Parks & Natural Wonders

Provincial Parks

Albertans are well aware of how lucky we are to have inherited one of the finest natural environments on the planet. Respect for our vast, diverse tracts of wilderness drives us to preserve and protect, yet we are eager to share the beauty of our provincial parks. Whether you seek solitude, renewal, recreation or physical challenges, we have a place for you.

Room to Roam

Alberta has set aside roughly 27,500 sq km (almost 11,000 sq mi) for provincial parks and protected areas. With 69 provincial parks and almost 250 recreation areas, we can’t possibly cover them all here, but we can point you in the right direction.

Getting Started

Our provincial system of parks, recreation areas, natural and wilderness areas, ecological reserves, wildlands and heritage rangelands is managed by Alberta Community Development.

Visit Gateway to Alberta's Parks, a terrific resource for trip planning. As well as an exhaustive list of parks and recreations areas, there are helpful profiles of each area, including information on campground locations and logistics, on and offsite activities, special event schedules, interpretive programs and excellent maps. Search by activity to find out which areas support your favourite pastimes: hiking, sailing, cycling, paddling, birdwatching, wildlife viewing—whatever your fancy.

Safety Information

Be sure to review current information on public safety including firebans, park construction, wildlife issues, flooding, and Kananaskis Country avalanche reports.

Popular Provincial Parks

Recreation Areas

Camping

While many visitors are day-trippers in our provincial parks and recreation areas, others want to stay overnight or longer. Be aware that some sites are day areas only, with no overnight camping allowed. Others do not allow motorized vehicles or power boats into the area.

Whether you’re looking for a provincial, national, municipal or private campground, Explore Alberta features a comprehensive listing of camping sites and provides contact information, reservation policies, prices, amenities and activities for more than 600 Alberta campgrounds. Rest assured the quality and standards for all facilities listed have been approved by the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).

Conservation and Learning Programs

Our provincial parks and protected areas also act as environmental stewards and offer “outdoor classrooms” throughout the year. The Environmental Education section on the Alberta Community Development website details a diverse roster of conservation activities and events for parks including Kananaskis Country, Cypress Hills, Dinosaur, Fish Creek and William A. Switzer. You will also find information on free interpretive programs ranging from guided hikes to nature crafts and astronomy sessions. Fireside chats and skits are offered in the summer at numerous sites.