Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or drones in Canada’s national parks

Drone flying is a popular hobby for many people and may also be used for commercial purposes. However, Drones can pose risks to visitors, disturb wildlife and lead to negative experiences for other visitors to Waterton Lakes National Park. For these reasons, Parks Canada strictly limits the use of drones.

Anyone caught operating a drone within park boundaries and without an approved permit may result in law enforcement action and a fine of up to $25,000.

Recreational drone use – Prohibited

Recreational drone flying is prohibited across all Parks Canada locations. Please do not fly your drone in the park.

Commercial drone use – By permit only

The Superintendent may only issue a Restricted Activity Permit for the use of a drone for the following purposes:

• Natural or cultural resource management and protection
• Public safety
• Law enforcement
• Park/site management purposes directly relating to park administrative purposes

If you would like to apply for a Restricted Activity Permit for the use of a drone, you must submit a written proposal to watertoncommunications@pc.gc.ca. In your proposal you must clearly demonstrate how your intended use of a drone supports any of the above purposes. If your project involves commercial filming, please refer to the commercial film and photography guidelines for the mountain national parks for more information.

Scientific research

You must identify the desire to fly a drone in your Research and Collection Permit application.

Report a drone

If you witness the use of a drone in Waterton Lakes National Park, please report the incident to park wardens via Banff Dispatch 1-888-927-3367

Useful links

• National Parks of Canada Aircraft Access Regulations
• Transport Canada: Flying your drone safely and legally
• Aeronautics Act: Governs the use of UAV systems in Canada