Visitor guidelines

All aircraft must comply with Transport Canada Canadian Aviation Regulations, and National Parks of Canada Aircraft Access Regulations. Take-off and landing aircraft in a national park is prohibited without a Parks Canada Restricted Activity Permit.

UAVs or drones

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) are increasing in popularity for hobbyists, photographers, and businesses. However, subject to the Canadian Aviation Regulations, and National Parks of Canada Aircraft Access Regulations, take-off and landing a drone in a national park is prohibited without a Parks Canada Restricted Activity Permit. Please leave them at home or in your car when you visit us!

British Columbia's liquor regulations apply within the park. Consumption of alcohol within the park is permitted only at registered campsites. Alcohol is prohibited at day use areas, cook shelters and trails. It is your responsibility to be aware of the rules regarding alcohol consumption.

Camping is permitted in designated campgrounds only. Camping in roadside pullouts, trailheads and day-use-areas is not permitted. Campground locations can be found here. The permit holder for the campsite is responsible for the site, including cleanliness, noise levels and actions of visitors. Follow the BARE campsite program. Coolers, dirty dishes, toiletries etc., must all be secured when no one is on site, or when occupants go to sleep.

Backcountry Camping is by permit only. 

To care for these amazing places and ensure visitors’ wishes are fulfilled, filming activities have special considerations. Commercial film and photography guidelines for the mountain national parks

Illegal campfires pose a serious threat to the park. Fires are permitted in a proper Park-approved fire box only. Random fires are prohibited in the park. Do not collect deadfall or cut trees or branches for fires. Never leave a fire unattended and put it out before you leave. In campgrounds the purchase of a fire permit is required (which includes firewood for use on site). Wood burning stoves are provided at some day use sites and can be used without a permit.

Use of, selling, or purchasing fireworks, or any type of explosive, is not permitted within the national park.

All waterbodies are closed

To prevent the spread of whirling disease, all waterbodies in Yoho and Kootenay national parks are closed to watercraft and angling until March 31, 2025.

This closure is necessary to protect vulnerable fish populations and sensitive ecosystems from aquatic invasive species. There is no treatment for whirling disease. Once established, it is very difficult to eradicate. Protect park waters. Respect all closures.

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Firearms and hunting are not permitted in national parks. If you are transporting a firearm, it must be unloaded and securely encased. Firearms include, but are not limited to: slingshots, bows, BB guns, cross bows and paintball guns. Hunting is a serious offence within a national park.

No littering or leaving food or garbage where wildlife can access it (all food and garbage must be stored or disposed of in bear-proof containers and/or packed out).

It is illegal to collect plants, mushrooms, berries, animals, animal parts (including antlers), fossils, driftwood, rocks, signs, and any historic or natural objects. If you believe you have found something significant, leave the item in place and report your finding to the nearest parks staff. Please leave these natural and cultural items for others to enjoy as well.

It is an offence to interfere with others quiet enjoyment of a park during any part of the day or night. This includes loud music and shouting in campgrounds, and day use areas. Visitors should be aware that quiet hours are enforced between 23:00 and 07:00 hours in all campgrounds.

All motorized vehicles must remain on paved and gravel roads. The use of quads, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, or other off-road vehicles is prohibited anywhere in Yoho national park. Off road travel can result in long term damage to vegetation, soil, and can enable unauthorized access to sensitive areas of the park. Keep your vehicle on the pavement to avoid inadvertent infractions.

All domestic animals must be kept on a leash at all times and all fecal waste must be picked up and removed to garbage receptacles. Pets must not be allowed to chase or harass any wildlife. Be considerate of your neighbours and do not leave your animal tied up and unattended or allow them to become a nuisance. If left unattended, the animal may be impounded. Pets are not permitted in some areas. Look for notices at trailheads and information centres to find out where these and other restrictions are.

It is illegal to entice, pet or attempt to pet, harass or feed wild animals in the park. Pursuing animals with cameras is considered harassment. Animal behaviour is unpredictable and could result in injury if they are not given enough space. Obstructing traffic to view wildlife is an offence and a hazard to other motorists.

Pull over in designated pull outs to view wildlife from a safe distance, only if safe to do so. If there is a wildlife "jam", keep driving.