” Banff National Park has just issued an advisory for Eagle Mountain at Sunshine Village. For those that don’t respect the ruling, a max penalty of $25,000 may be issued.

Banff National Park wrote, “Pursuant to Section 7(1) of the National Parks General Regulations, of the Canada National Parks Act, the following activity as prohibited: All travel, activities and traffic within the closure area.”

“An area on the west side of Eagle Mountain and upslope of the Banff Sunshine Village gondola right of way.”

The village ban has been put in place due to black bears hibernating in the area during this time of year.

A dog prohibition has also been put in place in several areas of Banff National Park due to snow-covered cross-country ski trails.

Along with its trail and dog ban, Banff National Park has once again issued a strict warning about a certain device being used in the park.

Banff has issued several of these warnings throughout the year.

Banff National Park Has Also Reminded Visitors That Drones Are Banned At All Times

In its update, Banff National Park has also reminded visitors that drones are not allowed at all times. On its social media page, this ban has been issued frequently, likely meaning visitors might not be listening to it, which comes with a $25,000 maximum fine.

“Recreational drone flying is prohibited across all Parks Canada locations. Please do not fly your drone in the park,” Park Canada wrote.

The only way commercial drone use can be allowed is through a permit issued by the superintendent.

A permit may only be issued for:

Natural or cultural resource management and protection

Public safety

Law enforcement

Park/site management purposes directly relating to park administrative purposes

Banff National Park encourages visitors to report drone sightings. Visitors can either locate a park warden or call the Banff dispatch.

With a busy winter holiday season ahead, guests are encouraged to follow these key rules.