Weather Alert: Snowfall and cold conditions are expected across Alberta. Check the weather forecast and 511 Alberta before heading out. Drive with caution and be prepared for changing conditions in our parks.
Weather Alert: Snowfall and cold conditions are expected across Alberta. Check the weather forecast and 511 Alberta before heading out. Drive with caution and be prepared for changing conditions in our parks.
A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley
Ski passes are now on sale! Purchase Frozen Thunder and regular season passes at Shop.AlbertaParks.ca. Save 10% on regular season passes when purchased by October 31, 2026.
In Kananaskis, various protected area and forest land designations provide for diverse recreational opportunities.
The table below clarifies permitted activities. Contact our Visitor Centres for detailed information.
| Activity | Provincial Recreation Areas | Provincial Parks | Wildland Parks | Public Land Use Zones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Random Camp |
No * Camping in designated campgrounds only. |
No * Camping in designated campgrounds only. * Backcountry permit required. |
Yes * You must be at least 1 km from any backcountry facility or roadway. |
Yes * You must be at least 1 km from any provincial park, public land recreation area or provincial recreation areas. In some PLUZ, you MUST be at least 1 kilometer from a roadway. This includes campfires and firearm use as well. Please see individual PLUZ maps for information. |
| Have a campfire |
Yes * Fires only permitted in provided facilities. |
Yes * Fires only permitted in provided facilities. |
Yes * You must be at least 1 km from any backcountry facility or roadway. |
Yes * Responsible use of campfires for cooking or warming purposes, in accordance with the Forest Prairie and Protection Act, are permitted within PLUZs. However, some PLUZs allow fires in designated camping areas only and/or have other restrictions. In some PLUZs, fires must be 1 km from a roadway. Please refer to the specific information provided for the PLUZ you will be visiting. |
| Fish |
Yes * Fishing license required. |
Yes * Fishing license required. |
Yes * Fishing license required. |
Yes * Fishing license required. |
| Bring my dog |
Yes * Dogs must be leashed. |
Yes * Dogs must be leashed. |
Yes * Dogs must be leashed. |
Yes * We recommend that dogs be leashed for the safety of the pets, wildlife and other users |
| Use an OHV, ATV, 4WD (or other off-road motorized vehicle) |
No | No | No | Yes ONLY in designated zones * McLean Creek OHV PLUZ * Cataract Creek Snow Vehicle PLUZ * Sibbald Snow Vehicle PLUZ |
| Hunt | More detailed info | No | More detailed info | More detailed info |
| Mountain Bike |
Yes * On designated trails only. |
Yes * On designated trails only. |
Yes * EXCEPT in sensitive wildlife areas such as wildlife corridors. Check with Visitor Centres for more info. |
Yes * EXCEPT in sensitive wildlife areas such as wildlife corridors. Check with Visitor Centres for more info. |
| E-Bike/Powered Bike E-bike Pilot Project |
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