I've been to the Canadian Rockies a bunch over the past 20 years. I've always payed the vehicle fees, but I've managed to figure out how to camp for free without leaving the park a bunch of times.
Ya just gotta think and be a little circumspect.
On the other hand I've never felt the need for a campfire. I like a good campfire, but they aren't a required part of time inbetween Banff and Jasper