Calling all camping fanatics, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts! Applications are now open to volunteer with the Alberta Parks Host Program for the 2026 season.
A host is a friendly campground volunteer who helps visitors feel welcome and safe. They greet campers, answer questions, share park information, and remind people about campground regulations. Hosts also watch for safety concerns and do small clean‑up tasks to help keep the campground tidy. The Host Program has been running for over 40 years, and volunteers give more than 30,000 hours of their time annually!
This is your opportunity to join a group of enthusiastic campers who are united by a passion for both recreation and conservation! You can share your love of camping and nature with others and help protect Alberta’s parks for the enjoyment of future generations.
The responsibilities of a host can vary based on the unique qualities of each site. The experience can also change over the course of a placement due to the unpredictable nature of wildlife, weather, and people. However, all hosts share the following key responsibilities:
Hosts are expected to volunteer at least five hours a day, five days a week, often including weekends. Time is spent on a combination of both active tasks, such as tidying campsites, and more passive activities, like greeting visitors. Many hosts choose to exceed the minimum hours by being available to answer questions at their campsite throughout the day. Daily tasks and days off are scheduled with the host supervisor based on the operational needs of the campground or facility.
Placements vary in length from four weeks to four months depending on the site and availability of hosts. Specific placement dates for each campground or facility can be found in the site descriptions below.
All first-time hosts are required to attend the Host Orientation on May 2 & 3, 2026 at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park. This annual training session is designed to familiarize hosts with their role. It covers essential information applicable to all hosts, regardless of the campground or facility where they volunteer. It also provides an opportunity for volunteers to meet, socialize, and foster a sense of community among fellow hosts. Complimentary camping is offered at the park for the event, and lunch and refreshments will be provided daily.
At the start of the placement, hosts also participate in site-specific training to welcome them to the park, introduce them to the staff they will be connecting with, and review essential health and safety information.
Join us for an online information session to learn about becoming a host. We’ll cover the role, key responsibilities, volunteer benefits, and answer your questions. You’ll also hear directly from an experienced volunteer about why they love hosting with Alberta Parks.
Need to know more before you apply? Want some assistance in identifying the sites that fit your needs? Book a 15-minute one-on-one virtual call with a program coordinator to get the answers and guidance you need.
Book a Virtual Call
To become a host, submit an online application by March 1, 2026. If volunteering as a group (e.g. couple or family), only one person needs to apply. The application form covers all host sites; you can specify your preferred site(s) when applying.
Apply Now
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a virtual interview with a program coordinator and site supervisor. Interviews will take place between March 16 – 27, 2026.
The process of matching applicants to sites considers many factors such as availability, interests, and skills. Demand for placements typically exceeds availability, and often placements are not offered to every applicant. Since placements are not guaranteed, if you are planning to camp this summer, we encourage you to make reservations at shop.albertaparks.ca. If your application to become a host is successful, we will provide a full refund for Alberta Parks bookings that overlap with your placement.
Browse the map to view available host sites. Click on a campground or facility to learn more about the placement details, services at the host campsite, and site-specific responsibilities.
The Alberta Parks Host Program is overseen by Molly Wreakes, Parks Volunteer Services Coordinator, and Drew Delbaere, Parks Volunteer and Program Development Lead. If you have any questions about the program or becoming a host, please contact us.
Forestry and Parks
Parks Division, Volunteer Services
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 587-756-1343
