“Everyone deserves to breathe pure mountain air.”

 

We visit the Canadian Rockies to escape urban pollution and reconnect with nature. We come for the scent of ancient pines and the crisp chill of glacier winds. But today, this experience is being ruined by secondhand smoke and chemical vapor. It’s time to take a stand for the air we share.

We urgently call upon Parks Canada and the Government of Canada to implement a total ban on smoking and vaping in all national parks.

 

Our definition of a Smoke-Free Wilderness is absolute. We call for a total ban on all forms of smoking, including traditional cigarettes, cigars, electronic vaping devices, and cannabis. Whether it creates a spark or a chemical haze, it has no place in our National Parks.

Our Boundary: Protecting the Sanctuary, Not Controlling the Person We advocate for a ban on anything that introduces sparks, chemical mists, or intrusive odors into the wild. This includes traditional cigarettes, cigars, electronic vaping devices, and cannabis smoke.

Note: We fully respect personal choice when it doesn't impact the environment or others. Nicotine gum, patches, or oral edibles are acceptable alternatives as they do not create fire hazards, toxic litter, or air pollution.

The Rockies are a home for wildlife and a sanctuary for children to breathe freely. It is a world-class treasure, not a smoking lounge.

 

Here is why this change is essential:

 

1. Wildfire Safety: Preventing the Next Tragedy

Our forests are at a breaking point. In 2025 alone, Parks Canada recorded 89 wildfires across 24 different national parks and historic sites, resulting in over 64,641 hectares of scorched earth.

 

These aren't just numbers on a page; they represent incinerated habitats, displaced wildlife, and the permanent scarring of the landscapes we love. With approximately 40% of wildfires in our parks being human-caused, a single discarded cigarette butt is not just litter—it is a ticking time bomb in our dry summer heat. We cannot afford to let preventable accidents repeat the 2024 Jasper tragedy. Protecting our sanctuary starts with one simple act: removing the spark.

 

2. Wildlife Protection: Our Voiceless Roommates
Cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate—a toxic microplastic that takes 10 to 15 years to decompose. Wildlife, from squirrels to grizzly bears, often mistake these butts for food, leading to poisoning and internal damage. By banning smoking, we stop leaking toxins into the soil and water that sustain the animals we come to admire.

 

3. The Right to Fresh Air: Respecting Every Breath
Nature should not be "filtered." Non-smokers, families, and children shouldn't have to inhale secondhand smoke or chemical aerosols while hiking. Vaping is not harmless; it releases artificial pollutants into pristine environments. We believe that breathing clean, 100% pure air is a fundamental right for every visitor entering a national sanctuary.

 

4. A New Standard for Tourism: Enhancing Park Attraction
Canada’s National Parks are our greatest treasures. By becoming a leader in smoke-free wilderness, we make our parks more attractive to global travelers seeking health, wellness, and authentic nature. A "Pure Air" guarantee will define Canada as the world’s premier destination for eco-conscious tourism.

 
Our Roadmap for Change:

Step 1 (Banff First): Make Banff National Park Canada’s first 100% smoke-free and vape-free national park.

Step 2 (National Parks): Expand this protection to every National Park across Canada.

Step 3 (A Pure Canada): Lead the world in protecting natural environments from all forms of smoking and chemical vapor.

This isn't just about rules; it’s an act of respect—for the land, for the animals, and for each other.

Sign this petition to keep the Rockies’ air fresh for everyone—including the bears. Let's ensure our children can experience the wild exactly as it was meant to be: Pure.

Our Commitment to Action:

Your signature is more than just a number; it is a powerful voice for our wilderness. Upon reaching our goal, we will formally present this petition and all collected signatures to Parks Canada and the relevant federal ministries in Ottawa. We will advocate for these changes in person to ensure that the message of our community and global visitors is heard at the highest levels of government. Together, we are not just making a statement—we are making history.