The key rule: independent vs commercial group
Parks Canada sells a Discovery Pass that gives independent travellers admission to more than 80 Parks Canada places for a year. The pass page is explicit that it is for fully independent travellers and is not for visitors in commercial groups. Tour operators pay a separate commercial group rate.
That has two practical consequences. If you are on a guided caravan, your Discovery Pass does not replace the group fee the operator pays for you, and you may not need to buy one for the tour days. If you plan independent days before or after the tour, a pass may be worth buying, since it covers a year of visits.
Banff National Park fees (example)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Daily admission, adult (18–64) | $12.25 |
| Daily admission, senior (65+) | $10.75 |
| Daily admission, youth (17 and under) | Free |
| Family/group (up to seven people in one vehicle) | $24.50 |
| Commercial group, per person per day | $10.42 |
| Discovery Pass, adult | $83.50 |
| Discovery Pass, senior | $71.50 |
| Discovery Pass, family/group | $167.50 |
The Discovery Pass page says that regular fees apply as of September 8, 2026, after a summer promotion ended. Youth aged 17 and under are free.
Camping in the parks
| Campground (Banff area), one night | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tunnel Mountain, water/sewer/electrical | $47.25 |
| Tunnel Mountain, electrical | $40.00 |
| Lake Louise, electrical | $40.00 |
| Lake Louise, unserviced with toilets and showers | $34.00 |
| Two Jack Main, fully equipped | $86.50 |
| Reservation, change or cancellation (online) | $11.50 |
| Reservation, change or cancellation (phone) | $13.50 |
| Fire permit, Banff (per day) | $12.00 |
| Fire permit, Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway campgrounds (per day) | $17.00 |
- Admission and the Discovery Pass do not cover camping, reservations, hot springs, firewood or some guided programs.
- Parking fees apply at some locations during the summer season.
- Popular parks fill quickly. On an independent trip, reserve through Parks Canada’s reservation system as soon as the booking window opens. On a guided tour, the operator typically reserves for you.
Promotions
Parks Canada has run time-limited promotions, including free admission and a camping discount over summer 2026. Promotions come and go, and eligibility rules differ. Ask your operator whether any promotion applies to your departure and whether savings are passed on to you.
Provincial, territorial and private parks
Everything above refers to Parks Canada places. Provincial and territorial parks, Québec’s Sépaq parks, and municipal or private parks have their own fees, passes and reservation systems. The Parks Canada Discovery Pass does not apply to them. Ask the operator which parks are on the route and who pays for each.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Parks Canada Discovery Pass work on a guided tour?
No. Parks Canada states that the Discovery Pass is for fully independent travellers and is not for visitors in commercial groups. Tours normally pay a commercial group fee for you, so ask whether park fees are in the tour price.
Does the pass cover camping?
No. Admission and the Discovery Pass do not cover camping or other accommodation, reservation fees, hot springs, firewood or some guided programs.
Are Banff campgrounds included in a tour price?
Sometimes. Ask whether the tour’s campsites are inside the national parks or in gateway towns, and whether camping fees and reservation fees are in the price.