Visitor guidelines

Yoho National Park

Laws are designed to protect you, the visitor, and also the park for enjoyment by future generations. It is your responsibility to be aware of the laws. If you have any questions please contact us.

National parks are unique places and therefore require unique rules and enforcement. Park wardens are federal officers responsible for the protection of the national park, and preservation and maintenance of public peace. Their primary responsibility is enforcement of the Canada National Parks Act, however, they also enforce the Criminal Code, as well as liquor and highway regulations.

National Park offences can carry heavy fines and could result in jail time. For some offences, such as poaching or pollution, fines can be in excess of $250,000.

For more details on fine structures visit Canada National Parks Act - Offences and Punishment.

What you need to know about...

Aircraft and drones

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!

Alcohol

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.

Area closures and restrictions

There are a number of outdoor activities that are restricted or prohibited; in some cases a permit may be issued to undertake these activities. Check with park staff prior to engagement of non-traditional, unusual or commercial activities. Occasionally, area closures and other restrictions are necessary to protect park resources and for visitor safety considerations. Closures are enforceable by law. These closures will be posted at trailheads, access points, park offices and visitor centres. Information on closures is also available online, on our Important Bulletins page.

Camping

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. 

Commercial film and photography

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

Fire

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.

Fireworks

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

Fishing

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.

Learn more

Hunting - firearms

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.

Litter

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).

Natural and historic objects

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.

Noise and park enjoyment

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.

Off road vehicles including snowmobiles

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.

Pets

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.

Wildlife viewing

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.

We need your help

If you see something suspicious, do not hesitate, let us know. Record the following information and report to Parks Canada dispatch 1-877-852-3100 (available 24/7) or park staff:

  • Date
  • Time occurred
  • Location (road, trail day use area)
  • What happened (offence believed to have occurred)
  • Vehicle licence (include province)
  • Vehicle description (make, model, color)
  • Number of persons, age, description (gender, race, hair, height, clothes)
  • Identifying features (vehicle dents, stickers)
  • Other notes

Please report any activity such as poaching, vehicle off-roading, littering or polluting, illegal fires, removal of artefacts, damage to plants, fishing offences, feeding and harassment of animals and public liquor use.

If you know of any unauthorized activities such as operating a business without a license, or planned trips into areas that are closed or restricted, please contact our 24 hour dispatch centre.

Your information and participation contributes to the protection of this special place for all visitors. Your information can remain anonymous. If you are willing to assist further, please provide your name, address, and phone number.

Report Violations

1-877-852-3100 or toll free 1-888-WARDENS

This is only a summary of some common regulations governing national parks and has no legal status.

For a complete listing of the Canada National Parks Act and regulations please visit: National Parks Act

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