A first-of-its-kind pilot in Canada may net you free things while in Banff
A first-of-its-kind pilot in Canada is rewarding responsible visitor behaviour in one of the most iconic and busy towns in the country.
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, which launched the pilot program, is inviting Albertans, particularly Calgarians, to play an active role in protecting one of their most visited “backyard” destinations.
The activation, part of the Park Mode responsible visitation initiative, recognizes visitors for making thoughtful choices, like how they travel to and experience the park.
Over the weekend, visitors who arrived in Banff on Saturday and had vehicles with four or more passengers were rewarded with free passes to visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. This marks the first in a series of similar “pop-up” activations that will take place in the coming months.
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Park Mode is Banff & Lake Louise Tourism’s responsible visitation initiative, designed to make it easy and rewarding for visitors to be part of the solution. It encourages simple actions — like carpooling, respecting wildlife, and supporting the community — reinforcing that how visitors show up in Banff matters.
“This pilot is about testing a new approach — one that focuses on positive reinforcement rather than restriction,” said Christie Pashby, director of public affairs for Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, in a news release. “For many Albertans, Banff is a place they’ve grown up visiting. This is about inviting them to help protect it in a way that feels engaging, visible, and rewarding.”
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With visitation continuing to grow — particularly from regional day-trippers — Banff is experiencing increased pressure on infrastructure during peak periods. This pilot responds with a solutions-focused approach, encouraging visitors to consider how their choices impact the places they love, while showing that stewardship can be built into the travel experience.
“The Whyte believes in the power of Park Mode to inspire more mindful, responsible visitation in Banff National Park,” said Tera Swanson, marketing and communications manager at the Whyte Museum. “This partnership helps visitors connect more deeply with the culture, history and stewardship that make this place so meaningful.”
The Park Mode pilot is delivered by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism in collaboration with local partners, including the Whyte Museum and Mt. Norquay, reflecting a shared commitment to protecting the destination for future generations.
Are you a fan of this new pilot program that may net responsible visitors free things to check out while visiting Banff? Let us know in the comments.