Banff Visitors Fined for Trash, Locals Want Harsher Penalties

What’s Happening? Ten visitors were fined in Canmore court after leaving food and garbage unattended in Banff National Park. Nine men were hit with $50 fines for walking away from a loaded picnic table at Cascade Ponds, while a camper at Johnston Canyon was fined $250 after wildlife accessed a trash bag hanging from a tree.

Why It Matters. These aren’t just littering tickets. Unattended food attracts wildlife within minutes, often leading to trail closures and dangerous animal encounters. In worst-case scenarios, it ends with habituated bears being killed. A federal prosecutor noted there were multiple bear sightings in the area the same day.

The Courtroom Message. Justice Karl Wilberg told the group, “The animals in the Bow Valley are very hungry and they will be there in five minutes or less.” All ten pleaded guilty and expressed remorse.

What Locals Think. We asked our readers for their take. The overwhelming response: $50 is a joke. Many called for fines starting at $500, bans for repeat offenders, or mandatory education sessions. One comment summed it up: these fines are smaller than a parking ticket, but the risks are far greater.

This Isn’t New. Back in 2021, similar garbage dumping at Cascade Ponds sparked public outrage. Wildlife experts then (and now) warned that indirectly feeding wildlife is just as harmful as doing it on purpose. The message hasn’t changed. The question is whether the consequences will.

Locals Vote: Are the fines for leaving food out in Banff National Park enough to actually deter people?

Out of 324 votes, 89.51% said the fines were too low to deter people from leaving garbage for wildlife to eat in Banff National Park.

Community Comments

• We need to get more serious about people feeding wildlife, not securing campsites, and getting out of cars to approach wildlife.

• It's infuriating to see people approaching bears; we need more conservation officers, heavier fines, and more education.

• The fine needs to impact a person's monthly budget to change behavior.

• Fines should be outrageously large to deter wildlife feeding and prevent habituation.

• Despite all the education, people still break the rules.

• More signage and park gate education are needed on proper food storage.

• Fines need to be much steeper—people listen when it hits their pockets.

• Were these visitors from outside North America? The vastness of nature here can be overwhelming.

• $250 is much more appropriate than $50.

• Fines should be high enough to make people afraid of leaving food out.

• Warnings and small fines are ineffective; hands-on consequences like litter picking may work better.

• We need better enforcement—more boots on the ground.

• $50 isn't a deterrent. Fines should be $500+ or even include park bans.

• Current fines are laughable.

• “I bet they were 'new Canadians.'”

• Fines were a joke; should be discretionary up to $100,000. Zero-tolerance signage and firm enforcement are needed.

• More patrolling of day-use areas is required.

• Fines should be in the $1,000 range, especially for campground violations.

• People have lost respect for nature—larger fines may help restore responsibility.

• Most Calgarians should know better. Hitting their pocketbook is essential.

• The fact that people are still being fined shows the amounts are too low.

• Consider better signage at picnic areas and info at pass purchase. $50 is too low—$100–250 would be better.

• Tourists should do their research. Ignorance isn't an excuse.

• If you can’t even use a garbage can, you shouldn’t be in our parks.

• Fines should be $10,000 to grab attention.

• Social media attention-seeking should result in fines starting at $200.

• Garbage is often left behind; wildlife and the environment are at risk—larger fines are needed.

• Feeding wildlife is a death sentence—$50 is far too low.

• Leaving food out is laziness—people need to wake up.

• A $500 fine and a 5-year national park ban would get the message across.

• These fines are less than a parking ticket but have much bigger consequences.

• Some large groups picnic and leave trash behind—"not the Canadian way."

• $50 is too easy. Start at $250 and increase. Enforcement is key.

• Fines need to be high enough to catch people’s attention and emphasize the danger to animals and people.

• Volunteers in high-traffic areas could help with education or reporting.

• Without serious consequences, the problem will persist. $50 means nothing to some.

• Hefty fines may be the only way to get through to people.

• Jail time may be a stronger deterrent than fines alone.

• Some people treat wildlife like pets, endangering everyone.

• Fines should reflect the potential for lost lives.

• $250 is a good start, but $1,000 would send a stronger message. If it drives away careless tourists, that’s a win.

• Mandatory wildlife education sessions could help.

• $500 to $2,500 fines would make people pay attention. The cost of habituated animals is much higher.

• Fines should reflect the damage caused—not just be symbolic.

• Enforcement must be strict and consistent.

• Fines should start at $500.

• Nothing will change until fines increase significantly.

• Littering fines (including for cigarette butts) should also be enforced.

• The only effective deterrents are clear signage and hefty fines.

What Do You Think?

Let us know in the comments below!