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By rdnewsNOW staff

Over 280,000 summer camping reservations made

Alberta Parks’ 2025 season in review

Dec 6, 2025 | 8:00 AM

Provincial government officials say Alberta Parks emerged as a top spot for getaways this year, drawing visitors from near and far looking to dive into new and memorable outdoor adventures.

This year, the government says millions of people made their way to Alberta’s 305 parks, hitting the trails, paddling on lakes, soaking in the wilderness and taking part in all sorts of outdoor activities. More than 280,000 summer camping reservations were made in 2025. Officials say this represents a seven per cent increase in reservable camping over last year, reaching the highest level since 2021.

“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,” says Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks, in a press release. “From families enjoying weekend getaways to seniors using our new discount program, we know how important it is for Albertans to have high-quality outdoor experiences. Alberta’s government continues to meet the needs of Albertans as they explore our beautiful natural heritage and wilderness.”

This summer, the government says Bow Valley and Peter Lougheed Provincial Parks in Kananaskis Country were the most visited, followed by Aspen Beach, Cypress Hills and Pigeon Lake. Officials say each park offers lasting memories and breathtaking landscapes. Whether backcountry camping under the stars, cozying up in comfort campsites, or spending the day hiking, fishing, swimming or kayaking, Alberta Parks offered something for everyone.

Behind the scenes, the province notes that Alberta Parks staff were out in full force, making sure visits were safe, fun and unforgettable. Officials say they connected with more than half a million visitors this season, sharing tips and leading programs across Alberta parks.

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While 81 per cent of campers were from Alberta, the government says Alberta Parks proudly hosted campers from 59 different countries this season, reflecting the global appeal of Alberta’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation offerings. According to government officials, a new notification feature on the online reservation platform Shop.AlbertaParks.ca was launched in 2025, making it easier for campers to book high-demand campsites. Officials say this free, new tool was used more than 54,000 times and resulted in 13,000 additional reservations.

This spring, the province also launched a new camping fee discount for Alberta seniors at more than 140 campgrounds. The government says almost 6,400 campsites were available at a 25 per cent discount, supporting quality of life and affordability for Alberta’s seniors. Officials say more than 34,000 camper nights were booked using the discount, with the most popular destination being Miquelon Lake Provincial Park in central Alberta, bringing in more than 1,100 reservations using the new discount.

With more snow and colder weather on the horizon, the government says Alberta’s provincial parks will now transition into a top destination for winter recreation. Officials say Alberta Parks offers 530 individual campsites at 13 different campgrounds with year-round recreation opportunities. Winter recreation opportunities include downhill skiing at Hidden Valley Ski Resort in Cypress Hills Provincial Park, cross-country skiing on more than 65 kilometres of trails at Canmore Nordic Centre, as well as ice skating and countless other experiences across the province.

Alberta government quick facts

• All campground types in Alberta Parks saw an increase in bookings in 2025, including backcountry, front country, comfort camping, group camping and equestrian sites.
• Alberta Parks’ busiest month was August, with August long-weekend being the busiest weekend.
• More than 3,000 interpretive programs were delivered by parks staff with a visitor satisfaction rate of almost 97 per cent.
• When visiting an Alberta Park, visitors typically spend about $600 on goods and services in the surrounding area, bringing in positive economic benefits to local and rural communities.
• In June, Alberta successfully and proudly hosted the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis Country.
  • Public visitation to this region remained high throughout 2025, receiving 5 million visitors to camp, recreate and explore.