Alberta’s provincial parks offer a diverse range of natural wonders, from towering mountains to serene lakes and ancient fossil beds. These protected areas provide countless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, making them ideal destinations for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
In 2023, Alberta’s parks welcomed visitors from 36 countries, which highlighted their global appeal. With over 470 provincial parks and recreation areas, including 250 campgrounds and nearly 14,000 campsites, Alberta offers ample space for exploration and relaxation.
Whether you’re interested in discovering Indigenous rock art, exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, Alberta’s provincial parks have something that makes them worth visiting.
In this guide, we’ll explore 12 of the best provincial parks in Alberta. Each offers unique landscapes and experiences. From the rugged terrains of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to the ancient rock art of Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, these destinations showcase the rich natural and cultural heritage of the province.
1. Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, located in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, spans 304 square kilometres, making it one of the province’s largest parks. Established in 1977 and renamed in 1986 to honour Premier Peter Lougheed, the park features rugged mountains, clear lakes, and diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, and bighorn sheep.
Visitors can enjoy over 85 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails in winter and numerous hiking and biking trails in summer. The park offers six vehicle-accessible campgrounds and six backcountry campgrounds, totalling 546 and 83 campsites respectively. Anglers can fish in the Kananaskis Lakes, while hikers can explore trails leading to Banff National Park and Elk Lakes Provincial Park.
For those seeking a more comfortable stay, the William Watson Lodge provides accessible accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park’s diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.
2. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is located in southeastern Alberta, it is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and striking natural features. The park is home to the largest collection of Indigenous rock art on the North American plains, with over 50 petroglyph sites and thousands of works. These ancient carvings and paintings, created by the Blackfoot people, offer a glimpse into the region’s deep-rooted history.
In 2019, Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding universal value. The park’s unique sandstone formations, known as hoodoos, have been sculpted by erosion over millennia and create a surreal landscape that attracts visitors worldwide.
Visitors can participate in guided tours led by Alberta Parks interpreters, who provide insights into the petroglyphs and the cultural significance of the area. The park also offers hiking trails that wind through the hoodoos and along the Milk River, allowing for immersive exploration of this unique environment.
Cultural programs and events are held throughout the year, they offer a deeper understanding of the traditions and practices of the Indigenous people who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
3. Dinosaur Provincial Park
Located in the badlands of southeastern Alberta, the Dinosaur Provincial Park is renowned for its rich fossil beds and striking badlands scenery. Established in 1955, the park spans nearly 29 square miles (75 square kilometres) and offers visitors a unique glimpse into Earth’s prehistoric past.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park has yielded over 150 complete dinosaur skeletons, representing more than 50 species. These discoveries make it one of the world’s most significant paleontological sites. The park’s unique landscape, characterized by eroded sandstone formations and hoodoos, provides a stunning backdrop for exploration.
Visitors can participate in guided fossil tours, offering insights into the park’s ancient inhabitants and ongoing research. The park also features several hiking trails, such as the Badlands Trail and the Cottonwood Flats Trail.
Camping facilities are available, including both front-country and backcountry options, which enable guests to fully experience the park’s natural beauty.
4. Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park
Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park is in northern Alberta, the provincial park is home to one of the largest lakes in Alberta, covering approximately 1,160 square kilometres. The park’s diverse landscapes include sandy beaches, boreal forests, and wetlands.
The park is renowned for its exceptional birdwatching opportunities, with over 246 bird species recorded, including 23 species of wood warblers. The Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation, situated within the park, serves as an education and research hub, it offers interactive exhibits and information on the region’s avian inhabitants.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and camping. The Marten River Campground provides well-equipped sites, while the Marten Mountain Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding area. Hiking trails, including the Songbird Trail and Lily Lake Trail, cater to different skill levels, allowing guests to explore the park’s natural beauty.
5. Kinbrook Island Provincial Park
Kinbrook Island Provincial Park is on the eastern shore of Lake Newell in southern Alberta and offers visitors sandy beaches and warm waters. This place is one of the best destinations for swimming and water sports. Established in 1951, the park spans approximately 11 square kilometres and is situated about 13 kilometres south of Brooks, Alberta.
The park provides a variety of recreational activities, including canoeing, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and power boating. An interpretive trail through nearby wetlands offers excellent bird-watching opportunities, with species such as American white pelicans and great blue herons commonly observed.
Camping facilities at Kinbrook Island Provincial Park include 199 sites suitable for both RVs and tents, with options for powered and unserviced sites. Amenities such as showers, flush toilets, and a playground are available to enhance the camping experience.
6. Castle Provincial Park
Castle Provincial Park is located between Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass in southwestern Alberta, it spans over 25,000 hectares and was established in 2017. The park features diverse topography, including rugged mountains, rolling hills, and clear lakes.
The park offers a variety of recreational activities throughout the year. In warmer months, visitors can explore numerous hiking trails that cater to different skill levels, such as the Syncline River Loop and Southfork Lakes Trail. These trails provide opportunities to experience the park’s natural beauty and observe wildlife.
During winter, Castle Mountain Ski Resort, which is within the park, becomes a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. The resort offers a range of slopes suitable for beginners to advanced skiers. Additionally, the park provides camping facilities, including designated camping areas and comfort camping options.
7. Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park
Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park is in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, it spans approximately 816 square kilometres, making it one of the largest protected areas in the province. Established in 1996, the park features rugged terrain, including towering peaks, deep valleys, and pristine rivers.
The park is a haven for backcountry enthusiasts, it provides numerous trails that cater to various skill levels. Popular routes include the Wasootch Ridge Trail, known for its panoramic views, and the Picklejar Lakes Trail, which leads to a series of picturesque alpine lakes. These trails offer hikers the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, from dense forests to open meadows.
Wildlife viewing is a highlight in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park. Visitors may encounter species such as grizzly bears, elk, and bighorn sheep. Birdwatchers can also observe a variety of bird species, including golden eagles and peregrine falcons. The park’s diverse ecosystems support a rich array of flora and fauna, and that makes it a prime location for nature observation and photography.
8. Bow Valley Provincial Park
Like the Elbow-Sheep Provincial Park above, Bow Valley Provincial Park is also in Kananaskis Country and it offers a unique blend of prairie and mountain landscapes. Established in 1959, the park spans approximately 32.87 square kilometres and is situated at the confluence of the Bow and Kananaskis Rivers.
The park features numerous trails suitable for various skill levels. Popular options include the Bow River Trail, which offers scenic views of the river and surrounding mountains, and the Many Springs Trail, known for its interpretive signs and diverse plant life. These trails provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Camping facilities in Bow Valley Provincial Park cater to both tent and RV campers. The Bow Valley Campground offers sites with amenities such as power and water hookups, showers, and playgrounds.
Fishing enthusiasts can also enjoy angling in the Bow River, as this place is known for its trout population. The park’s diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
9. Ram Falls Provincial Park
Ram Falls Provincial Park is in west-central Alberta, the park offers visitors a chance to experience one of the province’s most stunning natural features—a 20-meter waterfall cascading into the Ram River.
The park is situated approximately 64 kilometres south of Nordegg along Highway 734, also known as the Forestry Trunk Road. The journey to the park involves travelling on gravel roads, which can be rough and winding, so it’s advisable to check current road conditions before departing.
Upon arrival, a short walk from the parking area leads to a viewing platform that provides breathtaking vistas of the falls and the surrounding river valley. The sound of the water plunging into the canyon below is both powerful and mesmerizing.
For those interested in hiking, the park offers trails that meander through the forested landscape, allowing for exploration of the area’s natural beauty. Anglers will find opportunities to fish in the Ram River, which is known for its populations of bull trout and mountain whitefish.
Wildlife enthusiasts may encounter bighorn sheep along the riverbanks, as these iconic animals are commonly seen in the area. The park’s rustic campground provides a peaceful setting for overnight stays, with basic amenities such as vault toilets.
It’s important to note that there is no firewood or drinking water available on-site, so visitors should come prepared. Also, another heads up is that there is no cell phone reception in the area, so you need to prepare yourself.
10. Aspen Beach Provincial Park
Aspen Beach Provincial Park was established in 1932 as Alberta’s first provincial park, it is located near Lacombe in central Alberta. The park is situated on the southern shores of Gull Lake, so it offers visitors sandy beaches and warm, shallow waters which are ideal for swimming and boating.
The park features two main campgrounds: Brewers and Lakeview. Brewers Campground is popular for its proximity to the beach and offers a large number of powered campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and large RVs. Lakeview Campground provides open, pull-through sites with full hookups, powered sites, and unserviced sites. Amenities include boat launches, playgrounds, trails, and a concession stand.
Visitors can enjoy various recreational activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. The park’s sandy beaches and warm waters make it a popular destination for families during the summer months.
11. William A. Switzer Provincial Park
William A. Switzer Provincial Park is located near Hinton, Alberta, and spans over 63 square kilometres of diverse forests and pristine lakes. This park offers a tranquil retreat into nature, with its serene landscapes providing a perfect backdrop for various outdoor activities.
During the summer months, the park’s extensive network of trails caters to hikers of all skill levels. One of my personal favourites is the Friendly Vista Trail, which offers a gentle hike through lush forests and along the shores of Jarvis Lake.
The park’s five lakes, including Gregg Lake and Jarvis Lake, are ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Camping enthusiasts can choose from several campgrounds, such as Gregg Lake Campground, which offers well-maintained sites and modern amenities.
As winter sets in, the park transforms into a haven for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Hinton Nordic Centre is right within the park and boasts over 35 kilometres of groomed trails suitable for both classic and skate skiing.
12. Crimson Lake Provincial Park
Crimson Lake Provincial Park is just 14 kilometres west of Rocky Mountain House. It offers a serene escape into nature. The park’s centrepiece is its clear, shallow lake, which is ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. The sandy beach area is perfect for families looking to relax by the water, and the boat launch provides easy access for those eager to explore the lake by canoe or kayak.
The park boasts over 20 kilometres of well-maintained trails for hiking and biking enthusiasts. The Amerada Trail, a 10-kilometer loop, circles the lake and offers picturesque views of the surrounding forest and wetlands. Along the way, you’ll find benches and viewpoints, perfect spots to pause and take in the natural beauty. The trails are relatively flat, making them accessible for all skill levels.
Camping at Crimson Lake is a delightful experience. The campground offers 161 powered sites, accommodating both tents and RVs. Amenities include showers, flush toilets, and a playground. The park is open year-round, with winter camping available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Conclusion on Provincial Parks in Alberta
Alberta’s provincial park is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in nature. These parks offer diverse landscapes and activities, which make them must-visit destinations.
From the rugged mountains of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to the ancient rock art at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, each park provides unique experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature through activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Camping in these parks enhances the experience, allowing for a deeper exploration of Alberta’s natural beauty. Whether setting up a tent at a lakeside campground or staying in a backcountry site, the province’s parks cater to all preferences. Planning a trip to an Alberta provincial park is an excellent way to connect with nature and create lasting memories.
FAQs
How many provincial parks are in Alberta?
As of December 2023, Alberta manages 77 provincial parks and 34 wildland provincial parks, totalling 111.
What are the 5 national parks in Alberta?
The five national parks in Alberta are Banff, Jasper, Waterton Lakes, Elk Island, and Wood Buffalo.
What are 3 interesting provincial parks in Alberta?
Three notable provincial parks in Alberta are Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, Dinosaur Provincial Park, and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
What is the oldest provincial park in Alberta?
Aspen Beach Provincial Park, established in 1932, is Alberta’s oldest provincial park.
What is the best Provincial Park?
The “best” provincial park varies based on individual preferences; however, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is renowned for its unique sandstone formations and Indigenous rock art.
