NOTE: Friends of Kananaskis Country do not manage or handle the Kananaskis Conservation Pass. Below is information and links to the official KCP site.
Effective June 1, 2021, vehicles parked at provincial park and public land sites in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley (see map) need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. A single day pass cost $15, and an annual pass cost $90 (registers up to 2 vehicles).
How to Purchase the Pass
Buy your pass online and register your licence plate. Passes can also be purchased in-person or by using Wi-Fi at Kananaskis Visitor Information Centres (Barrier, Elbow and Peter Lougheed) and the Canmore Nordic Centre Day Lodge.
Pass purchases are non-transferable to another user.
How to Make Changes or Cancel the Pass
- To change your licence plate or trailer licence plate on your annual pass, please call Alberta Parks Contact Centre at 1-877-537-2757.
- Only the purchaser (or designate) can cancel a pass purchase. To cancel a pass please visit the Find My Pass page and enter the Order ID and email address to start the refund process.
Volunteer Rebates
- Volunteer under a formal partnership agreement (for example, Cooperating Societies) may be eligible for a rebate on an annual pass. Friends of Kananaskis Country has this level of agreement, therefore FKC volunteers are eligible for:
- This would apply to volunteers after they have performed 40+ hours of service per year or in exceptional volunteer circumstances as authorized by the department (more information about this rebate will be provided once it is available).
- If you think you may qualify for a volunteer rebate, please retain your payment receipt. A process to submit for rebates is in development, and information will be shared once available.
How the Fee Will be Used
Each Kananaskis Conservation Pass helps pay for:
- Conservation – protecting habitat and reducing wildlife conflicts
- Public safety – enforcement, search and rescue
- Services and facilities – trails, day-use areas, recreation facilities, visitor and information centres
How it’s Enforced
From the pass’s introduction in June 2021 to April 2022, enforcement efforts were focused on educating visitors about the pass
The early summer of 2022 saw targeted in-person spot checks occurring, and warnings or fines started to be issued. Visitors should print their pass receipt or save it to their mobile device in case they are asked to show proof of purchase.
In July 2022, scanning of licence plates of vehicles parked in the area commenced. Owners of non-compliant vehicles may receive a warning, or will be sent a fine in the mail.
Visitors can purchase their passes online before midnight on the date of their visit, even if their plate has already been scanned that day.
Fines for not purchasing a pass:
- $150 for personal vehicles (unless exempt)
- $350 for commercial vehicles
For more information – visit the Kananaskis Conservation Pass website or call 1-877-537-2757
By purchasing a pass you’re helping keep this special part of Alberta beautiful and protected for generations to come.