Regulations
The information that follows is intended as a general guide to
some of the regulations under the Provincial Parks Act and a
variety of other provincial and federal legislation that apply to
recreational activities in provincial parks and recreation areas.
Download our regulations pamphlet.
Contravention of regulations may result in eviction, a
court-imposed fine or restitution order.
Regulations are enforced by conservation officers (peace
officers in the Province of Alberta). Conservation officers work
with local police authorities to ensure the safety of park
visitors.
Boating
- For the safety of both swimmers and boaters, please obey all
signs at boat launches and on lakes.
- Boats used on any water body must conform with the Canada Shipping Act and regulations.
- Transport
Canada has information about boating regulations and
safety.
Camping
- Please register your campsite.
- Guaranteed check-in time: 4:00 p.m.
- Check-out time: 2:00 p.m.
- Maximum stay length: 16 consecutive nights in a campground;
five consecutive nights in a group camping area
Permits
- Camping permits are issued on a first come-first served basis
EXCEPT where there is a campsite reservation service.
- Camping fees are payable when the permit is issued.
- You must immediately occupy the campsite designated by the
permit with your camping accommodation unit (tent, trailer or RV).
If an accommodation unit is not present, the campsite may be
re-assigned.
- Camping permits are not transferrable.
- You are not permitted to save campsites for others.
- A maximum of 6 people may occupy a campsite UNLESS they all are
members of the same family unit.
Equipment/People Permitted on a
Campsite
- The maximum number of motor vehicles, tents, recreational
vehicles and trailers permitted on a campsite is three. Only two of
these may be used as sleeping quarters. EXCEPTION: when two tents
are used as sleeping quarters, two motor vehicles may be
permitted.
- The camping fee applies to each accommodation unit on a
campsite. EXCEPTION: if the second accommodation unit is a tent and
there is only one motor vehicle registered to the site, there is no
additional charge for the tent.
- NOTE: a campsite must be large enough to accommodate the
maximum number of allowable units. Depending on a campsite's
design and dimensions, a campground manager may decide that only
one camping accommodation unit may be assigned to that
campsite.
- No more than six people may occupy a campsite unless they are
all members of the same family unit.
- Download the Regulations in Alberta's Provincial Parks &
Recreation Areas pamphlet.
Deal with Waste Properly
- Liquid and solid waste must be disposed of in receptacles
provided.
- Pouring waste water on open ground or in sumpholes dug beneath
trailers is prohibited.
- Where waste receptacles are not provided, waste must be carried
out of the area for disposal.
- Do not bathe or clean clothing, fish or cooking/eating utensils
near water fountains, taps and wells.
Be a Good Neighbour
- Avoid excessive noise so that everyone can enjoy the peace and
tranquility of parks.
- Quiet hours are 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Loud partying, stereos at high volume and other rowdy behavior
are not tolerated at any time.
- Constantly running generators is
considered excessive noise UNLESS required for medical
reasons. Please use your generator in
moderation.
- Camping permit holders are responsible for the actions of all
camping party members and any visitors to their campsite.
Day Use
- Available for public use from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
only
Fire Prevention
- Campfires are permitted only in facilities provided.
- Never leave your campfire
unattended. Ensure your campfire is completely out before
retiuring for the night and before leaving your campsite.
- Campfire bans
and/or travel restictions may be imprlemented when the fire hazard
is extreme.
- Campgrounds may be closed if a forest fire situation in the
vicinty threatens public safety. Check public advisories.
- To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (310-3473) toll free from
anywhere in Alberta.
Firearms &
Hunting
- Hunting and carrying or discharging firearms are not permitted
in most provincial parks and recreation areas.
- Hunting is permitted in wildland parks and in some provincial
parks and recreation areas. Check our hunting section for details about where and
under what conditions hunting is allowed.
- The Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations contains
detailed information about hunting licenses, hunting regulations
and wildlife management units.
- Dressing, hanging and storing big game are not permitted
without authorization from a conservation officer.
Fireworks
- Use of fireworks is prohibited.
Fishing
Horses
Liquor
- Consumption of alcohol is restricted to registered campsites in
accordance with the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Act.
- Liquor is prohibited:
- on roads, trails and beaches;
- in washrooms and cook shelters; and
- in day use areas/picnic sites.
Motor Vehicles
- Drive cautiously and obey all speed
limits. Children may be playing in the area and campground
roads are often used as pathways.
- Keep all vehicles on designated
roadways to prevent damage to trees and other
vegetation.
- Operating off-highway vehicles (OHVs) is not permitted in
provincial parks. OHV use is permitted in a limited number of
provincial recreation areas and wildland provincial parks on
designated trails only .
- Info on locations where OHVs are permitted.
Pets
- Keep your pet on a
leash during your stay and while using trails to
protect your pet, wildlife and other campers.
- Pets are not allowed in public swimming areas, on public
beaches or in public buildings.
- Pick up after your pet.
- Be considerate of other campers - ensure
that your dog doesn't bark excessively.
Plants & Fossils
- It is illegal to remove, deface, injure or destroy plants,
fossils and rocks.
- Using dead wood lying on the ground (deadfall) for firewood is
also prohibited.
- Picking common flowers, wild fruits and mushrooms is permitted
IF you have verbal approval from a conservation officer.
Wildlife
- Do not approach, feed or harass wildlife. These actions can
cause a wild animal to feel threatened, which can pose a danger to
humans and their pets. It is illegal to feed
wildlife in provincial parks and recreation areas.
- To Report A Poacher phone 1-800-642-3800
toll-free from anywhere in Alberta.
Crime
Prevention
We experience very little serious crime in our parks and with
your co-operation, we can keep it that way.
- Store your camping gear and valuables securely.
- Mark your camping gear and valuables to deter thieves.
- Report vandalism to a conservation officer or police.
- Be a good neighbour - help protect others' property.