Town of Banff

Commercial Filming

If you wish to use any of Banff's public places to film a video or take photographs that will be used for commercial purposes, you need to get a Film Permit.

Public places include streets, roads, parks, playgrounds, recreational areas, environmental reserves, parking lots and pathways within the town's boundaries.

Fees

Film permits cost $263 plus GST per day, or for any portion of a day. Banff charitable and non-profit organizations are exempt from the fee, as are owners and operators of public utilities. Film permit fees will be waived if rental fees have been paid for the public place being used for the shoot.

Insurance

The minimum insurance requirement is for $2 million in general liability. "The Town of Banff" and "Her Majesty the Queen in the Right of Canada as represented by the Parks Canada Agency" must be named as additional insured parties.

Applications

Applications for small-scale shoots must be submitted at least seven days prior to the shoot or the permit will not be issued.

Applications for shoots that require road closures, traffic detours or parking removal, or that will involve more than 25 people, should be submitted at least eight weeks prior to the proposed date.

Submit an application electronically, or download the PDF version and:

• fax it to 403.762.1260
• mail it to Town of Banff, Attention Planning (Film Permits), Box 1260, Banff, Alberta T1L 1A1
• drop it off at Banff Town Hall, 110 Bear Street

Call 403.762.1207 to determine your requirements and fees. Film permits will not be issued until all conditions, including payment of fees, have been met.

• Film Permit Application (electronic submission)
• Film Permit Application ( PDF - 185 kb)

Helpful Hints

Town of Banff film permits apply within the town boundaries only.  For filming outside the town but still inside the national park, you will need to obtain a permit from Parks Canada.  Contact Parks Canada at 403.760.1315 for more information.

Visit our Map Gallery to see a selection of maps highlighting various areas and attractions in Banff.

Depending on the nature of your shoot, you may need to be aware of some of the Town's bylaws. The most common bylaws affecting filming activities are:

• Street and Public Place Use ( PDF - 2.4 MB)
• Traffic Control ( PDF - 399 kb)
• Land Use Bylaw (see section 10 - signs) ( PDF - 3.8MB)