Alberta Parks

We're hiring Seasonal Communicators and Interpreters around the province! If you want to engage with the public, be an ambassador for the conservation of our natural environment and help to promote sustainable and responsible recreation opportunities, you’ll want to be a part of our team. The competition closes tomorrow, February 4. Job posting: https://bit.ly/3o6C8cW

Inspire Alberta Parks visitors to discover and enjoy the natural world! Apply to be a Seasonal Communicator or Interpreter. Competition ends February 4, 2021. Job posting: https://bit.ly/3o6C8cW

Spend your entire summer camping! Do you have a keen interest in conserving nature and general knowledge about Alberta's parks? Apply to be a volunteer host at one of our campgrounds or other facilities and help park visitors discover, value, enjoy and protect Alberta’s great outdoors and natural heritage. Applications are open until February 25: https://bit.ly/2RWoUQd

#DYK? Hanging bird feeders in provincial parks is not permitted. Any bird feeders that are found will be removed. Bird feeders can transmit avian diseases, attract other types of wildlife and the seeds can introduce non-native plant species into the park. Fortunately, there is enough natural food present in our parks to sustain bird populations without supplemental feeding!

#ICYMI - We’ve partnered with Clearwater County and Westward Bound to open three additional day-use areas in David Thompson Country for winter recreation! Enjoy a fireside picnic and a winter hike at Fish Lake Provincial Recreation Area, discover the ice fishing opportunities in the scenic foothills at Goldeye Lake Provincial Recreation Area or stage out of the Snow Creek Group Use Area for your next snowshoe adventure. Please follow all existing public health measures: https://bit.ly/3mgkjr3

Outdoor social gatherings are prohibited this includes things like getting together in a park around a bonfire. Outdoor team sports and physical activity, including walking, hiking, skiing and skating, are permitted in groups of up to 10 people. Remember to limit your activities to your household where you can, or plan activities with your designated close contacts, as those are the safest options. Physical distancing must be in place between people from different households at all times, unless they are designated close contacts. If you’re unsure whether something is allowed, please err on the side of caution and make the safest choice.

From the Northern Rockies to the Castle Parks, Alberta is a mountain lover’s dream. Share why you love mountains in the comments below for #InternationalMountainDay!

Start your new year in the best way possible - exploring the beautiful outdoors! We’ve compiled a list of suggested hikes so you can conquer a #FirstDayHike. Tag #AbParks when you share your #FirstDayHike on social media. Prepare for winter hiking. Always research your route and check for avalanche conditions before you go.

It’s starting to look like a winter wonderland around the province! What’s your favourite winter activity?

Ribbon Creek Trail in Kananaskis Country is the perfect family snowshoe trail with views, bridges and minimal elevation gain!

Wow! Here’s to another incredible camping season. We processed a record-breaking 288,000 campsite bookings online in 2020. That’s a lot of camping trips taken, s’mores consumed and memories made! Thank you for choosing Alberta Parks. We can’t wait to see you all next year!

Hunting is permitted in Wildland Parks, Willmore Wilderness Park, Heritage Rangelands, most Natural Areas and a select number of Provincial Recreation Areas. Remember to wear bright colours, make noise and add a colourful accessory to your pets, such as a backpack or bandana when recreating in these areas during hunting season. Full details on where hunting is permitted: https://bit.ly/2kJM8OQ

The Castle Parks offer a wide variety of front country and backcountry winter experiences! Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, wildlife viewing, backcountry camping and snowmobiling are some of the activities you can enjoy in the area. With a warming hut and fire pits at the Syncline trails, you can end your excursion with a crackling fire and stories. Bring firewood, a blanket and a thermos of hot chocolate.

Albertans are fortunate to live in a province surrounded by vast natural beauty and your government is committed to protecting all Crown land that’s important for conservation. Get the facts on what government and its partners are doing to conserve sensitive areas of the province #AbParks www.AlbertaParks.ca/Facts

If you’re camping in the off-season, it’s important to check for campground dates and available services before you go. Here are some important differences: Self-registration may be in effect Dress in layers Be prepared for all kinds of weather... Reduced services in campgrounds You may need to bring firewood You may need to bring potable water A full list of open campgrounds is available here: AlbertaParks.ca/Fall

#DYK? You can get your own Christmas tree in Cypress Hills Provincial Park or the Castle parks with a valid Tree Cutting Permit. Tree cutting is not permitted in any other Alberta Provincial Parks or Provincial Recreation Areas. Get your permit online: https://bit.ly/33YfpbY

Avalanche Canada is offering a series of free webinars focused on various aspects of avalanche safety. If you're headed to the mountains this winter, check out the series here: https://bit.ly/3m8OJvJ. All webinars will be available on their website if you can't attend the live sessions.

Government must use taxpayer dollars wisely and make sure funding for outdoor recreation is sustainable. Previous governments grew the park system from 3,500 km2 in 1991 to 44,000 km2 in 2019, without funding it properly for the long-run. Get the facts on how we’re being smarter with our resources to maintain and protect parks and public lands so Albertans can continue to access and enjoy these special outdoor spaces #AbParks Learn more: www.AlbertaParks.ca/Facts

"A scramble hike in the summer is very different in the winter. Check out this great post from Kananaskis Country Public Safety Section, Alberta Parks if you’re headed to the mountains this winter.

For almost 100 years, through partnerships, Albertans have worked hand-in-hand with Alberta Parks to enhance visitor experiences, connect people to nature, and conserve our natural and cultural heritage. Over the next weeks, we’ll highlight different partnerships currently happening throughout our parks system. Today, we feature Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society. Thank you to all who love and enjoy our natural spaces.

Whoo’s that owl? Barred owls are one of 11 owl species found in Alberta. They inhabit mature forests in the mixedwood boreal, Rocky Mountain foothills and aspen parkland ecoregions. You can ID barred owls by listening for their distinctive hooting call of 89 notes, described as Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all? Listen here: https://bit.ly/37Vtg5A

It's #InternationalVolunteerDay! We are proud to thank our volunteers for their continued work and dedication during COVID-19. Founded in 1985 by the United Nations, International Volunteer Day is a global celebration of volunteers. This special day promotes the work of volunteers at local, national and international levels.

Winter trails in Kananaskis Country will be groomed for the 2020-21 winter season, thanks to a new partnership with the non-profit group, Nordiq Alberta. To cover the costs of trail grooming and maintenance, Nordiq Alberta will collect parking fees ($10 per day or $50 for a season pass) for trail use at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area, Spray Valley Provincial Park and Sheep River Provincial Park. You can purchase your passes at www.kananaskisgrooming.ca.

Have you ever wanted to be a paleontologist? Check out this article featuring David Lloyd, our Guided Excavation Coordinator and Interpreter, as he explains ho...w he became a paleontologist and what his life is really like in the field. https://calgaryguardian.com/wild-jobs-guided-excavation-co/

Snow in the winter provides the perfect opportunity to learn about wildlife activity in our fields and forests! This guide from the Nature Source is a great starting point to learn some tracks you might spot on your next adventure. Learn more about Alberta’s wildlife at AlbertaParks.ca/NatureSource

Since the first parks were established in 1932, partners have been important to our provincial parks system. Partners enhance visitor experiences, connect people to nature, and conserve our natural and cultural heritage. Over the years, we’ve built operating agreements with partners in 121 provincial parks and recreation areas to manage day-use area facilities, campgrounds, concessions, and trail maintenance to support quality visitor experiences. These agreements are in addition to our many long-standing partnerships with ambassadors, campground hosts and other volunteer organizations. Tens of thousands of volunteers across Alberta help protect our natural environment. Get the facts on how the province continues to build successful partnerships. #AbParks www.AlbertaParks.ca/Facts

While most bears have tucked into their dens for the season, it’s still important to carry bear spray and keep dogs leashed year-round. Bears don’t truly hibernate; they go into a deep sleep called torpor and can wake up. Some even venture from their dens on warmer winter days!

It is a great snowy start to the winter season in Cypress Hills Provincial Park! Please recreate responsibility and prepare for the conditions. You can expect up to a metre or more of snow on our snowshoe and cross-country ski trails. At this time, work is going on full steam ahead to get the ski hill ready for December 12. We know you're excited to get some early turns, but please give staff time and space to get the hill ready for winter operations. Contact the Visitor Centre at 403-893-3833 ext. 5 for details on local conditions.

#DYK? Wildlife collisions peak in mid-November. Remember to: Slow down when you can’t see what’s ahead. Watch for signs of wildlife. Slow down if an animal is on or near the road. Be prepared to stop.... To avoid a collision, brake sharply don’t swerve. At night, use your high beams and watch for the reflection of animal eyes. See more

Outdoor recreation is key to Alberta’s Recovery Plan, supporting our economy and many jobs in the tourism, hospitality and service industries. Get the facts on $43 million in improvements to parks and public lands including campground facilities, trails, and day-use areas that will create hundreds of jobs for Albertans #AbParks www.AlbertaParks.ca/Facts

Are the mountains calling? #DYK? All winter backcountry users have a responsibility to educate themselves on avalanche terrain, avalanche safety equipment and companion rescue. Every person needs a transceiver, shovel & probe and to know how to rescue each other should the need arise. Avalanches are more likely when there has been heavy snowfall, wind, or warming temperatures.

Government promised to modernize Alberta’s Crown land management system as part of its Common-Sense Conservation Plan. Critics are spreading misinformation about this important work. Get the facts on our efforts to improve provincial parks, strengthen partnerships with community providers, better manage taxpayer dollars, and ensure Alberta’s wilderness remains accessible and protected for all to enjoy #AbParks www.AlbertaParks.ca/Facts

#DYK? Male grizzly bears typically enter their dens during a snowfall in late November. While bears prepare to hibernate, they focus on eating and drinking as much as possible and may not be as observant as usual. It’s important to be bear aware right now: Make plenty of noise and travel in groups. Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs. Keep your pet on a leash. ... Carry bear spray where it's easily accessible and know how to use it. See more

We know your dogs love to visit our parks almost as much as you do! When visiting Alberta's provincial parks and protected areas, all pets must be kept on a leash no more than two metres in length at all times for the safety and comfort of your pet, wildlife and other visitors.

Ready for winter adventures? Plan a visit to William A. Switzer Provincial Park! Campgrounds are open year-round, and there are a variety of hiking trails waiting to be explored. Nestled against the spectacular backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, William A. Switzer Provincial Park is the perfect habitat for a variety of mammals, so you might even spot some wildlife! https://www.albertaparks.ca/p/central/william-a-switzer-pp/