Banff Locals Push Back on Mark Carney's Free Parks Plan

What’s Happening? Summer in the national parks might be a little cheaper—and a lot more crowded. Canada’s new Liberal government is offering free access to national parks and historic sites, along with campsite discounts. Banff is bracing.

Free Parks, Mixed Feelings. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s campaign promise means no entry fees at places like Banff and Jasper this summer, plus lower prices at federal campgrounds. Great news for tourists. For mountain towns? A bit more complicated. No word yet on whether the free access will apply to all visitors or just Canadian residents.

Reddit Reacts. While many Canadians on Reddit cheered the move (“Our parks should always have been free”), others called it a recipe for chaos. “It’s not the fees—it’s the crowds,” wrote one user, pointing to overloaded trailheads and fragile ecosystems.

Banff’s Bottleneck. Banff is already “full of vehicles” in summer, says Mayor Corrie DiManno, and they’re still waiting on provincial and federal support for regional mass transit from Calgary—whether bus, rail, or both.

In the Meantime… More Buses. With long-term transit plans stalled, Banff is adding nine local buses to help manage the expected summer surge.

Locals Vote: Do You Support Free Admission To National Parks This Summer?

We asked locals where they stand on the free parks plan.

Out of 514 votes, 80.35% rejected the idea.

Below are some of the strongest responses we received.

Community Comments

• Will those of us who purchased park passes be reimbursed?

• "We value what we pay for. Free sounds nice but there are real costs to maintain our parks. Maybe a reduced fee? Also, Canadians should get the perks – NOT Americans. So no free or fee reductions for non-citizens."

• Fees have little or no effect on usage. Why give up a decent user-pay revenue stream for a worthwhile cause?

• I would vote no to offer free admission in peak season, but would open the gates mid-September.

• We need more campsites. And maintained trails if not new trails. Use park fees to improve park.

• "The town infrastructure isn't able to handle it. The damage to the ecosystems is astronomical. The pollution and the arrogance toward our forests and attractions. The land is tired."

• For Canadians to enjoy ALL national parks should not come at a price. They are for all Canadians to enjoy.

• Help with maintenance and all other expenses.

• Banff is crowded enough in the summer and does not need anymore tourists.

• "Free = Chaos in BNP. Perhaps on one or two weekends for Canadian Citizens."

• "Those fees are much-needed revenue to keep parks managed. Fees should be higher for tourists and residents should pay less. Forest fire season and we need to financially prepare."

• Many families want to go see the sites and spend time with family.

• Too many people. Our tax dollars will end up paying for repairs, garbage and everything else in the end anyway. Make the users pay.

• Only for Canadians!

• I would be okay with two-tier pricing for national parks. Cheaper fees for Canadian citizens and higher fees for tourists. This is done in many countries. We still need to maintain the parks. Having no fees shifts the costs directly to the taxpayer.

• The small fees are meant to go to maintenance of our parks. Less money means less upkeep.

• Already have a pass and it wasn’t discounted. Money raised should go to Parks for upkeep/upgrades.

• Already too many people.

• The wild animals need to be the first consideration. This is their only safe place. And definitely there has to be much larger infrastructure to accommodate people. Also need housing outside of the park for all residents that will move out. I barely can manage the invasion now. I think they should double the fees.

• "Giving Canadians a break is great but our parks are already so overcrowded with people and vehicles. If parks are free we’re headed for a real disaster! Implement a tourist (non-Canadian resident) tax (visa), so many other countries have already started this to assist in paying for additional maintenance and administration costs."

• Free admission will bring so many visitors it will be unbearable in Banff and area. Trails will be overwhelming and more damage incurred. Lower the park rate would be acceptable. I love Banff National Park.

• I’d prefer to see two levels of entry fee, one amount for Canadians and a higher amount for out-of-country visitors.

• Thoughtless vote-getting promise. No review of impact.

• For Canadians. Visitors can pay.

• The fees help provide services and hopefully pay for staff needed. Free just means overcrowding and more wear and tear on the park. When something doesn’t cost anything it’s taken for granted and abused.

• "National parks should be free indeed but living in Banff and witnessing all these tourists… We need the fee to make sure the park stays clean and additional services are provided."

• "Maybe free for seniors, disabled people and young people under 18 but parks cannot lose their funding as they are already underfunded."

• Free or very low-cost park access is the right answer, AND we have a lot of other problems like transit, parking and trail crowding that need to be solved separately. Separating people out by ability to pay is not the answer.

• It’s already too busy in Banff–Jasper corridor.

• Not free, but the Discovery Pass should be much less expensive.

• The entry fee money from the National Parks helps to keep the parks beautiful. That money will have to come from somewhere—and you guessed it, more taxes. The people who use the parks should pay, not everyone in the country.

• I just paid $170 for access to my neighbouring community where my family doctor works. I am not in favour of free access for everyone to national parks. Carney would not realize how busy our NPs are already.

• With the massive increase in Bow Valley tourism, free admission might further increase numbers while reducing available funding for the related and consequential services and expenses.

• A reduced fee for Albertans only.

• We need funds to secure firefighting efforts as well as animal welfare.

• Too many people already! Safety! Wildlife! The ecosystem! All are already at risk.

• We've implemented the Kananaskis Conservation Pass to help maintain that area—why would the National Parks allow free visitors?

• Congestion. Having an entrance fee, which helps offset some expenses of the NP, adds to the perceived value of our parks.

• Our parks are underfunded already! We need so many fixes and upgrades.

What Do You Think?

Let Us Know In The Comments Below