Visiting during COVID
We know our Alberta Parks play an important role in both the physical and mental well-being of Albertans. We need your help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 so our parks can stay open, safe and accessible. We are asking Albertans to:
- Outdoor social gatherings are limited to 10 people maximum and must not have an indoor component. Attendees should remain distanced at all times and follow all public health measures.
- We are asking Albertans to limit their activities to their household where they can, or plan activities with their designated close contacts if they live alone, as those are the safest options. Physical distancing of 2 m must be in place between people from different households at all times during these activities, unless they are a person who lives alone and a close contact.
- If you’re unsure whether something is allowed, please err on the side of caution and make the safest choice.
- Warming huts and picnic shelters are closed due to gathering restrictions; please plan accordingly and dress for the weather.
- Continue to practice physical distancing – stay 2 metres apart when you can.
- Don’t visit if you’re sick or were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19.
- Bring a cloth mask and wear it in all high use areas when you are unable to physically distance 2 meters, whether you are walking, skating, skiing, etc.
- Bring your own hand sanitizer and tissues. Plan ahead to ensure you have enough food, water and toilet paper.
- Wash or sanitize your hands before and after using high-touch shared amenities like washrooms, bear bins, self check-in stations, boat launches, docks, water fill stations and dumping stations.
- Follow all COVID-19 Information for Albertans and the advice of public health experts to protect yourself and others during this pandemic.
- Leave no trace; pack out what you pack in. This will keep our parks clean and reduce the potential for human-wildlife encounters.
- Visit early in the day so you can head somewhere else if a parking lot is full and do not park on the shoulder of roads. If parking lots are full, please consider visiting at a different time.
- Be extra cautious and stay within your limits, knowledge, skill and physical ability. Now is not the time to try new activities or head into unfamiliar areas. Avoid high-risk backcountry activities, regardless of your experience level.
2021 Camping Season
Due to the risk of COVID-19, Alberta Parks has put a number of measures in place since last year to reduce spread. We expect these measures will support a smooth and safe opening to the 2021 camping season.
- Shower facilities remain closed.
- Group camping will remain closed as well, unless and until AHS group gathering restrictions are eased.
- Shared sites with shared amenities like picnic tables and fire pits will have one half of the site closed – the same as last year.
- If any cancellations are initiated by Alberta Parks due to COVID-19 restrictions, campers will be notified and receive a full refund – including the reservation fee.
Know Before You Go!
Know before you go to Alberta Parks or head out for recreation on public land. Do your research before you head out. Cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent in most of our parks.
Winter can be an incredible time to explore our province, but it’s a lot different from summer recreation. Visit our Winter Safety page for a few tips to help you stay safe on your winter adventures.
The Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre, Cypress Hills Visitor Centre and Canmore Nordic Centre are open for information, washroom use and takeaway food service (where available). Gathering and loitering is not permitted.
Check individual park pages for the latest status on facility services within Alberta Parks.
Contact Alberta Parks with any questions or comments related to Alberta Parks response to COVID-19. Questions specific to recreation on public land can be directed to Public Lands.
For up-to-date and accurate information on the Government of Alberta’s response to COVID-19 please visit COVID-19 coronavirus info for Albertans.
