Alberta is home to some of Canada’s best landscapes with high cultural and historical significance. The most popular areas have been protected by the Alberta government’s “Provincial Park” status. The Wild Albertan strives to help every Albertan enjoy the amazing parks right in here in our province!
Check out all of the amazing provincial parks below:
Antelope Hill Provincial Park
Antelope Hill Provincial Park is a small provincial park located in east-central Alberta near Hanna. It is one of the more recent provincial parks with its establishment being 2014. It was donated by a cattle rancher who ranched the homestead since 1933 for the purpose of allowing other Albertans to enjoy the area’s beauty.
Aspen Beach Provincial Park
Aspen Beach Provincial Park is Alberta’s first provincial park – established in 1932. It is located in Central Alberta near Lacombe making it easily accessible from Red Deer, Edmonton, and Calgary. In the summertime, the lake offers some awesome water activities such as boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming.
Beauvais Lake Provincial Park
Beauvais Lake Provincial Park offers visitors good access to both summer and winter activities including camping, hiking, fishing, boating, cross country skiing, and mountain biking. It is part of a region known as the Crown of the Continent.
Big Hill Springs Provincial Park
Big Hill Springs is located about 30km northwest of Calgary. It is a favourite for Albertans looking for a short hike. The trail loops around through one of the most beautiful creeks that Alberta has to offer. There is also ruins in the park of Alberta’s past and two stunning waterfalls. Big Hill Springs Provincial Park is definitely an excellent place to spend a day!
Big Knife Provincial Park
Big Knife Provincial Park is a small provincial park located in Paintearth County No. 18 in Central Alberta. It is located at the confluence of two rivers and contains some fairly cool hoodoos for people up for a short hike.
Bow Valley Provincial Park
Located less than an hour from Calgary – Bow Valley Provincial Park is a great place for visitors looking to do a vast range of activities. There is 7 campgrounds, 11 designated day use areas, 5 group camping areas, 2 visitor centers and countless opportunities to make some awesome memories out here in Kananaskis!
Bragg Creek Provincial Park
Bragg Creek Provincial Park is a day use park located beside Bragg Creek, Alberta. It is popular for Calgarians wanting to escape the city life for a day and fish, picnic or hike.
Brown-Lowery Provincial Park
Brown-Lowery Provincial Park is located southwest of Calgary and it is a popular day use area because of its pristine views of the eastern face of the Rocky Mountains. There is many kilometers of hiking trails throughout the park that are great to explore!
Calling Lake Provincial Park
Calling Lake Provincial Park is a medium sized provincial park located on the southern shore of Calling Lake about 55km north of Athabasca. It is about 7.4 square kilometers in size and primarily boreal forest.
Canmore Nordic Center Provincial Park
Canmore Nordic Center Provincial Park was constructed for the biathlon and cross country skiing events of the 1988 Winter Olympic games in Calgary. The park continues to offer world class cross country skiing today and offers a very wide range of activities in both the wintertime and summertime. This is one of the best developed provincial parks in Alberta and the closest one to Banff National Park.
Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park
Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park is a medium provincial park located about 23km north of Whitecourt, Alberta. The park exits around McLeod Lake (renamed from Carson Lake), and Little McLeod Lake. The park was created to protect the boreal forest in the area but also has lots of wetlands, marshes, and provides habitat for a diverse set of wildlife.
Castle Provincial Park
Castle Provincial Park is a large provincial park located in Alberta’s south westernmost regions near the Crowsnest Pass and Waterton National Park. It was established in its current form in a land use re-designation in 2017. This same designation created the nearby Livingstone PLUZ and Porcupine Hills PLUZ crown land areas as well. Castle Wildland WPP wraps around the west and southern borders in the park. Beauvais Lake Provincial Park is located just east of the park.
Chain Lakes Provincial Park
Chain Lakes Provincial Park is a favourite for Calgary fishers and campers because of its close proximity to the city. It is less than an hour away from Calgary south on Highway 22. Chain Lakes Provincial park is kept stocked with fish so the odds of catching something here are fairly good.
Cold Lake Provincial Park
Cold Lake Provincial Park is located in Northeastern Alberta along the shores of Cold Lake. It offers visitors with many powered, and tenting camp options as well as lake activities such as boating, water skiing, and beaches for swimming. Similar to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Cold Lake Provincial Park has a Saskatchewan version as well adjacent to the border.
Crimson Lake Provincial Park
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Crimson Lake Provincial Park – a hidden gem in Alberta, Canada. Surrounded by rolling hills and home to an array of wildlife, the pristine lake serves as the centerpiece for activities like fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. In the winter, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, offering snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature at Crimson Lake Provincial Park.
Cross Lake Provincial Park
Cross Lake Provincial Park is a favourite in northern Alberta. Although small, this lake offers excellent fishing, boating, and water sports activities. Edmonton is the closest city to Cross Lake making it a good option for any Edmontonian wanting to get away for the weekend.
Crow Lake Provincial Park
Crow Lake Provincial Park is located about 120km south of Fort McMurray on Highway 63. The park is fairly small with an area of just 7.7km2. The park’s primary focus is ecological conservation.
Cypress Hills InterProvincial Park
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is the first Interprovincial Park in Canada and is jointly managed by Alberta and Saskatchewan. There is over 500 square kilometers total to explore. The park offers extensive amenities, hikes, and camping opportunities. The region is also very historically important in Canada’s history and was the location of the Cypress Hills Massacre which changed how Ottawa policed the west.
Dillberry Lake Provincial Park
Dillberry Lake Provincial Park is a mid-size park in east-central Alberta. There is actually several lakes in the park that visitors can explore. Dillberry Lake has camping, boating, group use, and day options for visitors and some decently developed infrastructure. The campground is mostly powered and there is only a handful of unserviced sites.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in southern Alberta, about 40km northeast of Brooks, Alberta. It is located along the banks of the Red Deer River and contains one of the highest concentrations of dinosaur fossils in the the world. The park is also location of Alberta ranching legend John Ware’s 9999 Ranch.
Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park
Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park is located near Trochu, Alberta along the banks of the Red Deer River. It covers and area with a high historical and scientific significance. The region was used by first nations to hunt buffalo by running them over the valley’s steep cliffsides – hence the name of the park. Additionally, the area is important for paleontology because of the existence of the world’s largest Albertosaurus bone bed which has been studied extensively by the nearby Royal Tyrell Museum.
Dunvegan Provincial Park
Eagle Point Provincial Park
Eagle Point Provincial Park is a medium sized provincial park that runs along the North Saskatchewan River near Drayton Valley, Alberta. It offers visitors with good camping, hiking, fishing, and cross country skiing opportunities. The park is home to a Nordic center and an archery range as well.
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the few urban provincial parks in Alberta. It is located in the south of Calgary and follows both the Fish Creek and Bow River valleys. With over a hundred kilometers of trails, and connections to Calgary’s greater parks system – Fish Creek Provincial Park is a must visit if you are in Calgary!
Garner Lake Provincial Park
Garner Lake Provincial Park is a small provincial park on the southern shores of Garner Lake in Northern Alberta. The park has one day use area and one campground.
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is a located between Calgary and Cochrane. It is the site of a former town, and an active cattle ranch. It was donated to the Alberta parks system for the purpose of allowing Albertans to enjoy the land while preserving the beautifully grasslands found along the northern banks of the Bow River.
Gooseberry Lake Provincial Park
Gooseberry Lake Provincial Park is a small provincial park at just under 1 square kilometer in size. It is also one of the oldest in Alberta since it was created in late 1932. This is a popular spot for birding and has camping options as well.
Greene Valley Provincial Park
Greene Valley Provincial Park is a medium provincial park located just east of Peace River, Alberta in Northern Sunrise County. The park encompasses the confluences of the Heart River and two of its tributaries.
Gregoire Lake Provincial Park
Gregoire Lake Provincial Park is located in Northern Alberta between Fort McMurray and Lac La Biche. The park has good swimming opportunities and access to the lake for canoeing, kayaking, and boating.
Hilliard’s Bay Provincial Park
Hilliard’s Bay Provincial Park is a medium provincial park located on the northern shores of Lesser Slave Lake in Northern Alberta. The park offers visitors with good lake access and camping opportunities.
Jarvis Bay Provincial Park
Jarvis Bay Provincial Park is a small provincial park located on the eastern banks of Sylvan Lake in central Alberta. It is a favorite among campers because is its well developed facilities. Although it doesn’t have any direct lake access – this park is an excellent base for trips to both Sylvan Lake itself and the town of Sylvan Lake.
Kinbrook Island Provincial Park
Kinbrook Island Provincial Park is a medium sized provincial park on Lake Newell. The park consists of several islands with the campground being located on the largest island. The campground has over 200 powered and unpowered sites as well as good access to the water.
Lakeland Provincial Park & Recreation Area
Lakeland Provincial Park is one of Alberta’s largest – yet most remote provincial parks. It spans over several large and small lakes and has only a handful of access points. Camping is entirely designated backcountry and the park is popular among canoers and kayakers due to the interconnectedness of the lakes.
Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park
Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park is home to pristine forests, sparkling lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. With its breathtaking scenery and a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching, Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking to relax and soak up the natural beauty or seeking an adventure-packed getaway, this park has something for everyone.
Little Bow Provincial Park
Little Bow Provincial Park is located in Southern Alberta along the banks of the Travers Reservoir. Although built for agricultural irrigation – Travers Reservoir provided a perfect place for visitors to enjoy watersports such as power boating, water skiing, wind surfing, kayaking and swimming.
Little Fish Lake Provincial Park
Little Fish Lake Provincial Park is a small provincial park located along the shores of Little Fish Lake near Drumheller, Alberta.
Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park
Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park is located right up against Edmonton’s western municipal border. The park is situated on the shores of Big Lake which is fed by the Sturgeon River. The park was established in 2005 making one of the newer provincial parks in Alberta. Lois Hole is an important bird area and was established with conservation goals in mind.
Long Lake Provincial Park
Long Lake Provincial Park in Alberta features one main lake, which is also called Long Lake. This picturesque lake is surrounded by pristine forests and offers visitors a beautiful spot for fishing, swimming, and other water-based activities. With its serene atmosphere and breathtaking scenery, Long Lake is a must-see destination within the park
Midland Provincial Park
Midland Provincial Park is a little gem located beside the town of Drumheller in the Alberta badlands. There is lots of hoodoos and history along the interpretive trails through the park. The park itself obtained its namesake after the Midland Mining Company‘s mines in the area. There are lots of artifacts for visitors to explore in the park – and the Royal Tyrell Museum of Paleontology is located within the park.
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park
Moonshine Lake Provincial Park is a medium provincial park that offers visitors a range of recreational activities throughout the year. It is located southeast of Edmonton. The park spans over 13 square kilometers and is home to a large lake and many smaller lakes. Visitors to Moonshine Lake Provincial Park can enjoy a range of outdoor activities during the winter, including skijoring and cross-country skiing.
Moonshine Lake Provincial Park
Moonshine Lake Provincial Park is a medium provincial park located in northern Alberta northwest of Grande Prairie. It is one of the warmer lakes in Alberta due to its shallow nature which makes it an enjoyable swimming destination in the summertime. There is plenty of trails to explore in both the summer and winter as well making Moonshine Lake Provincial Park a good destination.
Moose Lake Provincial Park
Moose Lake Provincial Park is a popular swimming destination in Northern Alberta. The park is located along the northern shores of Moose Lake about 15km west of Bonnyville, Alberta. There are also hiking and mountain biking options in the park.
Notikewin Provincial Park
“Notikewin” is a Cree word derived from the Cree word for Battle and it is fitting because Notikewin Provincial Park is built in an area where the Cree Tribe and the Beaver Tribe fought many battles. The history of the park combined with the remoteness make for a pretty cool place to spend an afternoon or a weekend.
O’Brien Provincial Park
O’Brian Provincial Park is a small provincial park located near Grande Prairie, Alberta. It has a lot of day use opportunities for visitors and due to its riverside location – fishing is popular here.
Obed Lake Provincial Park
Obed Lake is a medium provincial park located about 20km east of Hinton, Alberta along the Yellowhead Highway. It is a popular fishing lake in both the summertime and wintertime and there is a limited amount of camping available. Definitely could be an excellent home base for accessing Jasper National Park, Abraham Lake, or the Crown Land nearby.
Park Lake Provincial Park
Park Lake Provincial Park offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. It is found less than 20km north of Lethbridge making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Boasting a wide range of activities, from birding and hiking to swimming and wind surfing, Park Lake Provincial Park has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an extended stay, the park is the perfect destination for a relaxing and rejuvenating outdoor adventure.
Pembina River Provincial Park
Pembina River Provincial Park is located in Northern Alberta along the Yellowhead Highway west of Edmonton. It is right in between two small towns and has some unique sandstone cliffsides. The park is a popular tubing, kayaking, and canoeing spot in the summertime.
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is one of Alberta’s largest and most prominent provincial park. Its relatively close proximity to Calgary makes it a favourite for hikers, campers, mountain bikers, cross country skiers, and fishermen. There are 11 campgrounds and 22 day use areas in the park meaning that there really is something for everybody.
Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park
Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park is a stunning natural destination located in the foothills of the northern Rocky Mountains. The park covers five lakes, including McDonald Lake, Moberly Lake, and Desjarlais Lake, as well as two unnamed lakes. The glacier-fed lakes are the central feature of the park, offering visitors the chance to fish, swim, boat, and hike in a pristine wilderness setting. With its breathtaking mountain views and wide range of recreational activities, Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Pigeon Lake Provincial Park
Pigeon Lake Provincial Park is located in central Alberta. Situated on the shores of Pigeon Lake – the park offers visitors a range of outdoor activities – including boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. With its sandy beaches, forested trails, and range of amenities and programs; Pigeon Lake Provincial Park is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the beauty of central Alberta.
Police Outpost Provincial Park
Police Outpost Provincial Park is located on the southern shores of Outpost Lake. It is the southernmost provincial park in Alberta and is part of the Crown of the Continent in Alberta, BC, Montana border region. The outpost served an important role during the western prohibition in the government’s attempts to stop illegal whiskey importation from Montana. Today, there is camping and hiking options including a trail that leads directly to the US border with Canada.
Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park
Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park is a lakeside provincial park located in Northern Alberta near Grimshaw. It is a popular spot for campers who want to enjoy the waters of Cardinal Lake. It was originally named Lac Cardinal Provincial Park but was renamed to honour the late Queen during her tour of the area in the 1970s.
Ram Falls Provincial Park
Ram Falls Provincial Park is a provincial park located near the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains near the crown land. The provincial park is located inside the Kiska/Willson PLUZ (Upper Clearwater Ram PLUZ is also nearby). The park exists along the Ram River valley in an area that is dominated by steep river banks with small lakes and waterfalls.
Red Lodge Provincial Park
Red Lodge Provincial Park is a small provincial park in Red Deer County in Central Alberta. It is built alongside the meandering Little Red Deer River and is a popular place for campers and fishermen. There is swimming opportunities in the river and Gleniffer Lake is nearby which allows for kinds of watersports.
Rochon Sands Provincial Park
Rochon Sands Provincial Park is found on the southern shores of Buffalo Lake near Stettler, Alberta. It is a popular destination for campers who want good access to lake activities such as beaches, boating, and wind sports such as sailing and windsurfing. Its proximity to Red Deer makes it a perfect destination for central Albertans looking to cool off in the summertime.
Rock Lake Provincial Park
Rock Lake Provincial Park is found on the eastern slopes of the Alberta Rockies in the northern part of the province. It serves as both a staging area for nearby backcountry destinations as well as a destination in itself.
Saskatoon Island Provincial Park
Saskatoon Island Provincial Park packs a ton into a small space between two lakes. There is a wide range of both summer and winter activities in this park that also serves as a bird sanctuary. If you are near Grande Prairie, this may be the perfect way to spend a weekend!
Sheep River Provincial Park
Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Sheep River Provincial Park is a beautiful natural area that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and wide range of outdoor activities, the park is a popular destination for hikers, campers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. From tranquil picnics by the river to challenging hikes through rugged canyons, Sheep River Provincial Park has something for everyone.
Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park
This park is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities. With its gorgeous island setting, it’s no wonder that this park attracts visitors from all over Alberta. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a fishing enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Winston Churchill Provincial Park has something to offer. Visitors can explore the park’s extensive network of trails, cast a line in the lake, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking scenery
Spray Valley Provincial Park
Spray Valley Provincial Park is one of Alberta’s largest and most popular provincial parks. It is located in Kananaskis Country just up the mountain from Canmore Nordic Center Provincial Park and the town of Canmore. There is plenty of hiking opportunities through the park as well as mountain lakes to recreate on.
Strathcona Science Provincial Park
Strathcona Science Provincial Park is one of Alberta’s few urban provincial parks. It is located between Edmonton and Strathcona and contains a downhill ski hill, cross country ski trails, and even one of Alberta’s only remote control aircraft ranges. It is linked by trails to the rest of Edmonton’s parks system.
Sundance Provincial Park
Sundance Provincial Park is located near Hinton, Alberta. It is split into two unique regions with the first being the Emerald Lakes on the northern areas of the park. These lakes are popular fishing lakes. The southern (and larger) portion of the park follows the Sundance Creek valley down to the Yellowhead Highway and contains some amazing cliff and hoodoo formations.
Thunder Lake Provincial Park
Thunder Lake Provincial Park is a beautiful natural attraction located in central Alberta, Canada. The park spans over 2 square kilometers and is situated around the pristine Thunder Lake. The park’s stunning natural beauty and tranquil surroundings make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families looking for a peaceful escape from the city. With a wide range of activities available in both summer and winter, Thunder Lake Provincial Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Alberta’s wilderness.
Tillebrook Provincial Park
Tillebrook Provincial Park is a small provincial park located about 8km east of Brooks, Alberta. It is a very basic provincial park and makes for a good stopping over point or home base for exploring the area around it.
Two Lakes Provincial Park
Two Lakes Provincial Park offers visitors a range of exciting outdoor activities to enjoy. It is a perfect destination for families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the beauty of Alberta’s wilderness. Whether you are visiting in the summer or winter, Two Lakes Provincial Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
Vermilion Provincial Park
Vermilion Provincial Park is renowned for its picturesque landscape of rolling hills, and the Vermilion River, which flows through the park and feeds into the park’s reservoir. The reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. In addition to water activities, Vermilion Provincial Park offers visitors a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. With its breathtaking scenery and endless recreational opportunities, Vermilion Provincial Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Wabamun Lake Provincial Park
Wabamum Lake Provincial Park is located on the north-eastern shore of Wabamun Lake about 60km west of Edmonton on the Yellowhead Highway. It is a favourite for golfers and lake enthusiasts alike and has well-developed services available for those that want to ease into camping – or the seasoned campers that just want to get away for a weekend.
Whitney Lakes Provincial Park
Whitney Lakes Provincial Park is a beautiful natural retreat nestled in Northern Alberta. From camping and hiking to water sports and wildlife viewing, Whitney Lakes Provincial Park offers a wealth of recreational activities that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or an action-packed adventure, Whitney Lakes Provincial Park is the perfect destination to unwind, explore and connect with nature.
William A. Switzer Provincial Park
William A. Switzer Provincial Park is located between Grande Cache, Alberta, and Hinton Alberta — right beside the Athabasca Ranch PLUZ. The park is home to 5 campgrounds (including year-round options). The Hinton Nordic Center is also located in the park making it a popular place for cross country skiers. The 5 lakes in the park make for good fishing and there are three beaches in the park for swimming.
Williamson Provincial Park
Williamson Provincial Park is a very small provincial park on Sturgeon Lake in Northern Alberta. It offers camping and access to the lake for boating, sailing, swimming, and fishing.
Willow Creek Provincial Park
Willow Creek Provincial Park is a small provincial park located near Stavely, Alberta. It serves as a good base for adventures to the nearby Pine Coulee Reservoir, or Porcupine Hills PLUZ for those folks that don’t like the backcountry camping as much.
Winagami Lake Provincial Park
Winagami Lake is located about 20km north of High Prairie on Highway 749. This is a popular bird watching, fishing, and boating lake in Northern Alberta. It was created in 1956.
Woolford Provincial Park
Woolford Provincial Park is a very small provincial park located in Southern Alberta near the US border. It serves as a good base for adventures into Waterton National Park.
Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park
Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park is the second most southern provincial park in Alberta. It is located along the shores of the Milk River and runs along the valley. It is an area of cultural, historical, and archeological significance that goes back over 9000 years. The area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to these reasons. The park has good interpretive hikes, river access, and camping opportunities… and hoodoos!
Wyndham-Carseland Provincial Park
Wyndham-Carseland Provincial Park is a favourite for Calgarians who want to camp and explore the banks of the Bow River. It is one of only two Provincial Parks that allow camping along the Bow River and is located directly downstream from Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary. This park is a good option for hikers, fishers, and campers of all varieties and skill levels!
Young’s Point Provincial Park
Young’s Point Provincial Park is located in Northern Alberta along the north shore of Sturgeon Lake. the park was created in 1971 to preserve the boreal forests in the area. It was named after local homesteader Frederick Campbell Young. The park is 30.5 square kilometers making it a medium size provincial park.
