Banff’s mayor is sounding the alarm as the federal government prepares to re-launch the Canada Strong Pass, a program offering free admission to Parks Canada sites.

The pass will run from Dec. 12 to Jan. 15, 2026, with another round planned for the summer.

Mayor Corrie DiManno says the town is already struggling to manage heavy visitation and fears the pass will push Banff beyond its limits.

“We are not going to be able to keep pace with visitation, especially with an initiative like the Canada Strong Pass,” DiManno warned.

The pass, first introduced in the summer and briefly discontinued in September, allows Canadians to enter national parks without paying fees. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced its renewal in October, framing it as a way to boost domestic tourism amid ongoing tari

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