BANFF – An American tourist was slapped with a $500 fine for flying a drone in Banff National Park.
Humberto Sanchez, a 43-year-old man from Bakersfield, California, entered a guilty plea in the Alberta Court of Justice in Canmore on Wednesday (March 5) through his lawyer, who appeared remotely.
Federal prosecutor Chris Williams said Sanchez was spotted by a park warden on Dec. 3, 2024, in the back of his black Jeep wagon along the Minnewanka Loop, flying a drone near a roadside pullout.
He said it is prohibited to fly a drone in Banff National Park in order to reduce disturbance on wildlife, noting it also goes against aircraft regulations there and aims to protect visitor privacy.
“The wardens asked for the drone to be landed and he landed it,” he said.
Williams said Sanchez’s attempts to reach his lawyer by phone were initially unsuccessful and he was escorted to the detachment to make a call.
“He was thanked by the wardens for his cooperation,” said Williams.
Sanchez’s lawyer said his client was ignorant of the rules but he’s “incredibly remorseful and takes full responsibility.”
Justice Karl Wilberg said drones are very disruptive to wildfire and park users.
However, in accepting the joint submission from the prosecutor and defence for a $500 fine, he acknowledged Sanchez was very cooperative and “took full responsibility from start to finish.”
The fine will be paid into the environmental damage fund.
Justice Wilberg also agreed to the request that the drone, controllers, batteries, case and memory cards be returned to Sanchez.
Parks Canada asks that anyone who witnesses the use of a drone in Banff National Park to report the incident to park wardens via Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.
Statistics related to drones in Banff National Park over the last three years include 100 incident reports, seven charges in 2022; 90 incident reports, 10 charges in 2023; 102 incident reports, 12 charges in 2024; and so far in 2025, 15 incident reports, three charges.
Recreational drone flying is prohibited across all Parks Canada locations.
Parks Canada officials say drones can pose risks to visitors, disturb wildlife and lead to negative experiences for other visitors to Banff National Park.
“Parks Canada takes illegal drone use seriously and actively works to educate visitors on regulations,” states an email from Parks Canada.
Enforcement actions, including fines, may be taken against individuals who operate drones without authorization.
“We remind the public that sufficient information and evidence are required to pursue cases in court,” according to the email statement.
“If you witness drone activity, you can help by gathering as much detail as possible – this includes identifying the pilot or drone operator, taking photos or videos, noting a license plate if possible, and recording any other relevant information – while always ensuring your own safety.”
Anyone caught operating a drone within park boundaries and without an approved permit may result in law enforcement action and a fine of up to $25,000.
