Categories: Travel

Here’s when you can visit Kananaskis Parks for free in 2025

Image via Shutterstock AdeJ Artventure

If there’s one thing most Calgarians can agree on, is that good weather means it’s time to get outside! Spring is right around the corner, and even if you don’t have any big camping trips planned, there’s always the beauty of Kananaskis less than an hour away. Now normally, you need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to visit this park. But there are a handful of days in 2025 when you can get in for free!

Here’s a list of all the free Kananaskis Parks days in 2025 – don’t forget to write them down!

First Wednesday of Every Month

In case you didn’t know already, visitors don’t need a Conservation Pass to enjoy Kananaskis on the first Wednesday of every month. These monthly free days are called Wilderness Wednesdays, and it’s a great way to push yourself to get out there at least once a month.

The next free day is coming up on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, so make some plans!

Bonus Free Park Days in 2025

In addition to Wilderness Wednesdays, make note of these bonus Kananaskis free days.

Earth Day: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Indigenous People’s Day: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Parks Day: Saturday, July 19, 2025 (annually on the third Saturday of July)
Kananaskis Country’s Birthday: Monday, September 22, 2025
Remembrance Day: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
First day of winter: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025

Other Exemptions

While you’ll need to purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to visit any other day of the year, there are some exemptions. Eligible groups include:

First Nations person with Status
Low-income Albertans participating in an eligible provincial support program
Residents of the Kananaskis Improvement District
Facility operator agreement holders
Businesses or organizations conducting approved activities under a government-issued authorization (for example, contract, disposition, permit)
Provincial or municipal employees commuting to the work site or utilizing a fleet vehicle

Why is there a Kananaskis Conservation Pass?

If you don’t qualify for the aforementioned exemptions, you might be a little disappointed. Hey, we get it. No one likes paying for things. But in this case, we promise your Conservation Pass fee goes towards a good cause!

Each Kananaskis Conservation Pass helps pay for:

Conservation efforts like protecting habitats and reducing wildlife conflicts.
Public safety like enforcement and search and rescue.
Services and facilities like trail maintenance, day-use areas, recreation facilities, and visitor and information centres.

Remember, only one pass is required per vehicle and there’s no extra cost for trailers or additional passengers. If you only need a day pass, it will cost $15 per vehicle. If you visit often enough, we recommend splurging on the annual pass for $90. It registers up to three vehicles and pays for itself after only six trips!

Mark your calendars with all the 2025 Kananaskis free days! Who’s ready to get out there and enjoy some beautiful nature?