Since June 1, 2021, visitors stopping in Kananaskis Country need to be in possession of a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. 

Known for its abundance of breathtaking outdoor recreation activities, in 2020, Kananaskis saw approximately 5.4 million visitors, which was an all-time high for our favourite provincial park. Following increased attendance, the pass was implemented by the Government of Alberta to better maintain and protect the area, improve visitor safety, and complete conservation projects. 

All vehicles (see below for exceptions) parked at provincial parks and public land sites in K-country or in the Bow Valley will need a pass. 

This includes parking in Kananaskis Village, even when accessing the Kananaskis Nordic Spa or Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.For more specific information, utilize the boundary map or interactive map. However, keep in mind that certain stretches of Kananaskis have spotty, if any, cell service if you are planning to buy it on a device.

Getting a Pass:

Kananaskis Conservation Passes can be purchased online or in person at Kananaskis Visitor Information Centres. Upon entering Kananaskis via the AB-40 or Trans Canada Highway, you will drive past a visitor centre and have the opportunity to stop. 

Your pass is associated with your provided licence plate(s). Be sure to keep a digital or printed receipt in case you need to provide proof of purchase. 

Pass purchases are enforced by scanning licence plates, so you do not need to have a physical copy on display in your vehicle.

All vehicles entering Kananaskis need a pass, with a few exceptions:

• Vehicles just passing through and not stopping in K-country
• Vehicles that are only unloading or loading passengers 
• People arriving without a vehicle
• Those who qualify for an exemption (including those of First Nations status, low-income Albertans, and residents of Kananaskis)

You also will not need a pass to stop in these areas:

Ghost area, McLean Creek Public Land Use Zone, McLean Creek Provincial Recreation Area, Fisher Creek Provincial Recreation Area, and Canmore.

Pricing:

Personal vehicle passes are available as a daily or yearly option. Keep in mind that passes are per vehicle, not per passenger.

• Day pass – $15 (registers one vehicle)
• Yearly pass – $90 (registers up to 2 vehicles – this does not cover these two vehicles at the same time, but allows you to take different cars each weekend, etc.)

FAQ:

• What happens if I stop in Kananaskis without a pass? 

Vehicles found parked in Kananaskis without a conservation pass (unless exempt) will be fined $150 for personal vehicles or $350 for commercial vehicles.

• Are passes transferable, can I lend it out?

Passes are not transferable, and are associated with only one or two licence plates for vehicles registered at the same address. 

• How is it enforced? 

The Kananaskis Conservation pass is enforced by routinely scanning the license plates of parked cars. Vehicles found parked without a valid pass will receive a fine.

• Do I need a pass if I am using alternative transportation, like the Brewster Bus?

No – this and similar modes of transportation would be considered commercial, and the company itself would be responsible for having its own commercial pass. 

• Do I need a pass if I am renting a car? 

Yes, register the licence plate of your rental car when selecting the day pass option.

• Are there ever any free days?

Throughout the year, there are a number of free days, also known as Wilderness Wednesdays which take place on the first Wednesday of the Month. Other free days in 2023 are:

• January 1: New Year’s Day
• February 20: Family Day
• April 22: Earth Day
• June 21: Indigenous People’s Day
• July 15:  Parks Day
• September 22: Kananaskis Country’s Birthday
• November 11: Remembrance Day
• December 21: First day of winter
• December 25: Christmas Day

For more information on purchasing and using your Kananaskis Conservation Pass, visit www.Alberta.ca/conservation-pass. And of course, visit our website for inspiration on how to enjoy Kananaskis’ pristine alpine wilderness.