Alcohol, cannabis banned in Banff National Park campgrounds on 3 long weekends

Camping in forest with tent light and bonfire in Banff National Park

Parks Canada is once again not allowing drinking or cannabis use in any Banff National Park campgrounds over three long weekends this spring and summer.

The federal government agency issued its annual alcohol and cannabis ban at the start of the month.

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It prohibits the possession and consumption of alcohol, cannabis and cannabis products during the follow long weekends:

• Victoria Day long weekend (Friday, May 15 to Monday, May 18);
• Heritage Day/BC Day long weekend (Friday, July 31 to Monday, Aug. 3); and
• Labour Day long weekend (Friday, Sept. 4 to Monday, Sept. 7.)

Policies are in effect from 7 a.m. on the first day until 11 a.m. on the last day.

It applies to the following campgrounds: Castle Mountain, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise Hard-sided, Lake Louise Overflow, Lake Louise Soft-sided, Mosquito Creek, Protection Mountain, Rampart Creek, Silverhorn Creek, Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court, Tunnel Mountain Village I, Tunnel Mountain Village II, Two Jack Lakeside, Two Jack Main and Waterfowl Lakes.

Those caught violating the order can have their camping permit immediately cancelled and be evicted from their campground. They may also face charges of up to $25,000 under the Canada National Parks Act.

Parks Canada has implemented long weekend prohibition orders before in previous years.

Alcohol use is permitted outside of long weekends, but only at registered campsites, private residences or licensed premises.

It’s not allowed at beaches, day use areas, cook shelters or on trails.

Cannabis, meanwhile, is allowed to be consumed by campers outside of long weekends at their own campsite (with a valid camping permit), but not in common areas like playgrounds, kitchen shelters, washrooms, trails or roads.

Both alcohol and cannabis use is prohibited overnight from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.