• William Watson Lodge in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park provides accommodation for Albertans with disabilities in accessible cabins and campsites. It also has barrier-free trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, barrier-free picnic sites and barrier-free fishing areas.
• Accessible campsites are identified on Shop.AlbertaParks.ca. Select Disabled Access under "Amenities - Campsite" when searching. Check our full list of disabled accessible campsites available for online reservation. 
• Disabled accessibility is indicated on the campground page (e.g. Miquelon Lake Campground), including any additional information in the notes. 
• Personal mobility aids (e.g., electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters) are allowed on any trails in parks for visitors with disabilities.
• Service dogs are welcome in parks (including in park facilities) as long as they are on a leash. 
• Inclusion & Accessibility has more information on our efforts to remove barriers, support inclusion and increase capacity.

Equipment

• The maximum number of camping accommodation units, motor vehicles and towed equipment allowed on a campsite is three (and only two of these may be used as sleeping quarters (accommodation units).
• If two tents are used as sleeping quarters (accommodation units), two motor vehicles, or one motor vehicle and one piece of towed equipment are permitted on the campsite if it is large enough.  
• The camping fee is charged for each accommodation unit on a campsite, unless one or both of the accommodation units on a campsite are tents. 
• A campsite must be large enough to accommodate the maximum number of allowable units. Depending on a campsite's design and dimensions, the campground may decide that only one camping accommodation unit is permitted. Call the campground directly to find out if a second unit will be permitted upon check-in.

Definitions/Equivalencies

• Camping accommodation unit is defined as a tent, tent trailer, trailer, fifth wheel, motorhome, van or truck camper, converted bus, travel trailer, or other motorized accommodation unit, used by a person as shelter equipment while camping.

People

• No more than six people may occupy a campsite unless they are all members of the same single-family unit.

• For Kananaskis, reserve up to 90 days in advance of your arrival date on Shop.AlbertaParks.ca
• Get details on backcountry campgrounds in Kananaskis and more info on backcountry camping.
• Other backcountry camping opportunities are available elsewhere in the Provincial Parks system. No permit is required for random backcountry camping. 
• For more information, review Backcountry camping itineraries.

 This is the icon for secure food storage (bear-proof food lockers and poles).  

Use "secure food storage" as the search term for Find A Park to see a list of campgrounds where this is available.

The icon also displays on the Camping page for each campground which offers secure food storage (e.g. Quaite Valley Backcountry or Canyon Campground).

• Check Trail Reports for info on conditions and trail maps at several parks.
• Our cross-country skiing section has lots of great info including profiles of six ski centres. 
  • Kananaskis Country has many ski trails for all levels of skiers.  
  • The world-class Canmore Nordic Centre is located just outside Canmore.
  • Close to Edmonton, check out Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area.
  • Vermilion Provincial Park has a great cross-country ski trail system and is about 2 hours east of Edmonton. 
  • Hinton Nordic Centre is located in William A. Switzer Provincial Park. 
  • Cypress Hills Provincial Park has cross-country trails - and lots of other winter activities.
• We have other great areas to ski too!
  • In the Southwest, try Beauvais Lake Provincial Park near Pincher Creek or Chinook Provincial Recreation Area in the Crowsnest Pass. Check the Allison-Chinook ski report by Crowsnest Pass Cross Country Ski Association.
  • Central Alberta has plenty of kilometres of cross-country ski trails suitable for all ski levels and techniques and  Enjoy an afternoon skiing along the shoreline at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park or wind through the 20 km of backcountry trails. You can even do skijoring here (skiing with dogs)! Miquelon is located about an hour from Edmonton or 40 minutes from Camrose. Pigeon Lake Provincial Park is also very close to Edmonton - about 1.5 hours south.  The park has 10 km of groomed cross-country ski trails - great for beginners but also a relaxing ski opportunity for more advanced skiers.  Check the Pigeon Lake Nordic Ski Club's cross-country ski trail condition updates.
  • Cross-country ski trails in Lakeland Provincial Park are located in the Shaw Lake area, about a 20 minute drive from Lac La Biche.
• To find other parks with cross-country skiing opportunities, check "XC Skiing" in Find a Park.

Pedal assist electric-powered bikes (e-bikes) are permitted on public roads in parks and on pathways and trails where cycling is permitted.

Permitted e-bikes are defined as non-throttled electric powered bicycles that provide up to 500 Watts of continuous maximum output. The electronic assist must stop when either pedaling stops or 32 km/h is reached. This is sometimes referred to as a class 1 e-bike.

Other types or classes of e-bikes are not permitted on designated cycling pathways and trails in provincial parks, provincial recreation areas, and wildland provincial parks.

What rules must e-bike riders follow?

E-bike riders must follow the same rules of the road as regular cyclists and other trail users (e.g. stay on designated trails, use of bells/horns, obey posted speed limits, and passing etiquette when riding up and down hills). While travelling on public roads, e-bikes must follow all posted traffic signs.

How can I find out where e-bikes are allowed?

Like cycling, e-biking is not available in all of Alberta’s parks. Before heading out to your favourite park, check out which trails are accessible by e-bikes and cycles and other information such as visitor facilities and trail maps. On albertaparks.ca, select “MTB/Cycling” or “e-bike” under summer activities in Find a Park to identify parks with cycling opportunities.

Are other types of electric-powered recreation equipment allowed on designated biking pathways and trails in provincial parks, provincial recreation areas, and wildland provincial parks?

No. The appropriate use of other electric powered equipment in provincial parks, such as e-scooters, e-skateboards, and segways is an emerging and unique activity area that requires further assessment to ensure compatibility and safety. For the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, Alberta Parks seeks to ensure appropriate understanding of the safety risks, and visitor impacts prior to permitting new activities in within parks. For any questions, please Contact Us.

E-bike Pilot Project

• Hiker-cyclists are recreationists who under their own power and without the support of a motorized vehicle, travel through Kananaskis region.

• Kananaskis established hiker-cyclist camping areas in Spray Valley Provincial Park and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park along the High Rockies Trail. These areas include:

  • Spray West Campground
  • Buller Mountain Day Use
  • Sawmill Day Use
  • Pocaterra Overflow Campground
• specific details such as of the length of stay vary for each site.
• facilities may include food storage lockers, bicycle maintenance tool stands, washrooms and self-registration kiosks
• Hiker-cyclists may always stay at other campgrounds. Some campgrounds are first-come, first serve; some campgrounds are on the reservation system.
• For 2021, the rate per night is $31.

• No – recreational use of a drone, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) is not allowed in the provincial parks system. 
• In certain circumstances, UAVs may be allowed for research purposes or commercial filming. Check Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for permit and other requirements.

• We have a variety of campgrounds that stay open for fall camping, including several that are open year-round. 
• You can search Fall, Winter and Spring Camping by campground, park name or the month you’d like to camp.
• Please note some amenities may not be available in the off-season.

• The basic overnight camping fee ranges from $8 to $31 per night (fee guidelines).
• Campground managers set fees within this range based on local market conditions.
• Additional fees of up to $8 per night are charged for each of the following: pressurized water hook-ups, electrical hook-ups, sewer hook-ups, non-coin operated showers and horse corrals.
• There is a non-refundable $12 reservation fee for online reservations.
• The "Camping" page for a specific park shows the rate per night at each campground (e.g. Beauvais Lake Campground or Bow Valley Provincial Park).
• To access the "Camping" page for a campground, type the name into the "Search" function in Find A Park and then click on the "Facility" name. If there is more than one campground in the park, click on "Camping" in the left hand navigation list for a summary of all them.

• Yes, they do in certain Alberta Parks campgrounds as long as they are an Alberta resident.
  • Alberta Parks has introduced a camping fee discount of 25% as part of a government commitment to support affordability for Alberta seniors.
  • The discount will be available to seniors 65 years of age or older on reservations made online or by phone, and at first come, first served campgrounds (some exceptions apply).
• Discounted fees will be shown on Albertaparks.ca, at the campground and at checkout when reserving through Shop.Albertaparks.ca.
• For more details on how to access the discount and participating campgrounds, visit the Camping Fee Discount for Alberta Seniors webpage.

We provide notification of both fire bans and fire advisories in provincial parks.

• A fire ban is imposed for an extreme fire hazard.
• A fire restriction is imposed for a high fire hazard.

Check Fire Bans & Restrictions for details about what is prohibited and permitted under a fire ban or restriction.  You can view current bans and restrictions either on a map or by "List View".  A fire ban or restriction is also displayed on individual park webpages.

AlbertaFireBans.ca is the website for fire bans and advisories for the whole province.

 This icon means that firewood is sold.  Sometimes firewood is sold from a central location, either in the park or in the area.  In other locations, a contractor delivers wood at scheduled times.  Authorized suppliers provide firewood at Alberta's parks. Firewood prices at parks vary due to transportation costs and the supplier's source.

 This icon means that firewood is available at the campground.  A surcharge is usually added to each overnight camping fee for this service.  To locate parks offering firewood this way, check "Firewood Available" in the Camping list in Find a Park.

The Information & Facilities page for a specific campground indicates how firewood is provided (e.g. Brewer's Campground or Chambers Creek Campground). 

Firewood alert! Help stop the spread of forest pests, Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer.

• Buy firewood locally, burn on site and never bring home.
• Do not transport elm firewood into Alberta (because of Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer).
• Do not transport pine firewood if it’s known to be infested by live mountain pine beetles.
• Respect the health and enjoyment of adjacent campers by using clean wood (not painted or otherwise pressure/chemically treated).
• Ensure that wood is cut to short lengths so a fire can be contained within the provided fire receptacles.
• Be prepared with alternate ways of cooking and staying warm in case a fire ban or restriction is implemented.

• Buy a recreational fishing license online through albertarelm.com or at a licence issuer. Check mywildalberta.com for a list of private license issuers.
• To buy a licence, you must have a WIN (Wildlife Identification Number) card.  Apply for your WIN card online through  albertarelm.com or at a license issuer.
• Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations includes info on licenses and costs, as well as seasons, catch limits and permitted locations. 
• More info on fishing in provincial parks

If a rental vehicle's license plate number is unknown upon reservation, enter RENTAL in the license plate field.

Once you know the license plate number, update it online on your Shop.AlbertaParks.ca account or via our Alberta Parks Call Centre at 1-877-537-2757. There is no charge to update camper details (email, license plate number, number of campers, etc.).

• Alberta Parks campsites have different power options (15 amp, 20 amp, 30 amp and 50 amp) in the power serviced campsites.
• Do not use adapters to draw power from a lower amp outlet for an RV that requires a higher amp plug. For example, do not attempt to draw power from a 15 amp outlet for an RV with a 30 amp plug. Powered sites have a limit to their capacity.
• Campers lose power, in the majority of cases, when too much electricity is being used at once.  Just like at home, when a circuit overloads a circuit breaker will immediately shut off to prevent an electrical fire.
• Plan to only use one or two electrical appliances at the same time, particularly during extremely hot days when many visitors are using air conditioning.  Running the RV air conditioning full time, will reduce the amount of electricity that can be used for other things.
• If the circuit breaker shuts off, reduce the number of electrical appliances in use before you reset it.  For example, it is not possible to have air conditioning running continuously during hot days, and also use a microwave, water pump or television.
• To prevent a circuit breaker from shutting off, prioritize what and when electrical appliances are in use.
• Have a back-up plan in case you do lose power, to ensure you can cook, stay cool and enjoy your camping experience.
• Conserving electricity, and timing when you use your electricity in a campsite will ensure you can stay powered.

• Campground phone numbers lists all the information numbers.
• This phone number may connect to a Visitor Information Centre, or a facility operator or an Alberta Parks office.  (The Government of Alberta owns all provincial campgrounds but contracts out some campground operations and services.)
• The "Information & Facilities" page for each park include an information number (near the top under the name in green font), e.g. Williamson Provincial Park.  
• To access the "Information & Facilities" page for a campground, type the name into the "Search" function in Find A Park and then click on the park name. 

Reservations - online or 1-877-537-2757.  

• Reservations for individual campsites can be made up to 90 days in advance of the arrival date.  Group camping area and comfort camping reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance of the arrival date.
• If there are no campsites available when you first try to reserve on Shop.AlbertaParks.ca, check back occasionally. Changes and cancellations often happen. 
• Check other reservation tips.
• Some campgrounds not on the online reservation service take phone reservations directly. Please call the campground office to reserve phone-in only reservation campgrounds. 

First come-first served

• Many campgrounds have some first come-first served campsites and some campgrounds are "first come-first served" only.
• First come-first served lists all campgrounds and the number campsites that are first come-first served.

Better availability

• Availability is generally better
• Mid-Week: Mondays to Thursdays
• Spring (May & June) and Fall (September & October) - not including long weekends
• Phone 1-877-537-2757 during regular office hours for suggestions regarding lesser-used provincial campgrounds.

• Find an available campsite when you arrive at the campground. Ensure that the campsite is First Come-First Served (not reservable). If a campsite is reservable and unoccupied, either call the Call Centre at 1-877-537-2757 to check availability or register at the campground booth.
• For a First Come-First Served campsite, follow the instructions posted at the self-registration vault.
• If there is no self-registration vault available, register the campsite through the campground booth or by calling the Contact Centre at 1-877-537-2757.
• At a self-registration vault, you can pay for your campsite with cash or a personal cheque (payable instructions as indicated on the vault).
• VISA/MC/AMEX/Debit are accepted payments at open campground booths 
• VISA/MC/AMEX are accepted payment types via the Call Centre for campgrounds that are reservable through Shop.AlbertaParks.ca and do not have a campground booth in the park.
• Please follow the directions provided at the campground through signage.

• In accordance with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act: Consumption of liquor is restricted to campsites, and to some specifically designated provincial day use area picnic sites where liquor is permitted.
• People can enjoy an alcoholic beverage of their choice in select day-use area picnic sites from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Rules and regulations around campground quiet hours, excessive noise and appropriate behavior are in place.
• Even though the vast majority of Albertans who enjoy our parks do so responsibly, we will make sure we have enforcement in place so those few who might take things too far get dealt with, and everyone can have a great time enjoying nature.

• Cannabis use at Alberta Parks sites aligns with the Alberta Cannabis Framework.
• All applicable federal and provincial cannabis legislation within Alberta’s provincial parks will be enforced.
• Alberta Parks’ adult visitors may consume cannabis in their registered campsites (including in RVs being used as a temporary residence in a registered campsite) and in public areas where tobacco is permitted.
• Cannabis use is not allowed in motorized vehicles (i.e. cars, trucks, SUVs and vans).
• Smoking and vaping cannabis is also prohibited in any area where smoking tobacco is prohibited (such as within 5 meters of washrooms).
• Cannabis smoking and vaping is prohibited within 5 meters of playgrounds, sports or playing fields (e.g. bike skills park), outdoor theatres (e.g. outdoor public education amphitheatres) and outdoor pools or splash pads (e.g. Sikome Aquatic Facility).
• As a reminder, all other park regulations apply, including quiet hours.
• Alberta Parks will monitor impacts that legal cannabis use has within our parks system, including impacts to our visitors.
• Conservation officers are the primary enforcement authority within provincial parks and they will address inappropriate/unsafe behaviour stemming from cannabis use.
• Alberta Parks’ primary concerns are the safety and enjoyment of visitors, and compliance with provincial parks rules and regulations.
• Alberta Parks will continue to encourage visitors to be respectful of others in the parks so that their behaviour and choices have a minimal impact on others. 

• Yes, cremated remains/ashes can be scattered in an Alberta Park.
  • Permission to scatter cremated remains/ashes is not required.
• Ashes must be fully incinerated and dispersed away from waterbodies and areas with high human use (campgrounds, picnic sites, day use areas, buildings, trails, roads, etc.).
• No permanent markers, flowers or other physical memorials may be left behind.
• Please do not release flowers on flowing waters as it could potentially introduce invasive species to a variety of habitats in the watershed.
• Visit the Scattering of Cremated Remains page for more information.

There are no laws prohibiting the use of metal detectors in the public areas of provincial parks as long as the activity isn’t interfering with the enjoyment of the other park visitors, breaking any of our other regulations, or in any way threatening any of the wildlife in the park.

Metal detectors can be used in the province’s parks, provided that:

• They are only used on beaches and similar disturbed areas (where digging will not affect the natural ecosystem/habitat). In disturbed areas that are being excavated under a research permit, these areas are closed-off from the public to prevent recreational digging
• No historic resources are damaged or removed
• No items are removed from the park
• All items of value (historical or monetary) are turned over to the local park office
• They are used for recreation and not for commercial purposes
• Their use doesn’t violate other laws, such as interfering with a person’s quiet enjoyment in the park. People operating metal detectors are encouraged to use an earpiece/headphones to reduce the likelihood of the noise disturbing others.

As in the case of other park users, a person can expect to encounter officers who will inquire about the activities being conducted and require them to identify themselves and their occupation.

In order to dig for historical resources, a person requires an excavation permit issued by the Parks Division under the Historical Resources Act; this permit is associated with archeological or paleontological research permit. In some locations the excavated items are likely to remain in the park for research and storage; in situations where an excavated item is to be removed from the park, a collection permit is required.

You can get a permit to cut your own Christmas tree at Cypress Hills Provincial Park, Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Provincial Park. If you aren’t near to those two southern parks, you can get a tree cutting permit for many locations around the province in public lands.

With the exception of permitted cutting in Cypress Hills Provincial Park and Castle Parks, any cutting of trees or disturbing of vegetation in provincial parks and recreation areas is strictly prohibited and carries a large fine.

For any tree cutting activities, make sure you have a permit, follow the conditions provided and cut trees in the areas indicated on the map. Please report tree poaching in our provincial parks by speaking to park staff or emailing [email protected] .

• A special event permit is usually required to hold your wedding, reunion or other special event at a provincial park.
• Check Special Events for more details and links to the special event permit application forms.
• You may want to use a group camping area as part of your special event.  You should have your event approval before committing to a reservation so we recommend applying for a permit early.
• For information on holding your event in a specific park or to apply for a permit
1. Check the Park Research & Management page for the park (e.g. Aspen Beach or Hilliard's Bay).
2. Note the Regional or District Office (Red Deer District in the case of Aspen Beach and Northwest Region for Hilliard's Bay).
3. Find that office contact in the list of permit contacts. 

A refund is NOT given for weather, wildlife, insects, water quality, air quality, fire bans, liquor bans, car trouble, getting lost, advisories (with the exception of a campground closure), or in the case of an eviction.

Why don't I get my reservation fee back when I cancel a reservation?

• Reservation fees are retained to help offset the cost of providing reservation services.
• Most provincial park agencies in Canada charge a non-refundable reservation fee.

How long will it take to receive my refund?

• Eligible refunds are processed as quickly as possible, usually within two weeks.
• The refund is applied to the credit card used to make the original reservation.
• For possible refunds, keep depleted prepaid cards even after expiry.

Refunds will be made

• In accordance with the reservation rules you accepted when booking
• For advisories where a campground is closed

For more information on refunds, call the Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-537-2757.

A boil water advisory is issued when harmful germs (e.g., E. coli bacteria, giardia parasite)
may be in a drinking water supply. Drinking water contaminated with these germs can
make people and animals very sick. Boiling will kill the germs and make the water safe to
drink. To learn more go to Alberta Health Services.