Volunteer in Banff National Park

Volunteer to be a Park Steward at the amazing Banff National Park.

Volunteer to work in Canada’s oldest national park in the midst of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Become a Park Steward and take part of an extremely rewarding experience educating the public, doing conservation research and wildlife monitoring.

The Work at Banff National Park

Enhance Visitor Experience, Educate & Protect

Engage in friendly, warm, helpful, and respectful conversations with visitors, helping them find what they’re looking for, drawing out their experiences, and pointing out additional relevant opportunities (eg. local historic site experiences, interpretive media and programs and park etiquette; encourage responsible / safe behaviour according to Parks Canada rules and policies).

Monitor, Report & Protect Ecological Indicators

Observe, record, and report on indicators and natural resources. Most research projects depend on season, but are busiest in the summer. Categories of projects fall under Aquatics, Terrestrial, Wildlife Movement and "Others". Some projects involve going out with staff (eg. amphibian monitoring). Some projects involve more independent research (eg. forest monitoring). In addition, researchers may request special short-term assistance from volunteers.

Observe & Report Visitor Experience & Protection

Including interactions, any issues or incidents that could negatively affect visitor experience, public safety or resource protection, including conditions of park facilities and trails, wildlife sightings, visitor complaints, feedback and suggestions, and any violations of park regulation.

Organize & Lead Work Groups

Opportunities exist to lead work parties on trails and at day use areas, including building barriers to shortcuts, invasive weed pulls, clean ups, etc.

Minimum Age: 18
Duration: 4 weeks
Location: Banff, AB
Visa: Even though applicants on the volunteer program are not paid participants, they must have a work permit to volunteer in Canada.

Applicants can get a work permit in one of two ways:

1. through the Working Holiday Program if the Working Holiday Program is offered in their country and they qualify for it,
2. by taking an equal number of weeks of English classes and volunteering (eg: 4 weeks of English + 4 weeks volunteering)

To be eligible for the program:

• Recent graduates from high school, college or university, professionals taking a career break, recent retirees, individuals or groups who are physically fit and interested in a change and the chance to enrich their own life and the lives of others.
• Open-minded, flexible, hard working and self motivated
• Not looking for a comfortable holiday activity, but is interested in working and learning while having fun
• Work permit to volunteer in Canada (through the Working Holiday Visa, or taking an equal number of weeks of English Classes and volunteering)
• Commitment to the goals and values of Parks Canada
• Strong interpersonal, communications, and problem solving skills
• Good judgment; can be depended upon to work with the public in a positive manner
• Strong ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good observation skills, basic map-reading ability
• Physically fit enough to handle 4-6 hour shifts walking or standing outdoors
• Responsible for own transportation to and within the park (bikes will be supplied, most work will be within biking distance
• Must have clean criminal record

The Banff National Park Volunteer Project is a Full Service Program.

Full Service

Participants are offered their volunteer position before leaving their home country. They will know before arriving in Canada where they will work, when they will work and what they will do.

Program includes:

• Volunteer Placement for 4 weeks in Banff National Park
• Orientation at GO International Offices in Vancouver covering everything you need to know about volunteering and travelling in Canada
• One night dorm style accommodation at Vancouver hostel, includes breakfast and welcome drink
• A welcome package (e.g. Volunteer Handbook, articles on park wildlife, etc)
• 2 day orientation and training in Banff, AB
• 4 weeks of accommodation (but food is not included) in shared housing in Banff
• Support from the GO International Volunteer Team Leader in Vancouver while on your project
• Emergency Contact number
• Activities and social events in Vancouver and Whistler while studying (if English classes are added)

Optional Services

• English Classes at Tamwood International College in Vancouver or Whistler. Course options: General English, International Business English, TOEFL, Cambridge Exam Preparation, Private Tuition and English + programs as golf, mountain bike, skiing and snowboarding
• Extra night(s) accommodation in dorm room at a central hostel in Vancouver (includes breakfast, linen, a towel, and a welcome drink)
• Medical insurance

Program Fee Does Not Include:

• Travel between Vancouver and Placement
• Meals while on placement

For a list of fun activities, please visit our affiliate website using the button below.

This section is currently being developed. Please check back soon!

CAD $849 + HST (updated as of January 2012)

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Note: 12% HST will be added to program fee if program not sold as a work and study program. English courses are tax exempt so if taken as a 50/50 English Internship Program then the program fee and English tuition will not be subject to tax.

Placements are 4 weeks long.

Banff National Park

Deadline to apply - At least 8 weeks before intended arrival.

For further information or to book the program, please fill out an Info Request Form.