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

Provincial parks protect 27,500 square kilometers (10,617 square miles) of Alberta’s land base. There’s a provincial park or recreation area within one hour’s drive of every Alberta community and day use is free in provincial parks.

Getting Started

Our provincial system of parks, recreation areas, natural and wilderness areas, ecological reserves, wildlands and heritage rangelands is managed by Alberta Tourism, Parks & Recreation.

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 campgrounds: 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. Click here to download a free provincial parks vacation guide.

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. Visit

Check out our Campgrounds page for comprehensive listings of more than 600 campgrounds around the province, with contact information, reservation policies, prices, amenities and activities. 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. Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation & Culture 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.