Drone incident near Lake Louise highlights risks to helicopters.

A man pleaded guilty and was fined $2,000 for flying a drone near Lake Louise; Parks Canada said a helicopter had flown through the same area about 30 minutes earlier, raising safety concerns.

A man pleaded guilty in Canmore court and was fined $2,000 after flying a drone near Lake Louise last year. Parks Canada said the case drew attention because a helicopter had flown through the same area about 30 minutes earlier while carrying out avalanche-control work. The agency said it uses helicopters frequently in Banff National Park for avalanche control, trail maintenance, visitor safety and occasional search and rescue. Parks Canada also reported more than 400 drone incidents in the park since 2022. Known details: - The drone operator pleaded guilty in December and received a $2,000 fine in Canmore court. - Parks Canada said a helicopter had been in the same area roughly 30 minutes earlier. - The agency reported more than 400 drone incidents in Banff since 2022, including 113 reports in 2025. - Parks Canada said the drone in this case weighed 852 grams and was not registered as required. Summary: Officials say the incident highlights risks that drones can pose to helicopters and their crews, including during emergency or avalanche-control operations. Undetermined at this time.