Quick answer
To stop in a national park like Banff, Jasper or Yoho, you need a Parks Canada pass. A daily pass costs $12.25 per adult, $10.75 per senior and $24.50 per family or group; youth 17 and under are free. The annual Discovery Pass costs $83.50 per adult or $167.50 per family and covers more than 80 Parks Canada places. Driving straight through on the Trans-Canada without stopping doesn’t require a pass.
Prices
Fees are from Parks Canada pages checked in November 2026 and can change.
Daily admission (Banff example)
| Visitor | Daily fee |
|---|---|
| Adult | $12.25 |
| Senior | $10.75 |
| Youth (17 and under) | Free |
| Family/group | $24.50 |
A daily pass is valid until 4 pm the following day (Parks Canada Banff fees).
Parks Canada Discovery Pass
The Discovery Pass gives 12 months of admission to more than 80 Parks Canada places (Parks Canada passes):
- Adult: $83.50
- Senior: $71.50
- Family/group: $167.50
Which is cheaper?
For one adult, the Discovery Pass costs about the same as 7 daily passes ($83.50 vs 7 × $12.25 = $85.75). For a family or group it equals about 7 family daily passes ($167.50 vs 7 × $24.50 = $171.50). If you’ll spend a week or more in parks within a year, the Discovery Pass usually pays off.
Do you need a pass to drive through?
No pass is needed if you drive through Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) or Highway 93 South without stopping, according to Parks Canada. You do need one to stop anywhere, and to use the Icefields Parkway or the Bow Valley Parkway (Parks Canada).
Free admission programs
The 2026 free-admission program (the Canada Strong Pass) ended on September 7, 2026, and regular fees applied again from September 8 (Parks Canada). Any future program would be announced by Parks Canada, so check before you travel.
Where to buy
- Online through Parks Canada before you go
- At park gates and visitor centres
Separate fees apply for things like camping, shuttles and hot springs.
More Canadian Rockies guides
Travel rules, prices and product details change. Check official government, airline and manufacturer sources before you book or buy.
