Curious about the Kananskis Park Pass? This should help. Nestled in the heart of Alberta, Kananaskis Country offers an enchanting escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you’re planning a hiking trip or gearing up for an exhilarating dog sledding adventure with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours in the winter or dog carting in the summer. To make the most of your visit and support the conservation efforts that keep this pristine area beautiful, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the Kananaskis Park Pass. So, let’s dive into what you need to know!
Why You Need the Kananaskis Park Pass
The Kananaskis Park Pass allows you to experience the breathtaking beauty of Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley Corridor while supporting conservation efforts. By purchasing a daily pass for $15 or an annual pass for $90, you’re helping to ensure this special part of Alberta remains protected for generations to come. The pass is based on your vehicle, not the number of passengers, and is attached to the vehicle’s license plate.
Where Does the Kananaskis Park Pass Apply?
The Kananaskis Park Pass is required for all personal and commercial vehicles parked in parks and public lands within Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley corridor. This includes popular spots like the Canmore Nordic Centre Day Lodge, Elbow Valley Visitor Information Centre, and Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre at Barrier Lake.
However, the pass does not apply to vehicles passing through the area without stopping, vehicles that are only loading or unloading passengers, or visitors arriving without a vehicle, such as those on foot, horseback, or bicycle. Additionally, the pass is not required for specific areas like the Ghost area, McLean Creek Public Land Use Zone, McLean Creek Provincial Recreation Area, Fisher Creek Provincial Recreation Area, and the Canmore townsite or other municipal land within the boundary. Please note that applicable camping and/or facility user fees still apply in exempt areas.
How to Purchase the Kananaskis Park Pass
To make your visit hassle-free, it’s recommended to purchase your Kananaskis Park Pass before arriving in the area. You can buy your pass online until 11:59 pm on the first day of your visit. Retroactive pass purchases are not available.
Passes can be purchased online using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Visa Debit, and Mastercard Debit. In-person purchases are available at Wi-Fi hotspots or during business hours at various locations, including the Canmore Nordic Centre Day Lodge, Elbow Valley Visitor Information Centre, Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre at Barrier Lake, and Peter Lougheed Park Discovery and Information Centre. You can also call the Alberta Parks Contact Centre at 1-877-537-2757 to purchase your pass over the phone.
For those with reliable cell service, passes can be purchased online on your mobile device in areas such as Kananaskis Village, Canmore Nordic Centre, and select day-use areas accessed off Trans Canada Highway 1, Highway 1A, and 1X. Keep in mind that only one pass per personal or commercial vehicle is required, and the pass qualifies the vehicle, not the passengers.
Exemptions and Additional Information about the Kananaskis Park Pass
Certain groups are exempt from purchasing the Kananaskis Park Pass, including First Nations people with Status, Albertans with low-income participating in eligible provincial support programs, residents of Kananaskis Improvement District, facility operator agreement holders, and more. Additionally, volunteers under a formal partnership agreement, like Friends of Kananaskis Country volunteers, can be eligible for a free annual pass after completing 40 hours of service in a year.
Remember, the Kananaskis Park Pass is enforced through licence plate scanning, and owners of non-compliant vehicles may receive a warning or be fined. Fines for not purchasing a pass are $150 for personal vehicles and $350 for commercial vehicles, with a mandatory 20% surcharge directed to the Victims of Crime Fund.
How Your Fee Supports Kananaskis
Each Kananaskis Park Pass helps to fund conservation efforts, public safety, and services and facilities within Kananaskis Country. From protecting habitats and reducing wildlife conflicts to reinvesting in trails, day-use areas, and visitor centres, your pass fee goes towards maintaining the beauty and safety of this incredible area.
With these details in mind, you’re all set to explore and enjoy the wonders of Kananaskis Country responsibly and sustainably. Safe travels!