Summer and fall have come and gone, the snow has arrived, and it's time to look back at what turned out to be a banner year for Alberta's provincial parks.
More than 280,000 summer camping reservations were made in 2025—a seven per cent jump from last year and the highest level since 2021. Millions of visitors hit the trails, paddled the lakes, and soaked in the wilderness across Alberta's 305 parks.
"It's been a fantastic year for Alberta Parks, and the numbers make it clear that demand for outdoor experiences continues to grow in our province," said Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks.
Bow Valley and Peter Lougheed Provincial Parks in Kananaskis Country topped the popularity charts, followed by Aspen Beach, Cypress Hills, and Pigeon Lake. Whether backcountry camping under the stars or cozying up in comfort campsites, there was something for everyone.
Behind the scenes, Alberta Parks staff connected with more than half a million visitors throughout the season, sharing tips and leading programs. They delivered over 3,000 interpretive programs with a visitor satisfaction rate of nearly 97 per cent.
While 81 per cent of campers were Albertans, the parks proudly hosted visitors from 59 different countries, reflecting the global appeal of the province's natural beauty.
A new notification feature on the online reservation platform launched in 2025, making it easier to snag high-demand campsites. The free tool was used more than 54,000 times and resulted in 13,000 additional reservations.
The province also introduced a camping discount for Alberta seniors at over 140 campgrounds this spring. More than 34,000 camper nights were booked using the 25 per cent discount, with Miquelon Lake Provincial Park in central Alberta being the most popular destination.
As winter settles in, Alberta's parks are shifting gears to become a top destination for cold-weather recreation, offering 530 individual campsites at 13 year-round campgrounds. Winter activities include downhill skiing at Hidden Valley Ski Resort in Cypress Hills, cross-country skiing on over 65 kilometres of trails at Canmore Nordic Centre, and ice skating across the province.
