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 brochure. The brochure is also available in other languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog.
Contravention of regulations may result in eviction, a court-imposed fine or a 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. Please contact 310-LAND (5263) for dangerous wildlife encounters, threats to personal or public safety or serious noise complaints.
Available for public use from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. only
Campfires are permitted only in facilities provided.
Never leave your campfire unattended. Ensure your campfire is completely out before retiring for the night and before leaving your campsite.
Campfire bans and/or travel restrictions may be implemented when the fire hazard is extreme.
Campgrounds may be closed if a forest fire situation in the vicinity threatens public safety. Check public advisories.
To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (310-3473) toll free from anywhere in Alberta.
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.
Use of fireworks is prohibited.
If you are an Alberta resident between the ages of 16 and 65, you must obtain an Alberta angling license to fish. Non-residents must obtain an Alberta angling license regardless of age.
The Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations has detailed info on season and catch limits.
More info on fishing in Alberta's Parks
The use of horses and pack animals is limited to designated areas and trails.
Listing of equestrian campgrounds.
In accordance with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act.
Consumption of liquor is restricted to registered campsites, and to some specifically designated provincial day use area picnic sites where liquor is permitted from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Liquor may be allowed with special permits when an AGLC liquor license is in place.
Liquor is prohibited in public areas including:
on roads, trails and walking paths;
public beaches;
in washrooms and shower buildings;
in cook shelters; and
in boats.
With the exception of Comfort Camping sites, Alberta Parks adult visitors may consume cannabis in their registered campsites, (including in RVs being used as a temporary residence in a registered campsite).
Adult visitors may consume cannabis in public areas where tobacco is permitted.
Cannabis is not allowed in motorized vehicles (i.e. cars, trucks, SUVs and vans).
Tobacco and cannabis smoking and vaping are prohibited within 5 meters of playgrounds, sports or playing fields (e.g. bike skills parks), outdoor theatres (e.g. outdoor public education amphitheatres) and outdoor pools or splash pads (e.g. Sikome Aquatic Facility).
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.
Limited use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) may be permitted in some Alberta Parks’ sites. Where it is allowed, riders must stay on designated OHV trails and obey all signs. Check locations where OHVs are permitted. Please follows rules for responsible OHV use.
Pets are allowed in Alberta’s Provincial Parks and Protected Areas.
Provincial park regulations require all pets to be leashed no more than 2m, or caged, at all times while in Provincial Parks, Wildland Provincial Parks and Provincial Recreation Areas. This includes campgrounds, day use areas and trails. Even when on leash, pets must be kept under control at all times. Please pick up after your pets and dispose waste in garbage containers.
Pets are not allowed in or around comfort camping sites.
Exception: At Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park, pets are allowed in an additional camping units (trailer/tent) on site. Cabins #8 and #9 are pet friendly cabins. Guests will be charged an additional non-refundable fee of $20 per stay.
With the exception of certified partner dogs accompanying people with disabilities, pets are not allowed in public:
Swimming areas
Beaches
Buildings
Pets are not permitted on most groomed ski trails unless designated.
Please pick up after your pets.
Please ensure your dog doesn't bark excessively.
Read Dogs in Parks info sheet.
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 wild fruits and mushrooms MAY BE permitted IF you have verbal approval from the district conservation officer.
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.
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.
