About Alberta's Parks
Alberta contains many different natural landscapes and is home to numerous plant and animal species. Our parks and protected areas network helps to ensure that this environmental diversity is preserved for future generations.
For more information on the parks and protected areas network, visit the Managing the Network web site.
Ecological Reserves
- Ecological reserves contain representative, rare and fragile landscapes, plants, animals and geological features.
- The primary intent of this class is strict preservation of natural ecosystems, habitats and features, and associated biodiversity.
- Ecological reserves serve as outdoor laboratories and classrooms for scientific studies related to the natural environment.
- Public access to ecological reserves is by foot only; public roads and other facilities do not normally exist and will not be developed.
- Most ecological reserves are open to the public for low-impact activities such as photography and wildlife viewing.
Wilderness Areas
- Alberta's three wilderness areas (White Goat, Siffleur and Ghost River) are among the most strictly protected areas in Canada; no developments of any kind are permitted.
- Travel in wilderness areas is by foot only.
- Collection, destruction and removal of plant and animal material, as well as fossils and other objects of geological, ethnological, historical and scientific interest, are prohibited.
- Wilderness areas provide limited opportunities for nature-based recreation such as backcountry hiking, wildlife viewing and mountain climbing.
- Hunting, fishing and the use of horses are not permitted in wilderness areas.
Wildland Provincial Parks
- Wildland parks are large, undeveloped natural landscapes that retain their primeval character.
- Trails and primitive backcountry campsites are provided in some wildland parks to minimize visitor impacts on natural heritage values.
- Some wildland parks provide significant opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure activities such as backpacking, backcountry camping, wildlife viewing, mountain climbing and trail riding.
- Designated trails for off-highway vehicle riding and snowmobiling are provided in some wildland parks.
Willmore Wilderness Park
- One of the largest protected areas in Alberta (4,597 square kilometres).
- Located in the Rocky Mountains west of Hinton.
- Contains a diverse range of wildlife, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, grizzly bear and mountain caribou.
- Contains over 700 kilometres of hiking and equestrian trails, a fascinating array of grave sites belonging to early inhabitants, and several old coal mining, forestry and trapper's cabins.
Provincial Parks
- Provincial parks protect both natural and cultural landscapes and features.
- They are distinguished from wildland parks by their greater range of outdoor recreation facilities, the extent of road access, and the interpretive and educational programs and facilities that are available to visitors.
- Outdoor recreation activities that promote appreciation of a park's natural heritage and cultural features are encouraged.
- Provincial parks offer a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities and support facilities.
- Interpretive and educational programs that enhance visitor understanding and appreciation of, and respect for, Alberta's natural heritage (without damaging natural values) are offered in some provincial parks; these programs serve visitors of diverse interests, ages, physical capabilities and outdoor skills.
- Automobile access is typically provided to staging areas and support facilities.
Natural Areas
- Natural areas include natural and near-natural landscapes of regional and local importance for nature-based recreation and heritage appreciation.
- Natural areas are typically quite small, however, larger sites can be included in this class.
- Most natural areas have no facilities and in those that do, facilities are minimal and consist mainly of parking areas and trails.
Heritage Rangelands
- Carefully managed cattle grazing has contributed to the ecological integrity of very large tracts of the continent's finest remaining prairies; heritage rangelands ensure ongoing protection while continuing the traditional grazing approach that has preserved these grasslands for so many years.
- Limited opportunities may be provided for outdoor recreation; however, recreational use of heritage rangelands must be compatible with preservation of natural values and grazing management.
- Recreational access to lands under grazing lease is permitted only with permission from the leaseholder.
- There are two Heritage Rangelands designated under the Wilderness Areas, Ecological Reserves, Natural Areas and Heritage Rangelands Act. Black Creek Heritage Rangeland is located in the Whaleback area in southwestern Alberta. OH Ranch Heritage Rangeland is located near Longview, about an hour south of Calgary.
- There are also six heritage rangeland natural areas in Alberta. Over time, these sites may be considered for designatation as heritage rangelands under the Wilderness Areas, Ecological Reserves, Natural Areas and Heritage Rangelands Act.
Provincial Recreation Areas
- Recreation areas support a range of outdoor activities in natural, modified and man-made settings.
- They are managed with outdoor recreation as the primary objective.
- Some areas are intensively developed, while others remain largely undeveloped.
- Many recreation areas play a significant role in management of adjacent Crown lands and waters by localizing the impact of development and serving as staging areas.
Facilities and Services
Campgrounds and picnic areas in provincial parks and recreation areas are
normally equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, toilet
facilities and garbage containers. Many group campgrounds and day use areas are
also equipped with picnic or cook shelters. Additional amenities, such as
electrical hook-ups, boat launches and showers may also be available. This
information is provided in the individual park and recreation area listings.
