Starting April 1, 2025, reservations for several campgrounds in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, will be temporarily unavailable.
The announcement comes as Alberta Parks finalizes agreements with new facility operators. Alberta Parks, which manages some facilities directly while contracting out others through a “competitive process,” said that it will provide updates once reservations for these areas become available again.
The affected campgrounds include those in Bow Valley Provincial Park, Cobble Flats Provincial Recreation Area, Elbow Provincial Recreation Area, Etherington Creek Provincial Recreation Area, Highwood Provincial Recreation Area, Mesa Butte Provincial Recreation Area, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Pine Grove Provincial Recreation Area, Sheep River Provincial Park, and Stoney Creek Provincial Recreation Area.
The affected campgrounds include popular spots such as the Elk Flats Group and the Grey Jay Group in Bow Valley Provincial Park, as well as sites like River Cove Group in Elbow Provincial Recreation Area.
Facility Operating Agreements, which govern the operation of most Kananaskis campgrounds, require private operators to follow Alberta Parks’ guidelines. These operators are responsible for managing campgrounds and day-use areas, collecting fees, and sharing a portion of the revenue with the province.
In addition to these agreements, Concession Operating Agreements allow private operators to provide additional services such as food stands, gift shops, and rentals.
According to its website, Alberta Parks offers a range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. For boating, some parks provide boat launches or hand launches, and users are reminded to follow all safety signs and regulations, including those under the Canada Shipping Act. Fishing opportunities are also available, while OHV enthusiasts can enjoy limited use of designated trails in select parks.
Camping in Alberta is also a year-round experience, with some campgrounds remaining open through Thanksgiving and a few offering year-round access. Fall camping, in particular, offers a unique charm, as golden leaves crunch underfoot on trails and the scent of campfire.
For more information about Alberta Parks, visit albertaparks.ca.
