It’s a bird, it’s a plane… it’s negatively impacting the national park experience.
Drones are not permitted in Waterton Lakes National Park. Parks Canada strictly limits the use of drones, as they pose risks and can disturb wildlife. They also interfere with park operations, causing serious problems for essential park operations, including search and rescue missions and firefighting.
This includes micro-drones under 250 grams.
Operating a drone within park boundaries may result in law enforcement action and a fine of up to $25,000.
On occasion, Parks Canada may host a special event, such as a model aircraft festival, where recreational flights will be allowed under controlled conditions. Organizations that wish to hold a drone flying event should begin discussions with the park or site several months in advance to determine whether the activity is possible and to arrange the necessary permits.
For non-recreational drone use, field unit superintendents may authorize limited use of a drone. The risks and impacts of drone flight vary depending on time/season and location. Therefore, each application is evaluated separately.
For commercial video and photography, you must identify the desire to fly a drone in a Film and Photography Permit application.
For scientific research, you must identify the desire to fly a drone in a Research and Collection Permit application.
For more information visit online at parkscanada.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/visit/regles-rules.
