Seasonal Camping in Alberta
Alberta is home to hundreds of different camping choices throughout the province. Whether you want to be nestled somewhere in the Rocky Mountains or live among some backcountry wildlife for a couple days, you'll find something for any camping expectations.
No matter the season, take the time to investigate any public safety information about the campground where you'll be staying. The provincial government maintains an up-to-date record on the status of every campground that includes notices about fire bans, park construction, wildlife issues and avalanche reports.
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Banff National Park
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Imagine camping in these surroundings. Located 80 miles west of Calgary and home to the pristine Lake Louise resort, Banff is arguably the top camping destination in Alberta. Banff National Park was Canada's first national park and the world's third.
With 13 distinct rustic campgrounds (made up of a total of 2,468 available sites) surrounded by the Rockies to choose from, securing a site may be tricky without a reservation. The busiest months tend to be over the summer between June and September. However, two campgrounds are open specifically for the winter: Tunnel Mountain Village II and Lake Louise Campground. All other sites close by the middle of October.
Temperatures can get as high as 22 degrees Celsius in July down to the minus 30s in January. The weather varies as much as the climates within the park. If camping in the winter, please be especially aware of wind chill where the temperature could feel significantly colder than what the thermometer says.
Banff National Park management recommends booking ahead of time to guarantee a spot before arriving. After booking a spot, all campers must purchase a valid park pass and a camping permit upon arrival. If a camper wants to light a fire, a fire permit must also be obtained at the campground kiosk. Checkout time for all campgrounds in Banff National Park is 11:00 a.m. For more information, contact 403-762-1550.
Jasper National Park
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Visit one of the glaciers found in Jasper National Park. Found north of Banff National Park and 200 miles (370 km) west of Edmonton and 250 miles northwest of Calgary, Jasper National Park is home to picturesque mountains and ancient glaciers. Jasper, which is the largest Rocky Mountain park in Canada, comprises fragile ecosystems and serene beauty, all of which are protected as a World Heritage Site.
The park contains 10 different campgrounds. Whether you're looking to hike to the base of the thunderous Sunwapta Falls or find some relaxing downtime in the Miette Hotsprings, you'll find something to connect to nature.
Jasper National Park opens year round; however, camping is only available during the winter months at the Wapiti Campground. All other campgrounds are open between May and early October, with the busiest times being July and August.
Maximum daily temperatures during summer months average 22 degrees Celsius, while winter can drop as low as -10 degrees Celsius. However, during the winter, temperatures can change quickly thanks to mild Chinook winds.
A camping pass is required for access to all campgrounds. Please be aware that Jasper National Park enforces a liquor and fire ban between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Any violation of this ban will result in immediate eviction, all liquor seized and possible charges. For more information, please contact the park at 780-852-6176.
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Elk Island National Park
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Discover an elk next to your tent. Located approximately one hour east of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park is a popular destination for Albertans looking to escape the city to experience the great outdoors. This aspen parkland boasts an oasis for endangered species and a wide variety of wildlife. With over 250 different kinds of birds, Elk Island in a birdwatcher's dream come true.
The park boasts popular camping destinations such as the Oster Lake Back Country Tenting Area and the Sandy Beach Campground. The park is only open from mid-May to mid-October, so book early to avoid any missed opportunities.
Temperatures range as high as 23 degrees Celsius in July to -19 degrees Celsius in January. A park pass and camping pass are required for all bookings. Fire permits are necessary if you intend on lighting a campfire. Please contact Elk Island National Park at 780-992-5790 for more information.
Waterton Lakes National Park
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Try sleeping in a tipi for the night. About 150 miles south of Calgary, Waterton Lakes National Park has the rare distinction of being one of the few parks that stretches across two countries. In 1932, the park joined with Montana's Glacier National Park to become one large area surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains and has awe-inspiring glaciers and a variety of wildlife. The centerpiece of this park is Waterton Lake, the deepest lake in the Canadian Rockies.
With nine campgrounds to choose from open from mid-April to mid-October, any camper can experience unique camping experiences such as sleeping in a tipi at the Crandell Campground. The park also offers free winter camping at the Pass Creek picnic area only.
Waterton Lakes National Park requires all campers to obtain a camping permit and a fire permit for any fires. Because of the park's sheltered locale, weather varies from cool in the summer to mild and snowy in the winter. However, the Chinook winds can cause temperatures to rise quickly and unexpectedly. Take heed that the winds within the park have been known to gust up to 75 mph (125 km/h). Contact Waterton Lakes National Park at 403-859-5133 for further details.
Other Province-Wide Campgrounds
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Camp in Alberta and you'll be surprised at the level of beauty you'll find. Over 600 campgrounds and provincial parks dot Alberta no matter what corner you might be in. From the most northern Wood Buffalo National Park (a UNESCO Heritage Site larger than Switzerland) to sleeping among the fossils of Dinosaur Provincial Park to the rolling prairies of the Cypress Hills Inter-provincial Park (on the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan), you will find a spot to lay your head no matter what your preferences.
These examples are but a small sampling of the many campgrounds open mostly during the summer months (with some exceptions for year-round camping).
Explore the website Albertaparks.ca to learn more about every park in the province that might fit what you're looking for.
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References
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- Photo Credit camping image by BOOJOO from Fotolia.com banff national park image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com Jasper National Park, Canada image by Photofellow from Fotolia.com Elk image by bas from Fotolia.com sami tent image by Arne Bramsen from Fotolia.com athabaska falls,alberta image by Jon R Peters from Fotolia.com
