Alberta Parks reported strong demand for outdoor recreation in 2025, with more than 280,000 summer camping reservations—a seven percent increase over 2024—across the province’s 305 parks.
The growth reflects continued interest from both local and international visitors, while new tools and discounts contributed to higher occupancy and engagement.
Alberta Parks drew millions of visitors this year, providing opportunities for hiking, paddling, fishing, and backcountry camping. Both first-time and returning visitors explored the network’s diverse landscapes.
“This has been a fantastic year for Alberta Parks, and the numbers make it clear that demand for outdoor experiences continues to grow in our province,” Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks, said, as reported by EverythingGP. “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.”
Bow Valley and Peter Lougheed Provincial Parks in Kananaskis Country were the most visited destinations this summer, followed by Aspen Beach, Cypress Hills, and Pigeon Lake.
Alberta Parks staff played an active role in ensuring visitor safety and engagement. Officials report staff connected with more than 500,000 visitors this season through programs, educational activities, and on-site guidance.
The province’s online booking platform, Shop.AlbertaParks.ca, added a new notification feature in 2025. According to government data, it was used more than 54,000 times and generated 13,000 additional reservations, helping campers secure high-demand sites.
A new discount program for seniors was also introduced this spring at over 140 campgrounds. Nearly 6,400 campsites were made available at a 25% discount, and more than 34,000 camper nights were booked through the program.
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park was the most popular senior destination, accounting for over 1,100 reservations.
All campground types saw increased bookings, including backcountry, front-country, comfort, group, and equestrian sites. August emerged as the busiest month, with the long weekend driving peak visitation.
Economic benefits from park visitation extended to surrounding communities. Visitors typically spend about CA$600 on local goods and services per trip, contributing to rural and small-town economies across Alberta.
Looking ahead, Alberta Parks is preparing for winter recreation. The province operates 530 year-round campsites at 13 campgrounds and supports activities such as downhill skiing at Hidden Valley Ski Resort, cross-country skiing at Canmore Nordic Centre, and ice skating in multiple locations.