From the iconic peaks of Banff and Jasper National Parks to landscapes that stretch far beyond the Rockies, Alberta’s protected places deliver unforgettable experiences.
There are plenty of wonders beyond those famous names. Watch for free-roaming bison in Elk Island National Park or take in the star-filled dark skies of Waterton Lakes National Park.
Alberta’s more than 460 provincial parks offer their own kind of magic, too—often overlooked, yet among the province’s most striking places. At Áísínai’pi / Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, thousands of years of human history are etched into the landscape. In Kananaskis Country, a collection of parks hold incredible hiking opportunities and alpine lakes. And in Dinosaur Provincial Park, you can go on a guided fossil tour.
Get to know some of the national and provincial parks in Alberta.
Alberta's Canadian Rockies
Some of the most famous areas in Alberta, Banff and Jasper national parks are part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alberta's Canadian Rockies are also home to many provincial parks, including those collectively known as Kananaskis Country, much-loved for their natural beauty and for being the perfect setting for hiking, mountain biking, skiing and other outdoor adventures.
Canadian Badlands
Dinosaur Provincial Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is two hours east of Calgary. Many dinosaur fossils have been uncovered in its unique landscape.
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Midland Provincial Park
Midland is north of Drumheller in the heart of the Canadian Badlands. Visit the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum and walk the Badlands Interpretive Trail.
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Southern Rockies
Waterton Lakes National Park
Here rolling plains meet mountains on the Canada-Montana border. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a dark sky preserve, a biosphere reserve and Waterton Lake.
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Castle Provincial Park
Castle Provincial Park is nestled between Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass. It contains diverse topography, heritage sites and Castle Mountain Ski Resort.
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Lakelands
Elk Island National Park
Drive 30 minutes from Edmonton and you’ll be in the rolling hills and glassy lakes of Elk Island National Park. This park is excellent for viewing wildlife such as bison, elk and over 250 bird species.
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Lakeland Provincial Park
Venture three hours northeast of Edmonton to the heart of lake country. Lakeland Provincial Park holds a dark sky preserve, a canoe circuit and backcountry camping areas.
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West Country
Ram Falls Provincial Park
This scenic park near Nordegg features a stunning 20 m (66 ft) waterfall. It’s also a rewarding place to hike, fish, camp and see local wildlife such as big horn sheep.
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Historic Plains
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Cypress Hills stretches through Alberta and our neighbour to the east, Saskatchewan. It’s the highest area in Canada east of the Rockies and is made up of lush valleys, hills and lakes.
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Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park / Áísínai'pi
Áísínai'pi National Historic Site (also known as Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park) is a sacred landscape for the Blackfoot people. The park contains one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs (rock carvings) and pictographs (rock paintings) in North America.
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Wood Buffalo
Wood Buffalo National Park
Wood Buffalo is one of the biggest parks on the planet. It’s home to free-ranging buffalo, sprawling grasslands, crystal salt plains, boreal forests, deep blue sinkholes and a freshwater delta.
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