In an effort to address a $4 million budget gap for transportation and traffic management at Moraine Lake, Parks Canada has unveiled a new fee structure targeting commercial vehicles. This initiative aims to better manage the increasing visitor demand and enhance the overall tourism experience at one of Canada’s most popular destinations.

Starting in 2025, all commercial shuttles and buses will need a licence of occupation, and operators will be required to pay fees based on vehicle size and the number of trips they make to Moraine Lake. Applications for commercial vehicle permits began on January 20 and will close on April 30.

Parks Canada has outlined that maintaining the transportation network at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise costs about $11 million annually. Despite generating $4.5 million in parking revenue at Upper Lake Louise and another $2.5 million from shuttle ticket sales, the agency still faces a significant shortfall of around $4 million.

To alleviate traffic congestion and improve access, Parks Canada has closed Moraine Lake Road to personal vehicles year-round since 2023. Only designated shuttles, Roam public transit, and qualifying commercial vehicles are allowed access during the peak tourism season, from June to mid-October.

The newly introduced fee structure will assess charges per trip, with the fees varying depending on the size of the vehicle and the price of return tickets. For commercial operators charging more than $45 per return ticket, the fees will be as follows:

  • Vans (11 to 18 passengers): $169.54 per trip
  • Small buses (19 to 29 passengers): $302.75 per trip
  • Large buses (30 to 40 passengers): $363.30 per trip
  • Motor coaches (41+ passengers): $641.83 per trip

For operators charging less than $45 per person for a return ticket, discounted fees will apply:

  • Vans: $50.88 per trip
  • Small buses: $90.83 per trip
  • Large buses: $108.99 per trip
  • Motor coaches: $192.55 per trip

While Parks Canada shuttles will continue to cost $8 for adults, $4 for seniors, and remain free for children under 17, commercial shuttle services typically charge an average of $150 for a return ticket, according to recent surveys.

The Association for Mountain Parks Protection and Enjoyment (AMPPE), a lobbying group representing businesses in national parks, has called for a delay in implementing these new fees until 2026. AMPPE suggests Parks Canada explore alternative fee structures, such as a per-seat charge, to provide a fairer solution for operators.

Tourism at Moraine Lake and the surrounding area continues to rise, with Banff National Park recording an unprecedented 4.3 million visitors in 2023/24. The Lake Louise region alone has experienced a 70% increase in visitors over the past decade. As a result, the number of commercial vehicles on Moraine Lake Road has surged by 80%, from 13,784 vehicles in 2023 to 24,873 vehicles in 2024. Similarly, the number of people traveling on commercial vehicles to Moraine Lake has jumped from 192,945 in 2023 to 334,021 in 2024.

With the ongoing influx of visitors, the new fee structure is designed to help Parks Canada maintain sustainable tourism practices and improve the infrastructure needed to support future growth at Moraine Lake.

The post Parks Canada Introduces New Charges For Commercial Vehicles In 2025 To Help Fund Traffic Control Initiatives At Moraine Lake And Improve Sustainable Tourism Practices: New Updates You Need To Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.