Partners on the Path: Parks Canada’s Volunteer Program Inspires Stewardship in Banff National Park
The best way to experience Banff National Park might be to help protect it.
That's the idea behind the Parks Canada Volunteer Program, which brings together visitors, residents, schools, community groups, and organizations to become active stewards of the park.
From restoring habitat and monitoring trails to answering questions on popular trails and at day-use areas, volunteers play an important role in caring for Banff and helping visitors experience it safely and responsibly.
The program is a great example of what it means to Lead Tourism for Good by demonstrating that conservation and tourism can work together.
"Parks Canada volunteers play an important role in connecting visitors to Banff National Park and supporting Parks Canada's mandate to protect and present nationally significant natural and cultural heritage while fostering public understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment," says Tina Barzo, Leader of Volunteer Engagement at the Banff Field Unit.
"Wearing volunteer uniforms and spending time on trails, at lakes, campgrounds, and day-use areas, Parks Canada volunteers interact with visitors every day sharing information, answering questions, promoting responsible recreation, and helping visitors understand how they can help protect the park."
Stewardship in action
Volunteers contribute to a wide range of projects that support both conservation and the visitor experience. There’s a lot they can do! Work includes trail condition monitoring, wildlife observations, litter cleanup, habitat restoration, native plant seeding and planting, invasive plant removal, wildlife fence inspection and maintenance, biodiversity monitoring through iNaturalist, native seed collection, burn pile restoration, backcountry monitoring, and supporting special conservation initiatives.
Some volunteer activities directly assist visitors by providing information and reporting issues that affect safety and enjoyment. Others work behind the scenes to protect ecosystems and wildlife habitat. Together, these efforts help ensure visitors can continue to enjoy healthy landscapes, thriving wildlife populations, and high-quality recreational experiences.
Volunteer groups also participate in highly visible stewardship projects such as litter cleanups, habitat restoration, invasive plant removal, and wildlife fence maintenance. These projects demonstrate that protecting ecological integrity is a shared responsibility and help visitors see firsthand the work required to maintain the landscapes they value.
One of the program's largest annual events is the “Trans-Canada Highway Clean Up”, where more than 100 volunteers and Parks Canada staff work together to remove litter from one of Canada's busiest transportation corridors.
This program brings conservation and tourism together in a practical, meaningful, and engaging way, giving visitors and residents a clear role in safeguarding one of Canada's most iconic and ecologically significant places.
Tina Barzo, Leader of Volunteer Engagement at the Banff Field Unit
Small actions, lasting impact
Sometimes the biggest impact begins with a simple conversation.
A brief interaction between a Parks Canada volunteer and a visitor on a trail can help someone better understand wildlife safety, discover a new appreciation for the national park, or feel inspired to become involved themselves.
The program also creates opportunities for volunteers to make meaningful contributions to long-term conservation projects. Volunteers have supported the reintroduction of plains bison to Banff National Park by helping build infrastructure and assisting with project logistics in remote backcountry locations. Others have helped plant more than 6,000 native plants along Cascade Creek, restoring riparian habitat and supporting future recovery efforts for native Westslope Cutthroat Trout.
For more than 15 years, volunteers have also helped inspect and maintain the wildlife fence along the Trans-Canada Highway. Each year they identify dozens of issues requiring repair, helping reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improving safety for both wildlife and people.
A particular focus of the program is engaging youth and young adults. By providing meaningful experiences in conservation and stewardship today, Parks Canada is helping inspire the next generation of park stewards and responsible visitors.
"This program brings conservation and tourism together in a practical, meaningful, and engaging way, giving visitors and residents a clear role in safeguarding one of Canada's most iconic and ecologically significant places," says Tina.
Give back and be rewarded
For most volunteers, the greatest reward is the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution while learning more about Banff National Park and spending time outdoors.
Volunteers receive training, a volunteer uniform, bear safety training, required equipment for their activities, and opportunities to work alongside Parks Canada staff on projects that provide unique behind-the-scenes experiences. Many also gain valuable skills, expand their networks, and build experience that supports future educational or career goals.
Interest in volunteering continues to grow, with participation increasing significantly over the past three years. Parks Canada shared that it continues to expand opportunities for individuals and groups while working alongside local businesses, organizations, schools, and community groups to foster a broad community of park stewards.
Stewardship is an important part of the vision to Lead Tourism for Good in Banff National Park. Every act of stewardship, whether it's restoring habitat, helping a visitor understand how to recreate responsibly, or inspiring someone to get involved, helps protect this place for both people and park.
