Our Policies

Photo & Drone Policy

Guidelines for photography and important information about drone restrictions in Canadian national parks.

Drone Policy

Drones Are Prohibited

Recreational drones are strictly prohibited in all Canadian national parks, including Banff National Park where Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are located.

This is not our policy—it's federal law enforced by Parks Canada. All national parks in Canada are designated "no drone zones" for recreational use.

Penalties: Fines of up to $25,000 CAD may be issued to anyone caught operating a drone without an approved permit.

Why drones are prohibited:

  • Wildlife protection: Drones stress wildlife during sensitive nesting, calving, and winter survival periods
  • Visitor experience: Rotor noise disrupts the natural quiet that visitors come to experience
  • Safety: Drones can interfere with search and rescue helicopters, wildfire response, and park operations
  • Conservation: National parks are protected spaces where natural experiences are prioritized

Please leave your drone at your accommodation. If you witness drone use in Banff National Park, you may report it to Parks Canada.

Report drone violations:

Banff Dispatch: 403-762-1470

Personal Photography

We encourage all guests to capture memories of their sunrise experience! Moraine Lake and Lake Louise offer some of the most photographed landscapes in the world.

Cameras & Phones

All personal cameras, smartphones, and photography equipment welcome.

Tripods Welcome

Tripods are encouraged for low-light sunrise shots. We have storage space in our vehicles.

Headlamps Provided

We provide headlamps for early morning visibility while you set up your shots.

Ample Time

You'll have 2-2.5 hours at each location—plenty of time to capture the perfect shot.

Want to capture stunning sunrise photos?

Explore our Photography Hub for tips and viewpoint guides, or join our Landscape Photography Workshop for hands-on instruction.

Commercial & Professional Photography

If you're a professional photographer, social media influencer, or planning to use images for commercial purposes, please note:

  • Commercial photography in Banff National Park may require a Parks Canada permit
  • Social media influencers with brand partnerships should contact us in advance
  • Professional equipment (larger tripods, lighting rigs) may require coordination
  • Our Landscape Photography Workshop is available for dedicated instruction

Please contact us before booking if you have commercial photography needs so we can advise on permits and logistics.

Photos Taken by Our Team

Our guides may take photos and videos during tours to capture your experience. By participating in our tours, you consent to potential use of your likeness in our marketing materials, including our website, social media, and promotional content.

If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform your guide at the start of the tour. We're happy to accommodate your privacy preferences.

For full details, please review our Terms & Conditions.

Responsible Photography

Help us protect these special places for future visitors:

  • Stay on trails and designated areas—never trample vegetation for a shot
  • Respect wildlife—maintain safe distances and never approach animals
  • Be courteous to other visitors—share popular viewpoints
  • Leave no trace—pack out everything you bring in
  • Follow park rules—they exist to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site

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