Kananaskis Pass Brings In Millions But Falls Short Of Covering Costs

The Kananaskis Conservation Pass is generating millions in annual revenue, but provincial officials say it covers only part of the cost of operating one of Alberta’s busiest recreation areas.

Speaking during a Budget 2026 announcement Todd Loewen, minister of Forestry and Parks, said the pass brings in roughly $15 million each year but does not cover the full cost of operating Kananaskis Country.

“When we look at the money that we spend in Kananaskis, the $15 million is only a small part of the annual spend,” Loewen said.

The Kananaskis Conservation Pass, introduced in 2021, requires visitors to pay $15 per vehicle per day or $90 annually to access much of the region and has drawn scrutiny over how the revenue is used and whether it fully funds park operations.

According to the Department of Forestry and Parks, the pass has generated about $12 million annually since its introduction, including $13 million in 2024-25.

“Fees collected from the Kananaskis Conservation Pass are reinvested in Kananaskis to support programming and visitor experiences such as environmental education initiatives, trail maintenance, mountain rescue and dispatch, recreation planning and administration, and facility operations,” the department said.

Despite that revenue stream, the province says annual operating costs for Kananaskis Country total about $20 million, exceeding revenue generated by the conservation pass. The difference is covered through provincial funding.

The province says Kananaskis is one of its most heavily used recreation areas.

“Due to its mountain location, high visitation, and the quality visitor experiences provided, Kananaskis Country has significantly more operating costs than other regions of the province,” the department said.

Funds collected through the pass are allocated across several areas. In 2024-25, about $4.6 million went toward facilities maintenance, followed by $2.2 million each for trail stewardship and enforcement. Additional funding included $1.6 million for recreation planning and administration, $1.5 million for mountain rescue and dispatch, and $900,000 for conservation, environmental education and human-wildlife coexistence initiatives, which include visitor outreach, safety messaging and programs aimed at reducing conflicts between people and wildlife.

“Kananaskis Country operations focus on visitor engagement, visitor services, maintenance and municipal services, recreation management, facility operation, and public safety,” the department said.

The province also said the cost of the pass has not changed since it was introduced and that exemptions remain in place for low-income Albertans. In addition, there are 21 free days each year, including the first Wednesday of every month, when no pass is required.

“We routinely review fee structures for all programs and consider fee amounts based on service delivery costs and other jurisdictions to help ensure fees do not prevent Albertans from accessing or enjoying the great outdoors,” the department said.

Loewen said the investment is aimed at improving access and visitor experience as demand grows.

“By upgrading trails, improving amenities, and supporting responsible development, we are ensuring that Alberta’s backyard continues to be a top destination,” he said.