Filming in Canmore
Photographers and videographers looking to shoot within the Town of Canmore require a film permit if their project takes place on public land or within a Town-owned venue. Examples of public land include local trails within town, pathways, parks, green spaces and recreation areas within town boundaries.
A film permit is issued on a per-day basis. For small-scale productions (ex. photoshoot or low impact videography), multiple locations within a single day can be included on a single permit. For medium to large-scale productions (ex. motion picture or TV) filming over multiple dates, location fees will apply.
Application Process
Before you begin: Please review the parameters for the film permit type you wish to obtain and review the FAQs.
- pdf Film Permit Parameters (163 KB) and pdf Application Form (2.73 MB)
- pdf Annual Film Permit Parameters (273 KB) , Application Form and Notice of Scheduled Filming
- pdf Film with UAV (Drone) Permit Parameters (535 KB) and Application Form
For more information, see our FAQs.
To apply for a film permit, submit the following to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.:
- Film permit application form that is suitable to your project. Helpful Tip: Be specific with your locations (ex. "Engine bridge" or "Bow River trail").
- Certificate of insurance: General liability insurance coverage of $2 million, minimum, naming the Town of Canmore as an additional insured party. If Broker requests an address, provide them with "Town of Canmore, 902-7th Avenue, Canmore AB T1W 3K1"
- Business license: Application for a business license, or a copy of your existing Canmore license. Helpful Tip: If you are coming from out of town, submit a Non-Resident business license application form. This has been attached to the film permit application form for ease. For regional or Canmore-based business license options, visit canmore.ca/businesslicenses.
- Any additional supporting documents, as required. Refer to the application form for an itemized list.
Submit all required documents as separate files in a single email. The Coordinator will review your application package and respond to you with next steps. Additional documentation or approvals may be required.
Film Permit Fees:
Fees vary. For details, see our FAQs.
Processing Times:
- Small-scale film or photo (ex. portraits and simple videography): Up to 10 business days
- Complex film or photo (ex. use of UAV, Town resources, medium to large scale productions): Up to 15 business days; potentially longer depending on the scale and scope of project.
These timeline does not include statutory holidays.
Incomplete application packages can significantly impact processing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
A film permit fee will be applied to all applications. Typically, a film permit is issued on a per-day basis and for small scale productions (ex. photoshoot or low impact videography), multiple locations within a single day can be included on a single permit. For medium to large scale productions (ex. motion picture or TV) filming over multiple dates, a film permit is issued for the overall production and location fees will apply. All fees are current as of January 1, 2023.
These rates do not include fees associated with business licenses nor any Town supports and resources that may be needed for a project or production (ex. venue booking, road closures, etc). For an estimate on these additional fees, please refer to the Town's master fee schedule and inquire with the team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For business license fees, please consult www.canmore.ca/businesslicenses.
Film Permit (Photo/Motion and UAV):
Photography/Production Crew |
Per Permit |
1-6 people | $105 |
7-15 people |
$210 |
16-30 people |
$420 |
31-99 people |
$1,050 |
100+ people |
$2,100 |
If you are filming as part of an event with a community event permit, or a wedding that has booked a Town-owned venue (ex. Quarry Lake, Rundleview Parkette, or other), your film permit fee is considered included as part of the venue rental. A business license and film permit are still required but the film permit fee would be waived.
Location:
Location fees are generally applied to larger scale productions and motion picture filming.
Photography/Production Crew |
Per Permit |
1-6 people | N/A |
7-15 people |
$263 |
16-30 people |
$525 |
31-99 people |
$1,050 |
100+ people |
$2,100 |
Annual Film Permit:
$1,260, pro-rated by $105 monthly. This permit will cover your film permit needs until December 31 of the current year.
Annual film permits are temporary and do not automatically renew. After they expire, the applicant is to apply anew if they wish to obtain a new annual film permit.
Eligible Applicants:
Digital artists
Graphic design firms
Marketing and communications firms
Professional photographers
Video production companies
Tourism agencies
Eligible Projects:
Projects utilizing Town of Canmore property (municipally owned or leased property).
Key Conditions:
Projects utilizing government or park land must be approved/permitted by the corresponding governing bodies, and copies of approvals must be submitted to the Town of Canmore.
Projects qualified under the agreement are those scheduled to complete within a single, eight (8) hour day.
Permitted filming hours are Monday to Saturday from 07:00-23:00 and Sunday from 8:00-23:00.
Permission to conduct work outside of these hours will require written permission of the Town of Canmore's CAO or designate. This written request must be submitted the the film permitting Coordinator.
Projects utilizing government or park land must be approved/permitted by the corresponding governing bodies, and copies of approvals must be submitted to the Town of Canmore.
The issuance of an annual film permit does not permit or include any filming to take place by UAV (drone).
For more information, refer to the pdf Annual Film Permit Parameters (273 KB) .
Filming through the use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV or drone) requires special permissions from the Town of Canmore.
The regulation of drone use is especially important as the Town of Canmore has a vast area of restricted airspace over much of the community. Below is a map that indicates the locations of the two heliports found within our community. pdf Canmore Heliport Drone Exclusion Area Map (436 KB)
Applicants are required to recognize and acknowledge:
- As per Transport Canada, an aerodrome of 1 nautical mile (or 1.9 kms) is established around both Alpine Helicopters and Canmore General Hospital.
- In order to fly in restricted airspace, Transport Canada regulations deem that a pilot is required to have an Advanced Operations Certificate.
- The Applicant and the Pilot are to adhere to all transportation Canada legal requirements when operating UAVs.
Please review the Information & Parameters for Film with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Permits guide prior to application submission. This is a set of guidelines for applicants to follow when preparing an application, and a set of procedures to adhere to at the time of a scheduled flight.
Related Bylaws and Policies
pdf Community Standards 2022 16 (14.50 MB) |
pdf Parks Bylaw 2019-09 (5.09 MB) |
Forms and Documents
pdf Film Permit Application (2.73 MB) |
pdf Annual Film Permit Application (1.17 MB) |
pdf Notice of Scheduling for Annual Film Permit (1023 KB) |
pdf Film with UAV Permit Application (251 KB) |
To obtain a Canmore business license, visit canmore.ca/businesslicenses for the application that is right for you
|
pdf Road Use Permit (2.34 MB) |