EvanAs you plan your visit to the Canadian Rockies, you may find that park passes are essential. There are two kinds of park passes in the Canadian Rockies, National Park Discovery Pass (some would call it Banff Pass or Park Pass) and the Kananaskis Conservation Pass (Kananaskis Pass). They represent two distinct systems that grant access to some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes, and it’s important for you to distinguish them.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about these passes, helping you maximize your mountain experience while supporting the conservation of these natural treasures.
Discovery Pass vs Kananaskis Conservation Pass
Here’s a comparison table between the Discovery Pass and the Kananaskis Conservation Pass to help you understand the differences:
| Discovery Pass | Kananaskis Conservation Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Provides access to Canada’s national parks and historic sites | Supports conservation and access to Kananaskis Country and Bow Valley areas |
| Coverage Area | All national parks across Canada (e.g., Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Glacier, etc.) | Kananaskis Country & Bow Valley Provincial Parks (not valid in national parks) |
| Cost (2025) | $11 (Adult, Day Pass)/$75.25 (Adult, 1 year) / $151.25 (Family, 1 year) | $15 (Day Pass) / $90 (Yearly for up to 3 vehicles) |
| Valid Duration | Day Pass or annual | Day Pass or annual |
| Vehicle Registration Required? | No | Yes, as it is linked to a specific vehicle (up to 3 vehicles under the same address) |
| Where to Purchase | Online, park visitor centers, select retailers | Online at Alberta Parks website, visitor centers |
| Who Needs It? | Anyone visiting national parks | Anyone driving into Kananaskis or Bow Valley areas |
| Exemptions | Free for youth under 18 | Free for Indigenous peoples, volunteers, and low-income individuals upon request |
The Parks Canada Discovery Pass
What is the Discovery Pass?
The Parks Canada Discovery Pass is your all-access ticket to over 80 destinations across Canada. This includes 38 national parks, 10 national marine conservation areas, and 171 national historic sites. For travelers venturing through the Canadian Rockies, this pass is particularly valuable as it covers most of the iconic mountain parks.
What the Discovery Pass Covers in the Rockies?
When exploring Alberta and British Columbia, your Discovery Pass grants admission to magnificent mountain parks:
Do I need a Discovery Pass?
| Do I need a Discovery Pass if I… | |
|---|---|
| Visiting provincial park | No, but you may need to purchase other passes, e.g. Kananaskis Conservation Pass |
| Visiting towns that are within a national park, e.g. Banff Town, Jasper Town, Waterton Town | Yes |
| Driving through a national park without stopping (except for fueling up) | No, but some of the scenic drives require a pass, e.g. Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) and Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) |
| Driving through a national park and stop for hiking or sightseeing | Yes |
Types of Discovery Passes Available
Parks Canada offers several options to accommodate different travel needs:
Daily Pass
- Perfect for one-time visitors or those passing through a single park
- Not include entry to national historic sites
- Expires 4:00 p.m. the next day
| Adult (18-64) | $11.00 |
| Senior (65+) | $9.50 |
| Youth (under 18) | Free |
| Family/Group (up to 7 people arriving in a single vehicle) | $22.00 |
Annual Discovery Pass
- The best value for frequent visitors or those exploring multiple parks
- Valid for full 12 months from the date of purchase, expiring on the last day of the month
| Adult (18-64) | $75.25 |
| Senior (65+) | $64.50 |
| Youth (under 18) | Free |
| Family/Group (up to 7 people arriving in a single vehicle) | $151.25 |
Please refer to Parks Canada for the latest changes.
Where and How to Purchase?
The Discovery Pass can be purchased through multiple channels:
Online
Through the official Parks Canada, or Banff Lake Louise Tourism Board websites, save you time from waiting at the gate, but need to pay for shipping and may need at least two weeks for shipping
In-Person
At park gates, visitor centers, and some Parks Canada administrative offices (check out the location to purchase a Park Pass), quick process, but may need to wait in line on busy weekends
Third-Party Retailers
Select retailers like AMA offices, cheaper price, but need to visit the physical stores to purchase the pass
How to show you have a valid pass?
If you are holding a discovery pass, just hang the pass on the rearview mirror.
If you are holding a day pass (looks like a receipt paper), just stick on the front passenger side window.
Once you hold a valid park pass, you don’t have to wait in line and stop at the park gates. Instead, you can drive past the gate and continue your way.
If you still haven’t received your physical park pass before your trip, you can present your receipt or email confirmation of purchasing a valid park pass for one month.
The Kananaskis Conservation Pass
What Is the Kananaskis Conservation Pass?
Kananaskis Conservation Pass is a relatively new requirement, introduced in 2021, for accessing Kananaskis Country and the provincial parks and public lands in the Bow Valley corridor.
This includes popular destinations like Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Spray Valley Provincial Park, and Bow Valley Provincial Park.
Areas Covered by the K-Country Pass
The Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for recreational access to:
Pass Options and Pricing
The Kananaskis Conservation Pass offers two main options:
Daily Pass
- $15 per vehicle
- valid until 4:00 PM the day following purchase
Annual Pass
- $90 for up to 3 vehicles under the same address
- valid for one year from date of purchase
Where and How to Purchase Kananaskis Pass?
The pass can be purchased through:
Online
Buy Kananaskis pass online through the Alberta Parks website
In-Person
At Kananaskis visitor information centers, e.g. Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre at Barrier Lake, Peter Lougheed Park Discovery and Information Centre
By Phone
Call the Alberta Parks reservation system
The pass is linked to your license plate, so no physical pass needs to be displayed in your vehicle.
Exemptions and Special Considerations
Some notable exemptions to the Kananaskis Conservation Pass requirement include:
- Indigenous peoples exercising treaty rights
- Vehicles with disabled parking placard (AISH)
- Visitors entering only to access businesses (e.g., Kananaskis Nordic Spa, hotels, or ski areas)
- School groups on official field trips
- Emergency services and official business
Kananaskis Pass Free Day
There are certain days when you can enjoy outdoor activities in Kananaskis without needing a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. Free days occur on Wilderness Wednesdays, which take place on the first Wednesday of every month, as well as select holidays.
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Family Day: 3rd Monday of February
- Earth Day: April 22
- Indigenous People’s Day: June 21
- Parks Day: 3rd Saturday of July
- Kananaskis Country’s Birthday: September 22
- Remembrance Day: November 11
- First day of winter: December 21
- Christmas Day: December 25
What the Pass Funds
Revenue from the Kananaskis Conservation Pass directly supports:
- Trail Maintenance and Development: Improving and expanding the extensive trail network
- Search and Rescue Operations: Supporting the teams that conduct over 150 rescues annually
- Visitor Services: Enhancing information centers, interpretive programs, and educational initiatives
- Conservation Efforts: Protecting wildlife corridors and sensitive ecological areas
- Facilities Improvement: Upgrading washrooms, day-use areas, and other visitor amenities
Strategic Planning: Making the Most of Both Passes
When You Need Both Passes?
For comprehensive exploration of the Canadian Rockies, many travelers will benefit from having both passes. Here’s why:
- Complementary Coverage: The passes cover different jurisdictions (federal vs. provincial) that are often geographically intertwined
- Varied Experiences: Provincial parks often offer different recreational opportunities and generally less crowded conditions
- Flexible Itineraries: Having both allows spontaneous detours without worrying about access
Cost-Effective Strategies
To maximize value when purchasing these passes:
- Assess Your Itinerary: If visiting multiple national parks for more than a week total, the annual Discovery Pass is usually more economical
- Consider Timing: Purchase annual passes just before peak season to maximize their validity period
- Evaluate Frequency: If you’ll visit Kananaskis more than six times in a year, the annual K-Country pass makes financial sense
- Look for Promotions: Parks Canada occasionally offers early bird specials or discounted rates
Expert Tips for Park Pass Holders
Making the Most of Your National Park Discovery Pass
- Download the Parks Canada App: Access offline maps, trail information, and personalized trip planning
- Visit During Shoulder Seasons: Experience iconic destinations like Moraine Lake with fewer crowds
- Attend Interpretive Programs: Free guided walks and talks are included with your pass
- Leverage Early Access: Enter popular parks before 8 AM to beat day-trip crowds
- Explore Lesser-Known Areas: Venture beyond the famous lakes to discover hidden gems
Maximizing Your Kananaskis Conservation Pass
- Follow Alberta Parks on Social Media: Receive updates on trail conditions and temporary closures
- Visit Mid-Week: Experience dramatically reduced crowds, especially at popular destinations
- Explore the Eastern Areas: The Sibbald area and Elbow Valley often see fewer visitors
- Check Trail Reports: The Alberta Parks website provides current trail conditions and wildlife alerts
- Try Multi-Sport Days: Combine activities like mountain biking in the morning and hiking in the afternoon
Time for Adventure
