Film and photography

Do I need a film permit, business license, or small-scale project registration?

Many small-scale projects only require project registration, rather than a commercial film permit. This registration form is for small travel media crews that wish to film or take photos in Parks Canada locations. “Travel Media” includes journalists, freelancers, photographers, videographers, bloggers, and social media influencers.

Your project is considered “small-scale” if it meets all of the following criteria:

• Project is intended to inform audiences about the work of Parks Canada and/or educate on proper behaviour when visiting Parks Canada places.
• Crew size is six people or fewer (including models, guides, and other talent).
• Equipment is limited to cameras, tripods, microphones, or other hand-held equipment.
• Activities remain in areas open to the public and during normal operating hours only.
• The filming methods used and the final product adhere to all laws and regulations.
• No drones/UAVs are used.

• Complete the Registration Form:  Small-Scale Travel Media Film and Photo Project Registration Form (PDF, 308 KB).
• Submit the Registration Form by email to the appropriate contact below. You will receive response that confirms or denies your registration and provides next steps.

If your project does not meet all of the criteria of a small-scale shoot, you must apply for a commercial film/photo permit or business licence by emailing your application to the appropriate contact, listed below.

Parks Canada reserves the right to determine if projects are appropriate for a small-scale registration or if a commercial film permit application is required.

• We strongly recommend you register your shoot at least 20 business days in advance to avoid project delays. Please note that registering your project does not exempt it from standard visitors’ fees.
• A Guide to Film/Photo Shoots is available to assist you with conducting your film and photo activities.
• Depending on the location of your shoot, additional permission may be required from business or property owners, or the Towns of Banff or Jasper.

We look forward to working with you! Travel media are key partners in showcasing the beauty of national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas. Contact us for travel tips, best timing, and unique locations within these sites.

Banff National Park, Kootenay National Park, and Yoho National Park will not be accepting applications for commercial film projects during the period of June 1 to September 30. See below for more information.

Commercial filming and photography activities require a permit. These activities include feature and short films, documentaries, series, marketing (including styled photoshoots), and other projects with a commercial intent that do not qualify as a travel media small-scale registration. Parks Canada reserves the right to determine if projects are appropriate for a small-scale registration or if a commercial film permit or business licence is required.

Photographers capturing images and footage during their visit to the Mountain National Parks with the intent to sell, require a business licence. Activities covered within this licence must not impede park use and enjoyment by other visitors, damage cultural or natural resources, or disturb wildlife.

Business licences apply to the following activities:

• Wedding photography and videography
• Wildlife, nature, and landscape photography
• Stock photography
• If you are hired to take, or plan to sell photos taken in the park

Visitors taking photos for personal use or as a hobby that are not for sale do not require a permit or license.

Parks Canada rules and regulations apply to all film/photography activities, including respecting wildlife, closed areas, and cultural resources. Styled shoots and project-based work may require a film permit; Parks Canada reserves the right to determine if projects are appropriate for a business license, or if a film permit application is required.

Please note that Parks Canada business licence service standards are 15 business days to review and process fully completed business licence applications. Please contact the appropriate Business Licensing department for additional information:

Jasper National Park: permiscommercialjasper-jasperbusinesslicence@pc.gc.ca

Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks: filmmrg@pc.gc.ca

Waterton Lakes National Park: permiscommercialwlfu-wlfubusinesslicence@pc.gc.ca

Yoho and Kootenay national parks: permiscommercialllyk-llykbusinesslicence@pc.gc.ca

Banff National Park:

• Banff area (eastern portion of Banff National Park) - banffrealty-immobiliers@pc.gc.ca
• Lake Louise area (including the Icefields Parkway) - permiscommercialllyk-llykbusinesslicence@pc.gc.ca

Drones/UAVs (including micro-drones <250g), are highly regulated in the National Parks to protect wildlife and preserve the experience of visitors, among other considerations. Drone/UAV use in a National Park requires both a Commercial Film Permit and a Restricted Activity Permit, regardless of drone size.

The use of drones/UAVs for commercial filming purposes will only be authorized for the purposes of:

• Natural and cultural resource management
• Public safety
• Law enforcement
• Park/site management purposes, including selective filming for outreach, education, and promotional purposes

Projects must fit one of the above purposes to be considered for approval, at the discretion of the Field Unit Superintendent. Anyone caught operating a drone within park boundaries without an approved permit may result in law enforcement action and a fine of up to $25,000. Recreational use of drones/UAVs at all Parks Canada places is prohibited.