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Drones in Canadian National Parks

drone

Despite drones being forbidden in Canada’s national parks, more and more of these flying camera platforms are appearing on backcountry trails.

Technology always seems to be testing the wilderness experience these days, with drones officially forbidden within Canadian national parks. In August,  I took a short evening hike to a waterfall in Banff National Park. When I got to the viewpoint, I was greeted by three hikers photographing the falls with a buzzing, light-flashing drone – even though their use is forbidden.

The potential for drone mayhem has not gone unnoticed. Parks Canada and Alberta Parks have implemented strict regulations for drone use, but how will they enforce them? A recent article in the Rocky Mountain OutlookIllegal use of drones on the rise in parks (October 7, 2015) highlights the issues and regulations in Banff National Park and Alberta’s Kananaskis Country.

But despite regulations, drones are a modern-day reality invading wilderness areas throughout the world. Check out two articles from the U.S., where more people and drones are challenging park administrators.

Illegal flights persist despite national park drone ban, High Country News (July 16, 2015)

Drones Along Nature’s Trails, New York Times (Aug 24, 2014)

1 Comment

  1. Alex

    Technology is invading all parts of our lives. Drones are a nice technological innovation but needs to be checked before they become a hazard for security.

    Reply

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