Calgary attraction parking rates: what’s different for summer 2016?

Some of Calgary’s attractions are having to implement or increase parking fees for the coming summer months in order to keep up with what they say are costs associated with lot maintenance, while combating falling visitor numbers due to the economic downturn.

For the first time, Heritage Park will implement a parking fee in order to deal with the “ongoing and ever-growing preservation and upkeep of the park’s 127 acres and 182 exhibits.”

READ MORE: Heritage Park hiring mechanically-minded staff to keep old equipment running

Beginning May 2, parking will cost $5 for a seven hours if visitors arrive between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. and an additional $5 per half hour after that, with a maximum of $20. Visitors who hold a valid general, senior or family and friends annual pass plus, or Heritage Club membership will be exempt from charge, and can park for free.

Last month, the Calgary Zoo increased their daily parking rate from $8 to $10. They offer options to their customers, including their Zooshare program, which gives a substantial discount on entry fees to economically disadvantaged Calgarians. They are also situated along the CTrain line, and 15 per cent of their visitors utilize the service, a number they hope to see increase.

Some attractions around Calgary, such as Calaway Park, have never charged for parking and that, at least for this summer, will remain the same.

Telus Spark and the Calgary Stampede do charge their visitors for parking ($5/day and $18/day respectively), but their rates will not undergo an increase.