Will There Be Fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Canmore and Banff?

One of the most common questions from locals and visitors alike is whether fireworks will light up the sky on New Year’s Eve in Canmore or Banff. The short answer is no. Neither community is planning a fireworks display, and in both cases, local rules make it clear why.

Canmore: Fireworks Are Banned, Including New Year’s Eve

Fireworks are prohibited within the Town of Canmore under the Fireworks Ban Bylaw. The bylaw states that no person may set off, light, discharge, fire, or otherwise use fireworks anywhere within town limits. It also bans the sale of fireworks in Canmore.

Earlier versions of the bylaw included limited exemptions that allowed low-impact fireworks at town-approved events such as Canada Day and New Year’s Eve. That exemption was removed by council in June 2024. The change means fireworks are no longer permitted as part of New Year’s Eve celebrations, even when organized by the Town.

The Town’s official New Year’s Eve event listing reflects that shift. The event page explicitly notes that there will be no fireworks as part of Canmore’s New Year’s Eve programming. Instead, celebrations focus on community activities like skating, music, and family-friendly entertainment.

Town discussions have pointed to several reasons behind the decision, including wildfire risk, noise impacts on residents and pets, and concerns about wildlife disturbance. With those considerations in mind, fireworks are no longer part of Canmore’s year-end celebrations.

Banff: No Fireworks Under Municipal and Federal Rules

In Banff, the rules are even more clear-cut due to the town’s location inside a national park.

The Town of Banff regulates fireworks through its Explosives Bylaw (Bylaw 36-3), which classifies fireworks, flying lanterns, rockets, detonators, and similar devices as explosives. Their possession, storage, and use are restricted and require authorization.

Beyond municipal rules, Banff National Park regulations apply throughout the townsite. Parks Canada prohibits the use, sale, or possession of fireworks and other explosives anywhere in the park, including within the Town of Banff itself.

The Town of Banff’s official New Year’s Eve event listings make this explicit. The community celebrations planned for parks and public spaces clearly state that there will be no fireworks or pyrotechnics as part of the event. Instead, the focus is on daytime and early evening activities such as skating, music, and family programming.

What This Means for New Year’s Eve

For anyone planning to ring in the New Year in the Bow Valley, expectations should be set accordingly.

Both communities have shifted toward quieter, lower-impact celebrations that prioritize safety, wildfire prevention, and respect for wildlife and residents.

While the midnight fireworks of past decades may still be fondly remembered, they are no longer part of the New Year’s Eve landscape in either town.