Service standards: large vehicles on the Icefields Parkway (93N) in Banff and Jasper National Parks

Overweight vehicle restriction

  • The Icefields Parkway (93 North) connecting Jasper and Banff national parks is a special use corridor. It is maintained and promoted as a scenic heritage drive and offers travellers some of the wildest and most beautiful scenery in the world. As such, it is not built nor does the use accommodate commercial throughway trucking.
  • Vehicles exceeding 4550 kg gross vehicle weight are not permitted to travel on the Icefields Parkway (93 North) between Jasper and Lake Louise. Buses and recreational vehicles are permitted regardless of weight.
  • Operating a vehicle that exceeds the maximum gross vehicle weight is an offense under the National Parks Highway Traffic Regulations of the Canada National Parks Act and results in an automatic court appearance. Fines are levied through the court process.
  • For business operators conducting business or servicing businesses along the Icefields Parkway with a vehicle exceeding the gross vehicle weight maximum, you may be eligible for an Overweight Vehicle Permit. Carriers doing multiple trips may request a permit valid until March 31 each year.
  • Access to the Icefields Parkway (93 North) between Jasper and Lake Louise will be from the entry point closest to the final destination (i.e., if the load is going to Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park, the truck must enter from the Jasper end of the Icefields Parkway).

Applying for an overweight vehicle permit

Step 1 - Apply for a Business License

Step 2 – Apply for an Overweight Vehicle Permit

  • Once you have acquired a business licence you can then proceed to apply for an Overweight Vehicle Permit.
    There is currently no fee for the overweight permits.
  • To obtain an overweight vehicle permit in Banff, contact llykbusinesslicence@pc.gc.ca or call 403-522-1186.
  • To obtain an overweight vehicle permit in Jasper, contact jasperbusinesslicence@pc.gc.ca or call 780-852-6114.
  • The application form must be submitted to Parks Canada at least 3 business days before travelling. Include the following information:
    • Your name, the name of your company;
    • Contact information;
    • Vehicle description and licence plate; and
    • Route of travel, purpose of trip and start-end dates.
  • Incomplete applications will be returned without processing.
  • Parks Canada will respond with either an approved permit or rational for denial within 3 business days of receiving the application.

Note for previous permit holders: if your company has had previous permit applications, please advise at the time of application as it will save time to process and provide you with a faster response.

When travelling on the Icefields Parkway (93 North)

  • An overweight vehicle permit must be carried in the vehicle and produced to a Parks Canada staff member upon request.
  • Overweight vehicle permits are not valid for through travel on the Icefields Parkway (93 North).
  • The Icefields Parkway (93 North) is a scenic parkway – special care and attention is required when passing wildlife and park visitors.
  • Respect posted speed limits – note that posted speed limits are designed for ideal road conditions; slow down when driving on snow, ice, slush or rain. Note that each spring and summer, the posted speed limit is reduced to 70 km/h on a section of the Icefields Parkway travelling through caribou habitat. This protects caribou that may be near the roadway and is strictly enforced.
  • When planning a trip (winter or summer) drivers should plan their route using websites that show current road conditions or phone the road authority on their route to find out road conditions and any excepted delays. Province of Alberta, including Highway 16 and 93: 511.alberta.ca. Province of British Columbia: drivebc.ca.

Special considerations

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